1. I learn new things about old and new friends–their joys, their histories, their strengths, their weaknesses, what they are are learning, what they are struggling with–in general, what makes them such great people to know.
2. Some posts remind me of times in my own life. A couple of young moms have posted recently and made me remember the stresses and challenges and little daily causes for joy and gratitude that are part of young motherhood–and I have been thankful all over again (and reminded to pray for those mommy heroes as well!). One blog I read daily includes direct and indirect praise of the writer’s wife–and I am reminded of the blessing of the man to whom I am married.
3. I am humbled and challenged. One blogging friend seems to gather friends like some people gather flowers in a garden; I’d like to become more skillful at that. Another blogging friend incidentally related that her barefoot days came to an end when she injured her achilles tendon teaching her young sons to ride bikes; I think they will include that sacrifice one day when they rise up and call her blessed. I wonder if “sacrifice” will be part of what my kids remember–or will I have been too selfish for that to be part of what they think of when they think of Mom?
Whether it is the tender care of the husband for his wife going through cancer treatment, the hope expressed in the life of that same couple, the imagination and creativity of my friends who think and feel and teach and love for a living, or the beautiful combining of words from the hearts and minds of those with a poetic bent, I am daily richer through the efforts of those who share life via a blog.
Thanks for taking the time to share, Dear Blogging Friends.
This is really beautiful, I loved the part of picking blogging friends as flowers…I just started my wordpress blog and glad I passed yours.
Thank you for sharing. This is really a wonderful expression of your mature perspective on life. I can tell you also make a good friend. feel free to visit my blog at http:\\honeyybear.wordpress.com
I’ll second those three reason. Your blog particularly is one that is more uplifting than many. Thank YOU for taking the time to share.
I’m enjoying your weekly lists of three. 🙂 They have so much more direction than my posts. Mine either are complaints about not landing a job or long-winded essays about my adventures in the meantime.
NG and honeybear…Glad to meet you! Welcome to wordpress, NG! Thanks to you both for your kind words and for stopping by.
Erin Other Daughter….I think your blog is often a sorting out place; that’s what people in their 20’s are supposed to be doing–sorting out life. If you really want focus–published or un–you could going on daily God Hunts (not original with me–got this from Chapel of the Air 40-Day Adventures/David and Karen Mains years ago): Watch for and note 1) answers to prayer 2) specific provisions 3)events or circumstances that only God could orchestrate. I can guarantee that making this a regular part of your days will change your life.
Good post!
The number of my readers has dropped off a little. I fear I have alienated some by being too negative.
Sigh.
Paul…
I just read some of your recent posts–they don’t seem negative to me. I think blog readership may just drop off in the summer because it’s summer–I know there are times I’m busy enough with other things or in a relaxation mode to the degree that I don’t take time to read or write blog posts. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment…and keep on writing!