Words from Wise Friends!

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 
to the Tuesday Slice of Life sponsored by 
Two Writing Teachers.

More than 20 years ago, I recorded words of wisdom from a dear friend in Nebraska.  I was a young mom and she was a seasoned mom, but I've always treasured her words jotted on a post-it note and stuck inside my cupboard.  They even made the move from Texas to Washington.
Maxims from Nancy:
1.  I did the best I could at the time.
2.  Life is too short.
3.  This too shall pass.

Recently, my friend Jan offered this sage advice:  "Life isn't what it's cut out to be."  My husband and I giggle as we remind each other of her advice, perfect for life's big and small disappointments.  This week I feel the need to add an addendum to her advice:
"Life isn't what it's cut out to be . . . sometimes it astounds you with joy!"

When you stop for a splendid sunset at the end of a day filled with way too much to do.
When your daughter calls to sing Happy Birthday on your special day, misses you, but leaves the song and her love anyway.
When you and your son both find a favorite book at Goodwill.
When your son bakes while you nap (so glad I taught that boy how to make cookies).
When you get to share the toys in your closet with two young girls.
When you watch young church friends grow from infancy to graduation from high school.
When baby Imory's family shares her with you during church.
When you get birthday greetings from all your siblings via snail mail.
When you take a hike with your husband and son, and the mountain is out.

(Sorry that some of these overlap with Saturday's celebration . . . I just can't stop thinking about a grand birthday week . . . However, these last four Whens occurred today.)

When you get a heartfelt thank you from a student and his family.
When a friend offers you a chocolate bar to see you through the last eight days of school.
When your bff calls when you need her the most.
When a new great nephew arrives and you realize it's time to plan a trip to Oklahoma!

So the next time you find yourself lamenting that life isn't what it's cut out to be . . .
focus on the joy!  It's there every day waiting to be discovered.