So, Teen Girl tells me that my recent posts are too depressing, and I need to write something upbeat. I had planned a morbid, introspective blahhhhhg, but there goes that excellent plan out the window. Bah and humbug.
However, the fact of the matter is, there is plenty in my life to be happy about, and it's good to be reminded of that occasionally, even by snarky TG. Just this morning, I was at my Bible study on Acts with some gals from church, and one of the questions talked about the early church believers having "gladness and simplicity of heart," then asked us if those were words that described us. Uhmmm, no, not always. Oops. I'll admit to a tendency toward depression on occasion, so it's pretty easy for me to default to that place when things are rough. However, we're frequently reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances" (I Thess. 5:18), so I can't believe that God wants me to linger long in those places. Especially when He has graciously given me SO much that I can be thankful for instead. As my dad has frequently (and believe me, "frequently" is an understatement) quoted to us from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Whether you prefer to take advice from the Bible, Shakespeare, or Oprah, I think we can all agree that it's better to focus on the good things in life than gaze morosely at what is lacking or not up to your expectations. (I could do another whole blahg on expectations, but I'll spare you that one for now.)
But, since last week was a rough one for our family in terms of medical issues, unmet expectations, hurt feelings, etc., it's an especially good time to reflect on all that is so good in this precious life that God has given us today. So here goes, in no particular order:
Wishing you all a happy, sparkly, blessed Fourth of July!
However, the fact of the matter is, there is plenty in my life to be happy about, and it's good to be reminded of that occasionally, even by snarky TG. Just this morning, I was at my Bible study on Acts with some gals from church, and one of the questions talked about the early church believers having "gladness and simplicity of heart," then asked us if those were words that described us. Uhmmm, no, not always. Oops. I'll admit to a tendency toward depression on occasion, so it's pretty easy for me to default to that place when things are rough. However, we're frequently reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances" (I Thess. 5:18), so I can't believe that God wants me to linger long in those places. Especially when He has graciously given me SO much that I can be thankful for instead. As my dad has frequently (and believe me, "frequently" is an understatement) quoted to us from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Whether you prefer to take advice from the Bible, Shakespeare, or Oprah, I think we can all agree that it's better to focus on the good things in life than gaze morosely at what is lacking or not up to your expectations. (I could do another whole blahg on expectations, but I'll spare you that one for now.)
But, since last week was a rough one for our family in terms of medical issues, unmet expectations, hurt feelings, etc., it's an especially good time to reflect on all that is so good in this precious life that God has given us today. So here goes, in no particular order:
- Both my surgery and Steve's were successful, with the right things being removed safely, and all the other items staying relatively intact.
- I got my stitches out yesterday and was cleared for activity.
- As my first official activity, I successfully completed a Body Pump class last night, and nothing bulged or popped or otherwise caused problems. (Okay, to be completely honest, I should say that nothing bulged more than usual.)
- Summer is finally here, and with the late arrival, it's possible that I won't get sick of weeding and give up by late July, as is my usual custom (weeds, take warning!)
- Sadie's musical/VBS was a great success, and she did an amazing job in it. Absolutely outstanding.
- Ellen's party/sleepover came off without a hitch, and we learned some valuable lessons about party planning, screen usage and preteen girls (see expectations, above).
- We found Katie a nice bike on Monday, and she's getting off her screens more and into the great outdoors.
- There is almost nothing cuter than our dog, Andy howling at every siren that blares. This first Wednesday of each month is particularly intense for him, poor boy.
- The girls are spending a great deal of time on art projects this summer. Nothing pleases me more to round up the coupons and head off with a carload of girls to Michael's for more paint, canvases and other supplies.
- We got to partake of the world's longest continuous ice cream sundae.
- We get to celebrate being citizens of the greatest country on earth tomorrow. Even if I don't agree with every law or leadership decision, it's a huge blessing to be able to worship, speak, assemble and live in freedom.
- We are not even halfway done with summer, and there is so much more fun to be had in the weeks ahead. Can't wait to get to it.
Wishing you all a happy, sparkly, blessed Fourth of July!