sweet and sour

God has been helping me in my journey to be content.  Our pastor said something in his sermon a couple of weeks ago that has given room for lots of self-examination in my life.  He said that good memories from the past can sour the present.  I was convicted that I was allowing that to happen in my life.  I have so many sweet memories of family and friends in NH and I have allowed those memories to make me sad, homesick and basically discontent.  I am working on that! 

Today we would have celebrated Devan's 13th  birthday.  In my time with the Lord this morning, I realized that the opposite of the statement I have been reflecting on can be true as well.  Sour memories of the past can sweeten the present.  Although God chose to take one of our children, he has blessed us with many more!  Matt and I both value life so much more as a result of losing one.  Even our babies' cries are appreciated in the light of our "sour" past.  Today, I will remember our boy who is in heaven, look forward to the day that we will see him again and be so very grateful for Brianna, Cameron, Alissa, Caleb, Andrew, Leah and Micah.  What joy they have brought us!  God is truly a good God who "daily loadeth us with benefits".  (Psalm 68:19)