I awoke this morning to the sound of my dog barking and my chest throbbing in pain. The clock read 5:30. I slowly rolled out of bed, stomped quietly down the hallway, out the back door, yelled at my dog, feed him and shut him in the garage. Slowly, walked back to my bed, took a pain pill and lay back down. Not feeling much hope or joy in this journey. Not sensing the presence of the Lord. Shed a few tears and thankfully went back to sleep.

Shortly, I wake to the sound of Rem talking joyfully in bed. Greeting the day with hope and excitement! What is he thinking? I am reminded of Psalm 34:1-5

I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips. 

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad 

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exhalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Yes, I will be honest and say that I have cried so many tears and am often sad that God has chosen us for this journey; I do know that without him I have no strength to walk. But I will choose to greet each day as my son does. With a song, and a giggle, a few kicks at the bed maybe. I will praise him, I will ask him to awake my soul each day to sing a new song unto Him. Coasting through each day is not an option. We have nothing to fear! The creator of the universe sent his only son, perfect son, to take my place, to bear all my sins. I have life eternal! I will sing, often through the tears, but his praise shall continually be on my lips.

Praise God from who all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen