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Present Tense
It was spring,
But it was summer I wanted,
The warm days,
And the great outdoors.
It was summer,
But it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves,
And the cool, dry air.
It was fall,
But it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow,
And the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, 
But it was spring I wanted,
The warmth,
And the blossoming of nature.
I was a child,
But it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom,
And the respect.
I was twenty,
But it was thirty I wanted,
To be mature,
And sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, 
But it was twenty I wanted,
The youth,
And the free spirit.
I was retired,
But it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind,
Without limitations.
My life was over.
But I never got what I wanted.
~Jason Lehman
Life is so short.  Let’s live with a grateful heart for where the Lord has us right now.  The only way I know to do this is to be thankful for each day, whether it brings joy or sorrow, ease or trials.  Love the life you have, rather than always wanting something else.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
~Psalm 90:12

Hi, I'm Joy!

I'm a homemaker and homeschooling mom of 5. For over 25 years I've been cooking from scratch and making homemade bread for my family of 7. I love sharing sourdough recipes, easy dinner ideas, and simple DIY projects for your home.

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18 Comments

  1. Lisa says:

    Beautiful, Joy! We need to look for reasons to be thankful, instead of waiting for them. Thanks so much for sharing this. 🙂
    Hope you have a lovely week-end.

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you so much, Lisa! I hope you have a lovely weekend also!

  2. Canadagirl says:

    I just got this same very message through another thing. It is sooooooo important to learn. Yes we need to find happiness along the journey instead of waiting for it. If we wait then we will probably miss it. A very good post my friend.

    Blessings and ((HUGS))my SSiC
    In Him<><
    -Mary

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Finding happiness in the journey…that's a great way to put it, Mary! Blessings to you!

  3. Sarah says:

    I remember reading this poem several times before, Joy, and it always makes me think. I love your exhortation at the end to take each day and live with a grateful heart for that day. Cherishing each moment . . . thanking the Lord for them. Thank you for the encouragement!

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      It's such a simple but insightful poem. Thanks for your comment, Sarah!

  4. Lily says:

    Thanks Joy – this is something I am always trying to embrace but find difficult. Lily. xxx

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      I know what you mean, Lily…I have a long way to go in consistently keeping a grateful heart and attitude. It's easy when life is pleasant, but when it's hard…then I have a more difficult time.

  5. Miss Sarah says:

    Exactly! Thanks for posting this. It was a good reminder to be content and rejoice in what the Lord sends me TODAY.

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you so much, Sarah! I needed to read these words today myself, as I got up with a sore throat…I'm thankful for my comfy bed, air conditioning, kleenexes…:)

  6. Amanda says:

    Amen!

    We're a society always wanting more…

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Yes..I'm guilty of that myself. Thanks for visiting, Amanda!

  7. Mrs.Rabe says:

    Great reminder and words.

    Godliness with contentment is great gain!

    Deanna

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      That's an excellent verse! Thanks so much for sharing it, Deanna!

  8. Patty says:

    Thanks for the reminder! "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      I needed this reminder myself! Thank you so much for sharing that lovely verse…one of my favorites. 🙂

  9. Lisa says:

    Such good words. Living a life of gratitude one day at a time – that is my goal too!

    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      I found this poem in some papers (clipped from a magazine years ago), and it really impacted me. How often I am ungrateful for what I already have! Thanks for stopping by today, Lisa!