reflections on a saturday morning

As I sit outside with my coffee this morning and think about this last week, I can't help but be grateful for God's goodness in my life. Sometimes the things (or people) that can prove the most distracting or frustrating, upon reflection, are the biggest blessings.

Those little feet that follow grandma around the house 24/7 can certainly take a lot of my focus and energy but the thought that they may someday move away brings me back to reality very quickly.

The adult child that has come back home and all the dynamics that the situation brings with it can certainly try my patience but I need to remember it tries hers too.

I went with good friends to see The Help last night. What a powerful story...one filled with the very worst of what mankind is capable of but thankfully, also what courage and strength and kindness look like, too.

There are so many images swirling around in my head, so many relationships, both good and bad, that I will need to chew on for a while but this morning, for this grandma, I can't help but reflect on the one between Aibileen and the little girl she ~~cared for~~ raised. The tenderness she showed her, the encouragement she spoke over her and the unconditional love that she treated her with will forever be etched in my mind. The final scene when Aibileen is thrown out of the house and little girl is pounding on the window broke my heart. That was her "mommy" walking out the door not The Help.

We can't choose the family we are born into, but we can choose to love those God puts in our lives, those easy to love and those that try our nerves, those who give love back and those that seem ungrateful, even those that are down right mean. We are called to love them all...

What more beautiful way to demonstrate that love than to speak those same words that Aibileen spoke over a little girl who desperately needed to hear them...

You is kind.
You is smart.
You is important.

I wonder, is there someone who needs to hear those words from you today?

16 comments

Tammy@Simple Southern HappinessAugust 20, 2011 at 8:56 AM
what a lovely setting and to have a littleone follow you about.

Words do kill and its difficult to love those that utter them. That is one thing I struggle with, Getting over the words. We are to forgive but that does not stop the hurt.

I wanted to see the movie but after hearing some reports, I think I will hold off.

GOD did not manufactor junk, people with their unkind words create it.
Janettessage.blogspot.comAugust 20, 2011 at 9:03 AM
I haven't seen or read The Help yet, but I do know your post is wonderful. Those little grandchildren...how precious, I don't have the pleasure yet, but I also know the dynamics of adult children coming back and we all have grown and changed and we are still learning how to fit back together as a family when we get the chance to visit...sometimes in the midst of fitting back together there is just a mess

Thanks for this precious post of encouragement
UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM
I am reading that book now and loving it ! The movie is next . It has a good message .
poppilinnstudiosAugust 20, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Oh I love this post! I took my daughter to see The Help last night. We loved it. A wonderful story! Thanks for stopping by earlier.
-Lynn
Brenda PruittAugust 20, 2011 at 11:21 AM
I haven't even read the book yet! But I can't wait. I hear it's terrific.
Brenda
Sunny Simple LifeAugust 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Sounds very powerful. You are right, life is full of challenges and we have to choose wisely in how we deal with them and how we act.
camp and cottage livingAugust 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM
So beautiful!
I don't think encouragement ever hurt a person, but those words spoken in anger or critisism can remain forever.
I pray that the Lord will always help me to measure my words.
PatriciaAugust 20, 2011 at 2:30 PM
My husband finished the book and so tomorrow is our day to go see it. I'm looking forward to it. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysAugust 20, 2011 at 3:19 PM
Great lessons.
From Beyond My Kitchen WindowAugust 20, 2011 at 3:47 PM
The Help is on my to read list. Lovely post!!
NeesieAugust 20, 2011 at 6:24 PM
This is the first time I've visited your blog...but I really enjoyed every aspect. The photographs are stunning too.
It was very interesting hearing your comments on 'The Help' as
I'm secretary to a book club here in Melbourne and we are about to read the book next month, plus have a girlie night out to see the film before we review.
It sounds very thought prevoking and looks like it will be a good choice for our book club.
Have a great weekend ;D
Danielle's Heartfelt Home August 20, 2011 at 9:45 PM
I recently saw The Help as well and I loved it. It was a very powerful and moving story. Definitly a story that stayed with me long after the movie was over.
Thank you for sharing your "reflections" with us. We have much to be thankful for indeed.

PS I love your blog : )
debAugust 20, 2011 at 9:55 PM
YES...ME..I needed to hear those words!!!! I need to work on forgiveness, thanks for the reminder!
The Help was an amazing movie and we can all learn so much from it.
I love your blog....and I see you are in Cali too!
GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartAugust 21, 2011 at 4:29 AM
I really loved this movie too. I read the book last summer and thought they did a great job keeping close to the book.

So nice stopping by this morning and reflecting along with you!

Kindly, Lorraine
Barb August 21, 2011 at 6:57 AM
Patty, such a lovely and thought provoking post.

I want to read it again.....thank you!

Barb ♥
LANAAugust 21, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Great post. I also have a daughter and grandson temporarily living in our home, and yes, it gets exhausting sometimes, but I cherish the time with my grandson. I am looking forward to seeing that movie.