I'm not sure about you, but for me, that's not always my first thought each morning. This year, however, life's many twists and turns have taught me to look at everything differently.
Whether I like it or not, I look at things from the good and the bad. I'd like to credit that to my writing, but I think that is simply the way I was born. When my husband was reassigned to a non-school position, my first instinct was anger. Then I chose to look at it as a blessing, that he would have less stress and more time with our family. As the year proceeded, we did indeed need more time together. We had a new grandson, my mother spent several days in the hospital, and we were adjusting to an empty nest – for the third time.
Then came another turn we never expected. My husband, the eternal optimist who never has a bad day, who loves going to school so much he didn't count days until summer vacation but until the first day of school in the fall, lost his job.
In our 32 years together, we have learned to make the best of the good times and hold on tight through the rough times. I won't lie, it's a challenge at times not to let fear and depression steal our hope. But we know that we are not alone. The little things that used to sound cliché now ring true. We have our health. We have our love, and we have our faith. God has a plan, and we're taking this opportunity to appreciate all we have been given. We're taking this time to simplify our lives. Before we know it, we'll be busier than ever and cherish the gift of slowing down.
I am practicing gratitude- for the coolest and wettest summer on record. Thankfulness for the countless blessings we share. Simplicity-remembering that we can live without so many modern conveniences. Our empathy for the many who have been down this road is stronger and deeper than ever before.
So today find something to celebrate!
Carol Steward
Posts
Carol, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's job loss. You have an amazing attitude we should all try to adopt!
ReplyDeleteFunny...I was reading your post when all of a sudden we lost power. It was out for probably 3 hours this morning on a day when much needed to be done. When it was finally restored I finished reading your post about doing without all the modern conveniences. Boy, we are so tied to electricity. So in finding something to be thankful for...I am VERY thankful to have the power restored quickly and am much more thankful for my modern conveniences.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post.
Sherry k
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Missy. Change is no fun, especially the kind of changes that affect your job.
It certainly is making me look back and not only appreciate the good years, but wonder why I didn't realize at that time how much I took it for granted!
ReplyDeleteWe look back at our newlywed days of simplicity when we have all of this "stuff" and how "good" the "good old days" really were. I have that chance to appreciate it all now, and for that I'm very grateful!
Carol, I'm so sorry you're going through a difficult time. Your words are very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I realized I need to remember God's plan isn't always my plan. And just thinking about it made me very grateful to be exactly where I am today.
God has a wonderful plan for you and your husband. Hang in there!
Thanks for the encouragement. God is good, and we'll get through this fine. Might lose a few pounds even. :)
ReplyDeleteSherry, it only takes a short time without electricity to appreciate having it, doesn't it. We love camping, but not inside our house. We've been very fortunate not to have to go without for more than a few hours after storms. Even in Denver one year there were several thousand who went days after a blizzard without electricity. And of course, I often think of Hurricaine Katrina victims, and tornado victims, and I don't think twice about how fortunate we are.
we have had some bad news this week our son-in-law was digonised with lukimia, the type that can be treaded with medication, but still not a good thing, he is only 35 and they have 2 small children, please remember him in your prayers.
ReplyDeletemamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
Edna,
ReplyDeleteI'll certainly pray for him. It's an awful disease, but hopefully this treatment plan will work for him.
God bless you for bringing this to our attention so we can be praying for your family.
Carol