I almost missed a really enjoyable outing the other day. Why? Because there were dishes in my sink and phone calls to be made and… to put it simply, just a lot of work to do. But there will always be work to do! This is my MO, focusing on everything that needs to be done and missing opportunities for refreshing, health and interactions that have eternal value! I struggled with this unbalanced approach daily for 37 years while I raised babies. A noble occupation for sure! I don’t regret a minute of it. But what I do wish I had learned many years ago is how to take care of myself in the midst. Not making time for self care resulted in multiple health issues, being nearly 150 pounds overweight and quite frankly, depression because God never intended us to live fully “on” all the time. Even Jesus slipped away to quiet places with His disciples or by Himself! I am learning with much prayer to prioritize things that are important for my well being. You might think now that we are empty-nesters that there is extra time for such things but strangely life is very full. I still need to make sure I’m taking care of myself and so do you! Our day to day lives here on this earth matter greatly. Those of us who follow Jesus are “light and salt” in this broken world, according to Scripture. God designed you and loves you and has called you for a purpose! Take care of yourself! You are precious in His eyes and you have very important things to do!

This is the first time I’ve noticed our Dogwood tree out front turning a slight shade of pink! The flowering trees of been just gorgeous this year!

About 5 years ago my life had stalled in a very unhappy place. Frankly, my public face was quite a bit different than my private face, so very few people knew how miserable I was. I felt like everywhere I looked all I saw were problems! Kid problems, marriage problems, money problems, health problems, family problems! I hated things the way they were. I wanted my life to contain some peace, be more intentional and have real purpose! However, most days ended up being a compilation of exhausted and emotional “reactions.” At home my frustration was regularly on display. I was simply overwhelmed and ready to quit on just about everything.
I had no clear direction on how to address the multiple issues that were bogging me down. Then, amazingly, an idea presented itself! One day a dear woman of faith who, to my knowledge, had no clue what a mess my private life was, visited my home. She happened to mention how David, the Psalmist, poured out his complaint before God. She went on to say, that we often rush to take our complaints to others when we should go to God first! It was an “Aha” moment! The clouds parted!! I began to put her precious advice into practice, taking all of my frustrations to the Lord in prayer. I reasoned that He knew about all my junk anyway, I might as well talk to Him about it!
Starting out, these were ugly, I mean really ugly prayers! Tears and anger erupted regularly. At first nothing seem to be changing but I did feel a little bit better! At least I was venting on someone other than my poor kids, husband or friends! However, in time I began to see the Hand of God working in my daily life. As I got real with God, He got real with me. The simple step of truly taking all my junk to Jesus was changing everything!
Reflecting back on this prayer journey now some 5+ years later… I am in awe of how much my life has and is being transformed!! Seemingly small things and some very big things! I had to (and still have to) be willing to listen to the disciplinary voice of a loving Heavenly Father where correction was (is) needed. But through that openness to Biblical truth and Holy Spirit leading… there have been tangible and surprising answers to relationship challenges, health issues, material/financial needs and so much more! Most importantly, there has been an internal transformation in this lady! Still a work in progress!
If you find yourself in a crappy place today, if your public face is very different then your private face, if you are overwhelmed and ready to quit… be encouraged. There is hope!! Your Heavenly Father knows the answer to everything you face. He is your strength. Even if you only have enough energy today to complain… complain to Him and keep complaining to Him. Take every problem and every frustration to the Cross! ✝️ I promise you… He promises you… He is listening and He has the answers!!

Whatever today holds remember God is bigger and stronger than anything you are facing!

If I had to pick the greatest gift that restored health has given me, it would definitely be time. Time to see the grandbabies a little more. Time to sit by the fire pit with my husband. Time to pursue life‘s little joys like planting flowers, taking a long walk or hiking in the #hockinghills. Yes, having energy, reduced pain, not being as tired are all gifts! However, the result is a renewed life which equals… you guessed it… more time! So worth the effort and investment!! I am so thankful to God!