Happy Anniversary, Sunshines!

Photo Credit:  dieraecherin from morgueFile.com

February 16^th marked two years of sippin’ sunshine in my little corner of the blog world.  I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to share the inspirational things that make me want to be a better me.  I’m so glad you’ve joined me and I certainly appreciate each and every one of you!  Thanks for being there.

It’s been a fun ride.  We’ve laughed…we’ve cried…we’ve prayed…we’ve been thankful, and we’ve worn our socks to church.  I’ve loved every minute and hopefully you have too!  I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for the rest of this journey.  I’ll keep writing as long as He keeps inspiring.  I think I’ll be at this gig for awhile since His inspiration is everywhere.

Thinking about my second anniversary, I googled it.  Did you know that the traditional gift for anniversary number two is cotton?  They say that after two years, couples are cozier and more comfortable with one another, making cotton the gift of choice.  My husband and I don’t really do the “traditional anniversary gift” thing.  However, if underwear and kitchen towels count, then we most probably bought those things back in 2002, so we’re good.  Whew!

As I look at the last 120 posts, I am reminded that I have indeed gotten more comfortable at finding the inspiration around me.  I find it when I least expect it…ESPECIALLY when I least expect it.  I find inspiration in a friend, a family member, or many times, a complete stranger.

On Sunday, I pondered a little bit about this anniversary.  On that same day, I spoke with a couple who has been married for almost 43 years.  I asked them what one thing has kept them together all of these years.  The wife quickly responded and said, “Humor…definitely humor,” and smiled at her husband. 

The husband thought for a second and then replied, “Her homemade chicken noodle soup has kept us together.”  I thought that was the cutest thing.  He said, “No, I’m serious.  If I ever thought of leaving, I remembered that I’d miss her chicken noodle soup, so I stayed.”  Then, I saw that he gave her a little squeeze while sitting close to her on the couch where we chatted.  Precious.

I’m certain that humor and chicken noodle soup have definitely been a big part of their lasting marriage, but I’m sure that patience and love have too.

As it says in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another.”

So, while a t-shirt, bathrobe, pillowcase, hammock, or table cloth would be great for this cotton anniversary of Sips, I think I’d rather you laugh with me; seek forgiveness and peace with me; and pray for patience with me.

Speaking of patience, here is a magnificent story that my Uncle Erol forwarded to me.  It should have you giggling in no time…or at the very least, gaining an incredible amount of appreciation, admiration, and love for all teachers everywhere!

One of my favorite stories about patience is the story told about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his boots.  She pulled and he pushed, but the boots still didn’t want to go on.  When the second boot was finally on, she had worked up a sweat.  She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” She looked and sure enough, they were.

It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on.  She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet.  Once the boots were on, the little boy announced, “These aren’t my boots.” She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?!” like she wanted to.

Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.  Once the boots were off, the little boy said, “The boots aren’t mine.  They’re my brother’s boots. My mom made me wear them.”  The teacher didn’t know if she should laugh or cry.  She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again.  When the boots were back on for the third time, she said, “Now, where are your mittens?”

The little boy said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.”

Oh mercy!  And, there ya have it, ladies and gents!  Patience, patience, patience.  I pray for it and therefore I should not be surprised that the Lord grants me numerous occasions to practice!

Have a wonderful week, Sunshines!  Thank you for sharing my blog with others.  That’s one of the best gifts that you can give me on this comfy, cozy, cotton anniversary!  Much love to all…