As I sit in my basement listening (or trying not to listen) to the sounds of hammering as the roof of my home is being replaced post-derecho, I think to myself, I’m so glad I talked to Sister Nancy today. How many times have I had that thought over the years? How many times have I said out loud, “I’m so glad I talked to Sister Nancy”? Many, many times!
Earlier this morning I talked to her on the phone, and she asked how I was doing. “Oh, I’m a little sad,” I said. “I miss everyone, and I miss having a sense of normalcy. Also, workers are coming today to replace my roof and I’m not looking forward to hearing all of the noise and hammering.”
Sister Nancy said, “Just think of every boom of the hammer as a blessing, a blessing vibrating out.” As always, I instantly felt better and said, “That’s a great way to think of it. Thank you. I’m so glad I talked to you!” And how many times over the years has Sister Nancy said something wonderful that instantly transformed a frown into a smile. I’m telling you—and this might sound cliché—she literally turned my frown upside down.
I’m often one to look for sliver linings, but nobody sees the light like Sister Nancy, and the mere thought of her brings a glistening gratitude to my heart.
Are there people in your life who help you see the light? Who remind you of the many blessings around you? Are there people who literally turn your frown upside down? Aren’t these people a wonderful blessing to our lives? Let us glow with gratitude!
—Angie Pierce Jennings, Prairiewoods hosted groups and hospitality coordinator