Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
WORD FOR THE DAY
Gratitude is the memory of the heart.The Word for the Day, emailed by a friend, is worth pondering, isn't it? What is better than a grateful heart? Have you noticed how pessimistic persons rob energy but grateful people are energizing? "Memory of the heart" I'm going to try to retain that concept/image. Much of Joanne's charism was her up-beat attitude and unflagging gratitude. A quarter for every 'thank you' she wrote would endow a nice scholarship. Joanne's father, Oscar, would preach in many congregations. After he left he'd send 'thank you' letters to the pastor, secretary, organist, and any others he encountered in the congregation. Recently, Mark S, passed on to me a letter Oscar sent his dad who was the choir director at my ordination. It was a one page letter specifically affirming the contribution of the choir. It's not possible to say too many thank yous.
Tomorrow brings a sad event. The family will gather in Milwaukee for nephew Allan's funeral. It was to be a fun trip as Lisa and I were planning to visit friends in Dayton & Columbus Ohio. Included in the plans are celebrating with Mary and Chris, 50 years of marriage. We'll still do the visits after the funeral, including a stop with Bonnie in Chicago. The juxtaposition of grief and happy times with friends simply illustrates the reality of life in the land of grief.
Takk for alt,
Al
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