I love sprinkles! Jumbles of brightly-colored sugar that decorate festive little sweets. I don't really like the way they taste or crunch, but somehow they always make me feel like celebrating. My love for sprinkles has always been a joke in my family. So much, that I laughingly say, "Life's better with sprinkles"!
Today I am having a "sprinkle" kind of day! I'm celebrating what's right with the world. During pre-planning, my principal shared with us an inspirational video, that really had an impact upon me. After eighteen years of motivational speakers, speeches and videos to start the school year off, I realized that this one was different. The video was by National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones. During this brief twenty-minute video, he encouraged viewers to "choose to see the possibilities". Often, we find too many faults with the world, and instead need to "Celebrate what's right with the world".
Today (as corny as it may sound), I'm celebrating what's right in my world! I'm celebrating that Adelia was selected as one of the first chairs in the flute section out of four band classes at the high school. I'm celebrating that I have a husband and family that love me. I'm celebrating that old and new friends have reached out to me. I'm celebrating Ronald and Helen, my wonderful parents. I'm celebrating the many people are lifting me up in prayer. I'm celebrating that Griffen is so excited about auditioning for his elementary school chorus. I'm celebrating phone conversations with old friends. I'm celebrating that my husband enjoys cooking. I'm celebrating that Arleigh makes me laugh with her singing and dancing. I'm celebrating my Salvation. I'm celebrating a stranger (who will soon become a new friend) who sent an email today to offer her support and experiences. I'm celebrating phone calls and emails from my children's principal and teachers, assuring me they will give my children "extra love" during this time. I'm celebrating the support that my wonderful CRMS family is giving me, my new book on reserve from the public library and even celebrating my new prescription for Xanax! (LOL)
As I begin my unknown journey with breast cancer, I know that it is going to be so important that I remember to celebrate what is right in my world. The alternative would be too dark, depressing, and unhealthy for everyone. I know that difficult times are ahead, but the unconditional love of God, my family and friends will put "sprinkles" on the days ahead.
TTFN,
-S
10 comments:
I'm celebrating you sister! You're awesome!
...You are exactly right, we do find the faults in the world too many times rather than the things we should celebrate...Thanks for the encouragement to celebrate...Gotcha in my prayers...
I can't read your blog without a tear coming to my eye Shelby!! Thanks for reminding me to celebrate the sprinkles!!! Thinking of you...
Shelby, i am so proud of you for taking a positive stand against this disease. you will find out that you are braver than you thought you could be and as strong as you need to be. You are an amazing person and i am so glad to call you family. (remember that you are the sprinkles in so many peoples' lives). smooches, and p.s. I read this every day to keep up with you so keep writing!
Shelby, I LOVE your blog this morning. So true. We all need to celebrate more everyday. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and you are on our prayer list at First Baptist Church of Bunnell. We are all praying for you and your family.
Shelby,
After reading your "sprinkles" blog......I realized that what you said is so true....look for the positive and not the negative things in your life....after the loss of Uncle Mickey, I don't seem to find many positive things.....of course I have my first born and most beautiful daughter Melanie (she wrote this)!!! and then there is Amy!!!!!(Melanie wrote this too)!!! I am so proud of the stand that you have taken against this CANCER!!!! You are such an inspiration to so many, but to me....through your strength and courage you are an encourager. I love you dearly and am praying for your daily. You and Heather have always and always will have a special place in Aunt Linda and Uncle Mickey's hearts!!!!!
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family...I will be following your journey as you go thru this difficult time...God doesnt put anything on us that we cant handle...God, your family and friends will see you thru...Much Love...Laura
I join you in the celebrating sprinkles. Thank you for inspiring me and causing me to think of the "sprinkles" we have shared. You are really special Shelby and God is using you even in the midst of this storm. He is using your story to give hope to so many who do not have "sprinkles."
Love you
By the way...we are keeping a good eye on your mother during the workday.
I am so thankful that I get to be a part of Griffen's life right now. He clearly has your sweet, sweet spirit. He is a JOY to teach and I can't wait to post that chorus list Wednesday. ;-)
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