I just stopped doing all the stuff that I do? Would anyone notice? Would they notice but not really get it? Those of you out there who are doers, you know what I'm talking about.
I was just imagining on my lunch hour, after spending almost the entire hour in Wal-Mart grocery shopping, that sometimes I just want to quit doing all of this stuff that I'm doing. And then I kinda grinned and snickered because my family would not know what to do.
It cracks me up when I ask my children to sort the laundry and put away THEIR clothes...it's like I've asked them to do something completely out of this world, like it's an inconvenience and because I'm mom, it's my job. I would venture to guess that about 70% of the time, I sort, fold and put away everyone's laundry without asking for any help. So what if I only did my laundry and left them to fend for themselves?
And about the dirty dishes...I know it's hard to complain when you have a dishwasher, and I have mentioned this before, but why am I the only person that can put the dishes in the dishwasher? Especially after I have literally just finished emptying out the sink full of dirty dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher. I will shut the door to the washer, turn around and someone will have slipped a cereal bowl and spoon back into the empty sink. Seriously, what if I only concerned myself with the dishes that I myself dirtied?
I was a messy child. I know that complaining about Madolyn's room being horrific will do little good...and I can't say a whole lot because my room was horrible growing up. I am proud to say that every single day before I can leave the house, I make my bed (unless Jay is in it, and then sometimes, I will just make my half). The house can look like a tornado and hurricane have joined together and zeroed in on our house, but if you look in my bedroom, that bed is made. For some reason, that makes me feel like my room is clean and I can leave.
I have tried to stage a protest a time or two before and it literally gets me nowhere...but a messier mess than before. I think I would have to truly let go of just about everything and close my ears and eyes, grin and bear it for a very long time before it would actually work. But by that point, would I be able to find my way out of the house? Hoarders from A&E would be moving in...
On my mind 24/7 are the things that I have to do, the places I need to be or get someone else to, the list of grocery items we don't have and need, where will the kids be after school, who will run here if I have to be there...you know, this list could go on and on. There are other people who seem oblivious to anything or anyone but themselves. I simply cannot imagine it. I work with someone who at times is very self-centered. I don't think it is necessarily his fault, but it is just the way it is. I think he would freak out if he knew the things that go on in my life, as well as others, after work hours. I have joked with people that the busiest part of my day is after 4:00. I bet there are millions of others who could agree with me there. Sometimes when I'm at work, I can just sit here and breathe for a minute. It's almost relaxing, like a reprieve of sorts.
One of my least favorite phrases in the English language is "It's not my job." I realize that in some professions or work places, doing something outside the framework of what is considered "your job" could get you into trouble. I get it...but what I cannot understand is when someone just closes their mind to the possibility of stepping outside their little box. I was in a job for 11 years and I can tell you that if I had only done the tasks specifically associated to my defined profession and job, I would have been sitting there at work until midnight. Yes, I created a hole there that I knew I would never climb out of, but my thought process was to "git 'r done" so that I could git on home. I could have dug my heels in and refused to do this or that, and that would've gotten me...again, sitting at my desk after closing with an hour drive home.
I realize that part of my problem here is that I am somewhat of a control-freak. I often feel as if things won't get done unless I do them...so I just go ahead and do them...and they might also not be done to my standards so I go ahead and do them instead of redoing them later. I'm trying very hard to not be that way in many areas of my life...specifically because I do not want my family using that as an excuse to not help me around the house.
Sometimes I have this problem at church as well. Everyone is standing around looking at one another waiting for something to happen and I'll just jump in. It makes me feel like I'm bossy and want to take charge, but in reality, I just cannot stand to waste valuable time (ha) while someone figures out whose job it is to do something that nearly everyone in the room is capable of doing. It is kinda sad that people are so worried about screwing something up, they choose not to do...anything. Boo.
I was in a conversation before Christmas with someone talking about how their extended family expects her and one other person to do everything when it comes to the family get-togethers and I know that happens A LOT with probably almost every family. There are just some people who don't mind carrying that burden, who like to be in control and who actually thrive on it...but there are also some people who carry on and pretend like it's okay that they get dumped on at every turn and would be absolutely 100% okay if someone else would like to take a turn. Of course, the fear is that if that same person doesn't take on the project, as usual, no one else will either and the tradition or event will cease to exist. It is scary.
Too funny, I just went downstairs to get postage on some envelopes and noticed two things...that I don't do unless prompted when the two different people who do those two things are gone. So there is no docket in the hallway (and hasn't been the last two days) and I have not been dumping the water pitchers from counsel table since our bailiff has been in and out over the holidays (so the water hasn't been too fresh). I guess I'm just as guilty as the next guy!
I suppose I'm probably sounding pretty whiny just about now...oh, someone has ruffled her feathers, watch out. No, nothing specific has happened, I'm not mad at anyone, I'm just feeling overloaded and like I would gladly share some duties with someone for a change! I'm guessing after the holidays, this is common. I know there are many (of my five readers) out there who have this very same problem. I certainly don't want it to sound like I am busier than anyone else and do everything and am all-important. It is just something that I guess I need to work on within me first, then maybe I can get out there, train some newbies and let go :)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
This crazy weather!
As I look out my office window and see the sun shining brightly and hear the wind howling and whipping around pretty good, I cannot believe it is the end of December and the temperatures are hitting the 50's. I suppose I should not complain about this because, if you know me at all, you know that 99.9% of the time, I am cold...even in the summer at times.
I think back to January of this year and remember that there was an ice storm that left us without power for nearly five days; others were without it even longer. Jay thought it was great. The kids and I wanted to strangle him every time he said this. He was working nights, which meant that his day consisted of sleeping, eating and going to work, and it was perfectly fine with him if he slept all day long and slept in cooler temps, so the furnace being off was icing on his perfect little cake.
The kids and I had a much different viewpoint. As in, day one, scrambling around to clean out fridge and put things in garage so that everything wouldn't be lost; getting kerosene and the kerosene heater in the house; locating the lanterns, lamp oil, candles, flashlights and putting them within reach; figuring out what to do when it came time to go to work and the need for a shower on my part. I believe the kids and I stayed home two nights and that was enough. We finally went to town to stay at my in-laws and then the kids and I slept terrible because the lights shining in the windows and door window kept us awake...we like it as dark as possible...but we had warm showers and the television...ahhh
I think it was the very last day that we decided to borrow a generator and our friend found us one. By the time we got it down to our house and hooked up, our power was back on. It sure would've been nice to have it a few days earlier, but because this power outage was so "great" we didn't need one. I think it was about the time that Jay was off nights and going to be around that the generator showed up. (haha)
I will say that I am very thankful to live in a fairly new house that is very well insulated and that we have a wood stove in the basement and a kerosene heater. With the kerosene heater, we could easily get the house up to 75 or 80 in an hour. It was warmer in the living room/kitchen area that week than it normally would be...we just had to shut it off at night and when we left the house.
It wasn't the end of the world by any means, in fact, we refered to it as an inconvenience. It wasn't like a flood or forest fire, hurricane or tornado where our home was literally destroyed or ruined beyond repair. Our community was still there. Everyone was healthy and safe. I didn't freeze to death or anything either. We still had all of our very important "stuff" and were warm, fed and clean;) It was probably a very good learning experience for my kids as well as myself. And we are glad that Jay enjoyed it so much.
I heard there were some local folks that went to a hotel that week to stay. I'm thinking if power outage #2 ever comes along, the kids and I may leave Jay at home to enjoy his solace and we'll go to a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub. Oh yeah.
I think back to January of this year and remember that there was an ice storm that left us without power for nearly five days; others were without it even longer. Jay thought it was great. The kids and I wanted to strangle him every time he said this. He was working nights, which meant that his day consisted of sleeping, eating and going to work, and it was perfectly fine with him if he slept all day long and slept in cooler temps, so the furnace being off was icing on his perfect little cake.
The kids and I had a much different viewpoint. As in, day one, scrambling around to clean out fridge and put things in garage so that everything wouldn't be lost; getting kerosene and the kerosene heater in the house; locating the lanterns, lamp oil, candles, flashlights and putting them within reach; figuring out what to do when it came time to go to work and the need for a shower on my part. I believe the kids and I stayed home two nights and that was enough. We finally went to town to stay at my in-laws and then the kids and I slept terrible because the lights shining in the windows and door window kept us awake...we like it as dark as possible...but we had warm showers and the television...ahhh
I think it was the very last day that we decided to borrow a generator and our friend found us one. By the time we got it down to our house and hooked up, our power was back on. It sure would've been nice to have it a few days earlier, but because this power outage was so "great" we didn't need one. I think it was about the time that Jay was off nights and going to be around that the generator showed up. (haha)
I will say that I am very thankful to live in a fairly new house that is very well insulated and that we have a wood stove in the basement and a kerosene heater. With the kerosene heater, we could easily get the house up to 75 or 80 in an hour. It was warmer in the living room/kitchen area that week than it normally would be...we just had to shut it off at night and when we left the house.
It wasn't the end of the world by any means, in fact, we refered to it as an inconvenience. It wasn't like a flood or forest fire, hurricane or tornado where our home was literally destroyed or ruined beyond repair. Our community was still there. Everyone was healthy and safe. I didn't freeze to death or anything either. We still had all of our very important "stuff" and were warm, fed and clean;) It was probably a very good learning experience for my kids as well as myself. And we are glad that Jay enjoyed it so much.
I heard there were some local folks that went to a hotel that week to stay. I'm thinking if power outage #2 ever comes along, the kids and I may leave Jay at home to enjoy his solace and we'll go to a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub. Oh yeah.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Entertaining Angels
Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Hebrews 13:1-2 (MSG)
I keep discovering new scripture. New as in new to me. I was starting a Nookbook and this scripture was the foreword. I fell in love with it. How cool would it be to entertain an angel and not even know it?! I hope and pray I get that opportunity, although I suppose, as the scripture says, I may never even know it!
Christmas morning at church, I was leading the services. As I stood up looking out at everyone, I noticed a man sitting in the foyer on the church pew facing me. He wasn't inside the sanctuary, just sitting out there watching. He was dressed nice and looked like a friendly fellow. When church was over, I glanced around to see where he was and who he "belonged" with because I didn't recognize him. He was nowhere to be seen. Another church member asked me if I saw him and knew who he was. No, I did not. So I inquired of my parents and some others. No one else had noticed him. I then commented that maybe he was an angel watching over us on Christmas morning!! I guess we may never know.
I realize that it is unlikely a family would end up at my doorstep after becoming stranded, but I suppose it could happen. I suppose a family could lose their home to a fire or something and need a place to stay to get on their feet. Maybe car trouble in a small town with no hotel would give me the opportunity to open my home up to some strangers. It may certainly be an inconvenience but what a wonderful opportunity to share God's love with someone. It is hard to even think about doing something like that in this day and age where people are often mistrusting and skeptical of strangers. That is where faith and prayer have to pick up the slack. If God is sending an angel our way, we must be prepared to accept them, right?!
A couple of years ago, Jay was selling his truck. We advertised it in the newspaper and sold it to a guy who was going to meet us about 30 miles away. The plan was that Jay and Lane would drive the truck to the meeting spot and then Madolyn and I would come pick them up in my car. Madolyn and I had only been on the interstate about three miles when I noticed a person walking along the side of the road. It was raining. There was quite a bit of traffic and it was chilly out. Definitely not a nice day for a stroll. Without a second's hesitation (and a moment of insanity, perhaps), I whipped off to the shoulder, put my blinkers on and asked the girl if she would like a ride. I had seen an older car off the road about a half mile back and she was walking in the direction I was going. The next town was only a couple miles away.
I never once thought about what I was doing or about the fact that my daughter was in the car with me. I didn't have any of those thoughts swirling around in my head of what if she's a psycho, a serial killer, or some crazed drug addict ready to pounce on me. I whispered a prayer, she climbed into the backseat and we went on down the road. I asked her a few questions without being too pushy, and although she gave me somewhat vague answers, she was pleasant and appreciative. We dropped her off at the gas station in the next town. As soon as she got out, I thought, what in the world was I thinking? And the thoughts started swarming.
I chalked it up to one of those moments where God was in control of the situation. He planted me in the right place at the very moment that girl needed a ride. She needed someone safe to take her where she needed to go. I would venture to guess that she probably was nervous about getting into the car with a complete stranger in a state she didn't live in too! Do I routinely pick up hitchhikers or folks walking down the highways or roads? Absolutely not. But that day, there wasn't a moment's hesitation. I'm hoping that is how it will always be, you know. Like we'll just know this is what we have to do.
I hope that I am becoming that person that is accepting of others and ready to extend a hand when someone is in need. And I want my home to feel like a safe and welcoming place for people to be as well. I want it to be open and ready to extend hospitality to angels. Our church should be that place as well, welcome, inviting, comfortable. Just like the man on Christmas morning, we have to be ready to accept new folks into our families, make them feel like they are belong there, not outsiders. You know like try scooting on over from YOUR spot in YOUR pew (even though you've sat in that very spot for years) to make room for another. Attempt to greet the newcomer that sneaks in just a little late and invite them back. Be interested in hearing about them if they're willing to share. Extend a hand.
I challenge you as the new year begins to open yourselves up to the idea of accepting and helping others in need. Often the lesson to be learned is not one you are giving, it is the one you are receiving. I so hope that some day I will have accepted our call to extend hospitality to angels!
I keep discovering new scripture. New as in new to me. I was starting a Nookbook and this scripture was the foreword. I fell in love with it. How cool would it be to entertain an angel and not even know it?! I hope and pray I get that opportunity, although I suppose, as the scripture says, I may never even know it!
Christmas morning at church, I was leading the services. As I stood up looking out at everyone, I noticed a man sitting in the foyer on the church pew facing me. He wasn't inside the sanctuary, just sitting out there watching. He was dressed nice and looked like a friendly fellow. When church was over, I glanced around to see where he was and who he "belonged" with because I didn't recognize him. He was nowhere to be seen. Another church member asked me if I saw him and knew who he was. No, I did not. So I inquired of my parents and some others. No one else had noticed him. I then commented that maybe he was an angel watching over us on Christmas morning!! I guess we may never know.
I realize that it is unlikely a family would end up at my doorstep after becoming stranded, but I suppose it could happen. I suppose a family could lose their home to a fire or something and need a place to stay to get on their feet. Maybe car trouble in a small town with no hotel would give me the opportunity to open my home up to some strangers. It may certainly be an inconvenience but what a wonderful opportunity to share God's love with someone. It is hard to even think about doing something like that in this day and age where people are often mistrusting and skeptical of strangers. That is where faith and prayer have to pick up the slack. If God is sending an angel our way, we must be prepared to accept them, right?!
A couple of years ago, Jay was selling his truck. We advertised it in the newspaper and sold it to a guy who was going to meet us about 30 miles away. The plan was that Jay and Lane would drive the truck to the meeting spot and then Madolyn and I would come pick them up in my car. Madolyn and I had only been on the interstate about three miles when I noticed a person walking along the side of the road. It was raining. There was quite a bit of traffic and it was chilly out. Definitely not a nice day for a stroll. Without a second's hesitation (and a moment of insanity, perhaps), I whipped off to the shoulder, put my blinkers on and asked the girl if she would like a ride. I had seen an older car off the road about a half mile back and she was walking in the direction I was going. The next town was only a couple miles away.
I never once thought about what I was doing or about the fact that my daughter was in the car with me. I didn't have any of those thoughts swirling around in my head of what if she's a psycho, a serial killer, or some crazed drug addict ready to pounce on me. I whispered a prayer, she climbed into the backseat and we went on down the road. I asked her a few questions without being too pushy, and although she gave me somewhat vague answers, she was pleasant and appreciative. We dropped her off at the gas station in the next town. As soon as she got out, I thought, what in the world was I thinking? And the thoughts started swarming.
I chalked it up to one of those moments where God was in control of the situation. He planted me in the right place at the very moment that girl needed a ride. She needed someone safe to take her where she needed to go. I would venture to guess that she probably was nervous about getting into the car with a complete stranger in a state she didn't live in too! Do I routinely pick up hitchhikers or folks walking down the highways or roads? Absolutely not. But that day, there wasn't a moment's hesitation. I'm hoping that is how it will always be, you know. Like we'll just know this is what we have to do.
I hope that I am becoming that person that is accepting of others and ready to extend a hand when someone is in need. And I want my home to feel like a safe and welcoming place for people to be as well. I want it to be open and ready to extend hospitality to angels. Our church should be that place as well, welcome, inviting, comfortable. Just like the man on Christmas morning, we have to be ready to accept new folks into our families, make them feel like they are belong there, not outsiders. You know like try scooting on over from YOUR spot in YOUR pew (even though you've sat in that very spot for years) to make room for another. Attempt to greet the newcomer that sneaks in just a little late and invite them back. Be interested in hearing about them if they're willing to share. Extend a hand.
I challenge you as the new year begins to open yourselves up to the idea of accepting and helping others in need. Often the lesson to be learned is not one you are giving, it is the one you are receiving. I so hope that some day I will have accepted our call to extend hospitality to angels!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
It all comes tumbling down...
Christmas is officially over for the Wilhoit's. We had our final Christmas exchange last night at Jay's parents house. It was extra special this year because Jay's brother is home from California. We only get to see him about once a year, if we're lucky, and sometimes it is at another family member's wedding. Everyone was there and we took some family photos...and then my camera died. Ha.
I am always soooo ready for the decorations to be put away and the living room back to normal. I don't mind the wintery decorations staying out (snowman, my sparkly church, etc) but the tree is just too bulky. Although I look forward to everything being back in order, I am reminded that my house is never "in order" or whatever that means.
And usually we have the kids go through their rooms and get rid of a few items (like 20) to make room for the new stuff. We haven't done that yet, but it is coming. It has to. As usual, they received way too much stuff and there is no room in the inn, so-to-speak. I have given Madolyn a little motivation...if she cleans her room totally, top to bottom, I will paint her walls. We shall see...I may regret that promise...
Every year I tell myself that I will purge my Christmas decorations and give away or toss out the ones I no longer use when it's time to get it all out and decorate. Every year when that time comes, I tell myself that I'll do it when I take the tree down and put things away because that makes more sense, of course. When that point arrives, I tell myself I cannot take anything Christmasy to the resale shop in town for two weeks (because they close and they don't really want Christmas things now) so I might as well just plan to go through it all next year when I get my stuff out for Christmas. Do you see the pattern?
And here's the kicker...This Friday Jay is having reconstructive ankle surgery, which means that this girl will be house-bound at least a few days tending to the needs of my patient...God, give me strength...and the decor and it's appointed location for storage is in the basement or attic...which is sort of perfect because both will be out of Jay's reach...and I'm not giving him a bell. This could be the exactly what I need to motivate my lazy be-hind. The only places I will be able to go within the house and still be semi-accessible to my patient are the basement and attic...my escape. I may never come out.
So how 'bout saying a few prayers for the Wilhoits this weekend? Specifically, that Jay & I don't kill one another, that I don't strangle Jay in his sleep, that the kids will give up a few (like 50) things, and that if I do retreat to the basement or attic to organize (of course), that I come back out...because eventually someone will notice I am missing, right...and eventually Jay's voice may give out...
Oh, and I think I'll hide Hank the Tank's salvation army bell...if Jay gets his hands on that this weekend...no, maybe I'll put it just out of his reach...wait, that would be mean, wouldn't it? Okay, prayers are appreciated :)
I am always soooo ready for the decorations to be put away and the living room back to normal. I don't mind the wintery decorations staying out (snowman, my sparkly church, etc) but the tree is just too bulky. Although I look forward to everything being back in order, I am reminded that my house is never "in order" or whatever that means.
And usually we have the kids go through their rooms and get rid of a few items (like 20) to make room for the new stuff. We haven't done that yet, but it is coming. It has to. As usual, they received way too much stuff and there is no room in the inn, so-to-speak. I have given Madolyn a little motivation...if she cleans her room totally, top to bottom, I will paint her walls. We shall see...I may regret that promise...
Every year I tell myself that I will purge my Christmas decorations and give away or toss out the ones I no longer use when it's time to get it all out and decorate. Every year when that time comes, I tell myself that I'll do it when I take the tree down and put things away because that makes more sense, of course. When that point arrives, I tell myself I cannot take anything Christmasy to the resale shop in town for two weeks (because they close and they don't really want Christmas things now) so I might as well just plan to go through it all next year when I get my stuff out for Christmas. Do you see the pattern?
And here's the kicker...This Friday Jay is having reconstructive ankle surgery, which means that this girl will be house-bound at least a few days tending to the needs of my patient...God, give me strength...and the decor and it's appointed location for storage is in the basement or attic...which is sort of perfect because both will be out of Jay's reach...and I'm not giving him a bell. This could be the exactly what I need to motivate my lazy be-hind. The only places I will be able to go within the house and still be semi-accessible to my patient are the basement and attic...my escape. I may never come out.
So how 'bout saying a few prayers for the Wilhoits this weekend? Specifically, that Jay & I don't kill one another, that I don't strangle Jay in his sleep, that the kids will give up a few (like 50) things, and that if I do retreat to the basement or attic to organize (of course), that I come back out...because eventually someone will notice I am missing, right...and eventually Jay's voice may give out...
Oh, and I think I'll hide Hank the Tank's salvation army bell...if Jay gets his hands on that this weekend...no, maybe I'll put it just out of his reach...wait, that would be mean, wouldn't it? Okay, prayers are appreciated :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Smile!!
“A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)
I have a sign hanging in my living room that reads "Smile it confuses people." That is often my mantra. Either that one or the famous line from the movie Madagascar, "Smile and wave, boys, just smile and wave." A smile can so often make someone's day. A smile from you to a friend, foe or stranger could be the only 'gift' that person receives that day. And hey, it's free and every single one is unique!
I read the "Smile it confuses people" sign over and over before deciding not to buy it. Then thought about it for a week and returned to find the sign still at Onie's Acres down by Moonshine. I purchased it and immediately hung it right above our television. It is sad to say that sometimes smiling will confuse people. There are so many people going through life who frown and expect others to frown. I am saddened when I run into someone a time or two and they are wearing that same frown on their face, as if their cheeks know no other way. So Smile at them! Show them how it's done. It's kind of like killing them with kindness, you know.
I try to be a smiler. I try to smile or wave at everyone around me. I guess it is because I cannot stand to see people unhappy...although I do realize that a smile on the outside doesn't mean someone is happy on the inside. I don't smile to be fake or pretend I'm happy. I smile because I want to...and maybe to confuse people;) And frowning gives you wrinkles. Boo to the wrinkles!
I've told our youth group kids over and over, sometimes the best thing you can do is to smile and wave. You may not like something you're being told, you may not want to deal with whatever it is, but smile and wave and move on. If you get all worked up about it, you're wasting energy and happiness. Life is too short to be grumpy and hung up on issues that aren't worth stewing about. I say this for you as much as I say it for myself.
I love this scripture above. Don't you feel better when you see a cheerful face? A cheerful face is uplifting to the soul. To know someone has a sad heart and broken spirit makes me sad. I don't want to have a broken spirit and I don't want anyone else to either...and that's not what God's plan is for me or for you...so be happy!
Often the cold temps and shorter days give way to the winter blues. I understand that, sometimes when it's dark and gloomy out, I have an off day which I'll blame on the lack of sunshine...and if it was 90 degrees and sunny, I would change my 'tude real quick! I have reminded my coworkers several times that my attitude depends on the sun and the weather...and sometimes I mean it. Just ask Jay!
Today is as good a day as any to start smiling. When you go out today, give it all you got and smile, smile big. Smile and wave if you have to. Smile because it confuses people...Everyone could use a facelift/faithlift now and then.
I have a sign hanging in my living room that reads "Smile it confuses people." That is often my mantra. Either that one or the famous line from the movie Madagascar, "Smile and wave, boys, just smile and wave." A smile can so often make someone's day. A smile from you to a friend, foe or stranger could be the only 'gift' that person receives that day. And hey, it's free and every single one is unique!
I read the "Smile it confuses people" sign over and over before deciding not to buy it. Then thought about it for a week and returned to find the sign still at Onie's Acres down by Moonshine. I purchased it and immediately hung it right above our television. It is sad to say that sometimes smiling will confuse people. There are so many people going through life who frown and expect others to frown. I am saddened when I run into someone a time or two and they are wearing that same frown on their face, as if their cheeks know no other way. So Smile at them! Show them how it's done. It's kind of like killing them with kindness, you know.
I try to be a smiler. I try to smile or wave at everyone around me. I guess it is because I cannot stand to see people unhappy...although I do realize that a smile on the outside doesn't mean someone is happy on the inside. I don't smile to be fake or pretend I'm happy. I smile because I want to...and maybe to confuse people;) And frowning gives you wrinkles. Boo to the wrinkles!
I've told our youth group kids over and over, sometimes the best thing you can do is to smile and wave. You may not like something you're being told, you may not want to deal with whatever it is, but smile and wave and move on. If you get all worked up about it, you're wasting energy and happiness. Life is too short to be grumpy and hung up on issues that aren't worth stewing about. I say this for you as much as I say it for myself.
I love this scripture above. Don't you feel better when you see a cheerful face? A cheerful face is uplifting to the soul. To know someone has a sad heart and broken spirit makes me sad. I don't want to have a broken spirit and I don't want anyone else to either...and that's not what God's plan is for me or for you...so be happy!
Often the cold temps and shorter days give way to the winter blues. I understand that, sometimes when it's dark and gloomy out, I have an off day which I'll blame on the lack of sunshine...and if it was 90 degrees and sunny, I would change my 'tude real quick! I have reminded my coworkers several times that my attitude depends on the sun and the weather...and sometimes I mean it. Just ask Jay!
Today is as good a day as any to start smiling. When you go out today, give it all you got and smile, smile big. Smile and wave if you have to. Smile because it confuses people...Everyone could use a facelift/faithlift now and then.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Just a little understanding...
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 (NLT)
Last week I had the pleasure of joining Jay as he took one of our horses to a race in Ohio. It was just he and I and it was a nice little getaway, although very short...and our sweet Divinity Doll didn't win...but that is horse racing. Anyway...
I learned a valuable lesson on the drive home. Again, one that goes along with a post from earlier this week, sometimes you just don't realize how difficult something is until you've tried it. And this was a perfect example. The traffic was horrible. It was all interstate driving, thankfully, but with a goose-neck horse trailer and a large truck it was tricky. It was around 5:00 on a Friday evening the weekend before Christmas so you can imagine how many travelers were on the highway. And a large number of them were in a big hurry.
Believe me, I have been that irritated, frustrated driver screaming, "Why won't you get your SMV out of my way so I can pass because I'm in a bigger hurry than you?!" I have been the psycho lady who is ranting and raving under my breath trying to will the SMV (slow moving vehicle in case you didn't know) to get over so I can keep on movin' on because, of course, I'm late...but now I get it.
You see, with a large four-horse goose-neck trailer that is actually hauling a horse, you cannot just speed up and slow down willy-nilly. You can't just whip in and out of lanes of traffic. You have to leave gaps of space and plan for sudden stops and such. At one point the traffic literally halted without warning and it was an extremely close call for us...we did have to slam on the brakes to avoid the semi in front of us and Jay hopped out to check on Doll, and fortunately, although breathing heavy, she was fine. Thankfully, there were not other horses in there to knock into each other.
During farming season it's a somewhat similar scenario. You are late and you get behind a tractor pulling a large implement or a grain truck hauling grain to the elevator on a country road. Yikes...if you could just pass and get going. But you don't get the chance. And you are cursing under your breath at the farmer who is only trying to do his job, a job that he truly loves, a job that puts food on our tables. Drive a tractor or a grain truck and see how easy it is to get over, slow down or stop on a dime.
I learned this very valuable lesson with my Grandma Lynch was still alive as well. She was in a wheelchair after a stroke left her paralyzed. There was a time I didn't think twice about using a handicapped bathroom or complaining because there were a dozen handicapped parking places up close and I was walking half a mile to the door...on my very capable legs. I would get irritated waiting on someone who was loading or unloading someone with a wheelchair when they were trying to get the chair in or out of the trunk or I would become impatient if I was waiting to use the restroom and the person in the handicapped stall was taking forever.
That is until I was the one transporting my Grandma in her wheelchair somewhere or taking her to the restroom in a public area. My perspective changed dramatically. I had never looked at the size of a doorway, checked for steps going into or out of somewhere or tried to gauge how much room there was to maneuver a wheelchair around in a public place or restroom. You may not realize how bulky and heavy those chairs are if you've never had to handle one. It changed my way of thinking forever.
There are things in this life that we will never understand because we haven't lived them. There are situations that come up where we would like to think we understand how we would handle them. The truth is, most of us will never understand certain variables in life until we've been there ourselves. We can start by praying that God will give us the understanding necessary to handle the situation.
Next time you're out and about and you get behind a slow horse trailer, take a deep breath and consider the bulkiness of their load. Ease off and wait until they are in a safe position to get over to allow you to pass. When you see someone handling a wheelchair and they're struggling, offer to help them out or open a door. Consider yourself in that position. Ask God for understanding.
Last week I had the pleasure of joining Jay as he took one of our horses to a race in Ohio. It was just he and I and it was a nice little getaway, although very short...and our sweet Divinity Doll didn't win...but that is horse racing. Anyway...
I learned a valuable lesson on the drive home. Again, one that goes along with a post from earlier this week, sometimes you just don't realize how difficult something is until you've tried it. And this was a perfect example. The traffic was horrible. It was all interstate driving, thankfully, but with a goose-neck horse trailer and a large truck it was tricky. It was around 5:00 on a Friday evening the weekend before Christmas so you can imagine how many travelers were on the highway. And a large number of them were in a big hurry.
Believe me, I have been that irritated, frustrated driver screaming, "Why won't you get your SMV out of my way so I can pass because I'm in a bigger hurry than you?!" I have been the psycho lady who is ranting and raving under my breath trying to will the SMV (slow moving vehicle in case you didn't know) to get over so I can keep on movin' on because, of course, I'm late...but now I get it.
You see, with a large four-horse goose-neck trailer that is actually hauling a horse, you cannot just speed up and slow down willy-nilly. You can't just whip in and out of lanes of traffic. You have to leave gaps of space and plan for sudden stops and such. At one point the traffic literally halted without warning and it was an extremely close call for us...we did have to slam on the brakes to avoid the semi in front of us and Jay hopped out to check on Doll, and fortunately, although breathing heavy, she was fine. Thankfully, there were not other horses in there to knock into each other.
During farming season it's a somewhat similar scenario. You are late and you get behind a tractor pulling a large implement or a grain truck hauling grain to the elevator on a country road. Yikes...if you could just pass and get going. But you don't get the chance. And you are cursing under your breath at the farmer who is only trying to do his job, a job that he truly loves, a job that puts food on our tables. Drive a tractor or a grain truck and see how easy it is to get over, slow down or stop on a dime.
I learned this very valuable lesson with my Grandma Lynch was still alive as well. She was in a wheelchair after a stroke left her paralyzed. There was a time I didn't think twice about using a handicapped bathroom or complaining because there were a dozen handicapped parking places up close and I was walking half a mile to the door...on my very capable legs. I would get irritated waiting on someone who was loading or unloading someone with a wheelchair when they were trying to get the chair in or out of the trunk or I would become impatient if I was waiting to use the restroom and the person in the handicapped stall was taking forever.
That is until I was the one transporting my Grandma in her wheelchair somewhere or taking her to the restroom in a public area. My perspective changed dramatically. I had never looked at the size of a doorway, checked for steps going into or out of somewhere or tried to gauge how much room there was to maneuver a wheelchair around in a public place or restroom. You may not realize how bulky and heavy those chairs are if you've never had to handle one. It changed my way of thinking forever.
There are things in this life that we will never understand because we haven't lived them. There are situations that come up where we would like to think we understand how we would handle them. The truth is, most of us will never understand certain variables in life until we've been there ourselves. We can start by praying that God will give us the understanding necessary to handle the situation.
Next time you're out and about and you get behind a slow horse trailer, take a deep breath and consider the bulkiness of their load. Ease off and wait until they are in a safe position to get over to allow you to pass. When you see someone handling a wheelchair and they're struggling, offer to help them out or open a door. Consider yourself in that position. Ask God for understanding.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Happy birthday, Jesus and Merry Christmas!
Just wanted to give a big shout-out to Jesus for his birthday...and to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May God bless you and your family this day and keep you safe. Love ya!
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