Joy

I know you see the darling baby.This is Allie Grace, the youngest member of the Abbott Clan.What I want you to look at is the lady holding her. This is my mama, Barbara Jean Justiss Abbott. She is a mother to four + spouses, grandmother to 10 + 3 new inlaws, great grandmother to two + one on the way, aunt to 9 +spouses, great aunt to 15, sister, sister in law, wife of 52 years and special friend to so so many.

I love this picture of her. In so many of her photos this last year she has looked tired and you can tell she is pushing. This one captures so much to me. Look at her eyes, look at her smile, this is joy. This is a woman that has inner peace, beauty that shines from the inside out. True inner peace that comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus, from knowing God is in control. She gets it. She is determined. She cherishes each day and makes the most of it, even if she does not feel good. She tries to make time for everyone and will try to make you feel special. You can see that,even little Allie knows this.

This has been a tough year for mama, mom, nene, mamaw, aunt bobby and she has faced it so well. Tonight was not a good night, she had one of her crazy spells. Tomorrow will be better and  I can bet you  if little Allie shows up at her house tomorrow afternoon, she will do her best to hold her and love on her. You see.... this lady ....she gets it!
This is the day that the Lord hath made we shall be glad and rejoice in it!