August 9, 2011

Grain by Grain.

Joy is buried down in gratitude, like a treasure chest in the sand.

Some days I find it, this treasure that is rightfully mine. I get down on my knees and dig down into thankfulness until I strike it. The feel of it surprises me every time. Other days I cower in the shade and complain that the sand is too hot... the labor too demeaning... the treasure too deep. The joy is there right under my nose... I choose not to see.

Every single breath, every day of good health, every time my husband bends to kiss my neck... these are things in which I am learning to see God's extravagant goodness.

Grain by grain, a slow and steady unearthing.











































Lord, help me to keep digging. Grain by grain. No matter what. No matter where. For all the days of my life.

14 comments:

MoreHarmony said...

Have you listened to your song "The Weight of Joy" recently? This post reminded me of it....and it's one of my personal favorites of yours. God's faithful pursuit to
give you some joy.

Erin said...

beautiful. Thanks for the reminder to keep digging until I get to Joy.

Mush said...

I love, love, love the photo of the baba feet with the sun coming through the blinds behind! x

Beth McDermott said...

Um, ya, I've been a 'lurker' for awhile now... Thanks a LOT... Im bawling. WHERES THE JOY NOW!?!? WHERE?!?!?! ;) Kidding of course, thanks for always keeping things in such humble perspective. Its so rare to catch a glimpse of a heart so beautiful these days. xo

bandofbrothers said...

YES to everything you wrote! Your photos are just beautiful!

Nikki said...

Soo good. Finding thankfulness is powerful. Thanks friend.

Candace said...

I seriously need to come see those little tykes, they are all growing too fast....beautifully written, keep in digging yes indeed! Much love!!!

Leah said...

that is such a vivid mental picture... thank you for challenging me to get out of the shade a little today.

trish said...

gorgeous shots! i love your blog so so much!

Chicago Mom (Heather) said...

Wow - you are such a gifted writer!

Tiffany said...

This post is so very very beautiful. The sunbeam through your baby's feet almost brought me to tears. SO beautiful, all of it!

Cheer Outreach Team said...

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Shawna Herring Photography said...

Emery, I just love you. I had forgotten about your blog for awhile and I've just read the latest posts and I'm already a pile of mush. I'm kicking myself for forgetting about your blog for even a day. You are so inspiring and honest and real and you make us all feel more sane becuase of your transparency. THAT, my friend, will be a treasure stored up for you in your future life. I'm saying thanks now. xoxo

Cameron said...

Maybe it is fate, but I read this post, got a joy refresher, then stepped outside to my Texas front yard to be greeted with the same beautiful orange sky you photographed. Thanks for even getting me to look up and notice it!