04/05/2024
Reflecting on Today's Moments and Gratitude
What's weighing on your mind tonight? What are the burdens tugging at your heart?
Let's talk about gratitude as well. The Pickrel family is indeed blessed with countless gifts, yet we face our daily challenges too. We're always certain that God is by our side, but sometimes it's a real struggle to muster the strength to take the next step.
This evening, we're particularly thankful for the guidance of parents who continue to lead our family with not only nourishment for our gatherings but also with wisdom to walk faithfully with the Lord. The chance to speak with them and gain insights that help us navigate life is truly invaluable.
And today, we find ourselves giving thanks for something as simple as smoke detectors. It might sound odd, but yes, smoke detectors. Our special little guy, H, who's 5, has an adorable fascination with birthdays and candles. Tonight, he uncovered a candle torch lighter that we had thought was well hidden. He managed to light a candle tucked away in my locked office, right next to a box of tissues. The alarm sounded. In a panic, I dashed to the basement to switch off the dryers, fearing they had overheated. H ran about, anxious and repeating, “I didn’t do it.” Bill could smell something in my office but couldn’t spot the source. I circled back to find a tissue box ablaze on the second shelf of my desk. H had singed his finger and was so scared. It was a moment that could have escalated terribly, but it didn't. Thank God for that.
I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating—please check in on your friends and loved ones who care for special little angels. They're not always okay. Life can change for them in an instant, with every passing minute.