“Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satan’s way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus’ way? Why else get angry? Isn’t it because I think complaining, exasperation, resentment will pound me up into the full life I really want? When I choose- and it is a choice- to crush joy with bitterness, am I not purposefully choosing to take the way of the Prince of Darkness? Choosing the angry way of Lucifer because I think it is more effective- more expedient– than giving thanks?” (Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, Zondervan, Grand Rapids Michigan, 2010, 126)
48. my mother-in-law, Barbara. And that she’s retired.
49. surprise visits just before dinner time
50. grapes and the people that turn them into my favorite wine.
