TGP: Day 13

Day 13

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Today was the "Celebration of Life" for Aunt Jodie.  She would have been very honored by the turnout, the tributes, and the incredible amount of love shown not just for her - but for the ones she left behind. 

It seems that Jodie was very consistent with her humorous commentary, her wide smile and boisterous laughter - as these were qualities referenced throughout the Memorial Service and in side bar conversations throughout today's events. How wonderful to have such a "positive" disposition - and to have "positively" affected all those around her.  I'm grateful that her children and grandchildren have memories of her which instantly bring a smile to their face.  This was a gift to her family, that she probably didn't realize she was giving.  Priceless indeed.

Today, at the service, we all found out Aunt Jodie's favorite scripture:

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philipians 4:8

Aunt Jodie clearly lived out Philipians 4:8 -  her outlook showed in her demeanor, enhanced relationships, and brought joy and encouragement to all she encountered.  I'm reminded again that none of us want to be around a chronic complainer...the person who's glass remains "half empty" on the best of days...the person who compains incessantly about traffic, the economy, the house, their clothes, the car, the weather, the grass, their kids, what's on tv, wait times at restaurants, etc.  Instead of being "Debbie Downers" - they should be "Joyful Jodies". 

I'm grateful for Aunt Jodie's example ....  her life wasn't the easiest, her life wasn't perfect by any means, and her life was not absent of struggles - yet her joyful attitude is what everyone recalls when she comes to mind.   "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  AMEN!

(A passage quite fitting for the "The Gratitude Project!)