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A Cherished Journal

Life is never appreciated quite so much as when Death comes calling. The same is true of this journal chosen for the 2016 Cherished Blogfest.

As a writer, I have stacks of journals. Finely bound books with gorgeous illustrations…

Journals

Spiral notebooks covered in scrawling ink and lead…

Spiral Notebooks

And then there’s the Cherished Journal.

Cherished Journal

After I wrote in in the other night, I realized there were only five empty pages waiting to be filled.

Tears puddled. I flipped to the first page, lovingly inscribed by my mother. She purchased it during a ladies’ retreat with a group of women from church.

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Years from now, when I’ve forgotten what the lessons were about that October in Seaside, Oregon, this note from my mom will crackle like a fire in my heart.

Because three short months after she wrote those words, my mom graduated from this earthly plain. Now she waits in Heaven to impart more encouraging words – someday – when I have moved past this life.

This made me think, not for the first time, how neglectful we are of the people in our lives. People we love tend to see the worst from us. We pick up the phone and vent at them when a day turns mean.

How many times have I snapped at my husband because something or someone else hurt or irritated me? Too many to recount. And the thought shames me.

On the other hand, how often have I hugged him and told him what he means to me? Since the day my mother broke the earthly chains, this has happened more frequently.

But less so the further from that painful goodbye I travel.

Do I really need someone dear to me to depart in order to cherish those who remain?

It chills me to think this has become the way of things in my world. Casual words and flippant teasing dominates the conversation. What about meaningful remarks of sincere appreciation?

I hold the cherished journal in my trembling hands. It blurs. The dry ink can’t be touched by my teardrops.

Open Journal

But can my heart? Will I finally learn the lesson this simple gift – now filled with my own thoughts and plans – tries to teach me?

Don’t wait for Death to show you what is truly cherished.

Live today with words and deeds that cherish all those whose presence in your world is a greater gift than any book or heirloom or brightly wrapped parcel.

Who will you cherish today?

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17 thoughts on “A Cherished Journal”

  1. A very thoughtful post. I am not a diary or journal keeper. Even as a teen, I would destroy what I had written after I read it at a later time. My mom kept a journal but I have never read it. Funny quirk but I can appreciate your many journals.

  2. What a beautiful post, Sharon. And truly some very, very good advice. We shouldn’t have to lose people to learn how to appreciate them in the here and now. I had the very same thought after my mother died, and I make a conscious effort every day to not fall into that trap again. Tell someone you love them today.

  3. This was a beautiful, heartwarming post, Sharon. I’ll remember this when I visit my mom on Sunday. You are correct, we need to cherish and be kind to our loved ones now. I’m sorry your mom is gone. I think she would be so happy that you still have the journal with her words.

    Thanks for participating in the Cherished Blogfest.

    Mary
    CBF Cohost

  4. I think it is a great thing to store memories and tiny details in a diary. I loved the way you blended content and photographs together. What a way to share your story in the Cherished Blogfest. Thank you.

  5. Extremely touching post, thank you. I think we may be neighbors of sorts. As a journaler I relate to a gratitde journal, which is where I place my cherished thankful memories. I’m one of the co-hosts, and thank you for playing with us!

  6. What a great selection, Sharon — treasured words from your mother. This world could certainly use more “meaningful remarks of sincere appreciation.” Lovely post.

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