PSALM 116

Years ago, while we still lived in San Leandro, Uncle Dan put this lovely psalm to music. I don't remember what chords he used on his trusty guitar, but the message flowed as we sat around the fireplace in the family room. I remember it often and am grateful for the family the Lord has given me. We love each other, even with some of the rough edges still rough. But, when jostling around with each other we do tend to wear off some of those rough spots. After all, it is the giving of ourselves that we do achieve true happiness. Verse 12 asks: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" Verse 17 suggests: "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord." Can we do less?

All of us are slowing down. It is good to recognize our individual capabilities and limitations and to live accordingly. Gone are the days I delighted in having 42 for sit down dinner. I have fond memories of our get togethers with themes...the Irish, the Greek with stuffed grape leaves and baklava; Italian for Jim's birthday; Oktoberfest; Hawaiian Hukilau beside the pool with appropriate games; the potato bake after Henry and his 8-month pregnant daughter gleaned the fields in Winchester.

Soup worries with diet without potatoes, Butch struggles with weight and diet controlled diabetes, our Kakalena puts too much on her plate to maneuver, Lala Lee is all quilted out. Freckles wears her arm brace day and night but still hurts, Bones has just plain accepted Hashimoto's Syndrome...nothing to be done anyway. I am glad to wake up in the moring one day's march nearer home.