A couple of days ago, I had a real scare. I thought our laptop was going to crash and it's the only computer we have. As it turns out, everything is safe and I drew a breath of relief but the incident made me step back and think. My own reaction surprised me. It was as if a beloved member of the family had got sick. At first I thought, "Gee whiz, I wonder if my computer is an idol!?" Then I put it in its proper perspective. My computer is not an idol but it is very important in my life because I use it for so many different things. 

1. I use the Word program for writing my books.

2. I use it for typing out promotional material to post.

3. I use the Internet to look up resources for homeschooling, writing and whatever else takes our fancy.

4. I've been using it to type up a huge project for my Dad who is researching his genealogy.

5. I use it to teach the kids touch typing (sometimes, when we're in the mood).

6. Last but not least, I work on my blog. It still amazes me to think that I can regularly communicate with wonderful ladies who I've come to consider my friends, although you live on the other side of the world! And I can do it as quickly as typing a letter or comment.

So since the scare, I've been looking at my computer in a different light. It might appear like a modest enough looking silver box when it's closed, but to me it represents the freedom to pursue my crafts and make my contribution to the world in my way. I realised I'd been taking my computer for granted and it took the threat of losing everything to renew a new appreciation in me.

Then I started thinking that perhaps I do the same "taking for granted" with each member of my family. I don't want to wait until my kids are ready to leave home before I realise how much I appreciated them all along without giving it much thought. I think it might be a good idea to renew my appreciation for each of them on a regular basis, because they are so much more important than my computer, after all.

I appreciate my DH Andrew because he plays with the kids, he's pursuing his dream, he helps with the cooking, he assists me in pursuing my dreams and he's a man of God.

I appreciate Logan, my DS#1 because he's such a great mate to have around the house with his funny comments and because he likes listening to historical stories and because he looks after his baby brother for me and because he helps me out with computer problems (Yes, he already knows more about the mechanical beast than I do and I don't know how. I haven't taught him).

I appreciate Emma, my DD, because she adds a sunny spot of feminity to the house where otherwise, I would be the only female. I appreciate her because she speaks her mind and because she smiles a lot and because she is creative and loves to help.

I appreciate Blake, my little DS#2 because of his smiley, dimply face and because he tries hard to behave as 'grown-up' as his brother and sister and because he makes us all laugh with his cute way of saying things.

These are just a few of the things of course, but enough to change my mood if I need an attitude overhaul and to get me started. Anybody who has fantastic family members and a computer is already amply blessed.

Have a great week everyone,

Paula