So it's not often that I get nice, quiet showers or long pauses to think these days. But today I had both (at the same time :)) and thought about my often "woe is me" perspective: I'm tired, I haven't lost my pregnancy weight + the extra I had, I have stretchmarks, I have to get up at night and still function all day, I never have the house totally clean or very clean or in this case with stomach flu last week clean at all. Marriage has ups and downs, I never get enough time with my small group girls or time in the word, I don't cook enough good meals anymore, I'm not a good enough friend (read this post - very well said and convicting as I struggle with this as well http://smamak.blogspot.com/2012/12/resolute-part-2.html ). The list could go on and on, but then I stopped and with tears I thought, "I am SO blessed." Blessed beyond measure. I know Jesus. I have friends who love and care for me, I have a wonderful, Godly husband who helps me and loves me, I have 2 beautiful babies who make me laugh and smile constantly, I have a house. period. A comfortable place to sleep, a warm shower. A bible in my language and multiple copies on our shelves. An amazing church with amazing people.
Ok, you get my drift.
I have so, so much to be thankful for and it's hitting me after Thanksgiving. But I wanted to share anyway.
Also, Joe has been going through Galatians in the youth group and this week we were challenged to pick a work of the flesh and a fruit of the spirit from Galatians 5 to work on this week. It was hard to pick just one from each list, but I did and this has been a really great thing for me. Thought about that in the shower as well. And I challenge you to do this too, always good to read the fruit of the Spirit and to see them grow in our lives!
Happy Tuesday to you all :)
Thank you, Rachel, for the kind words. I also loved reading your Thankful post. Found it very convicting myself :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely think there are seasons in life. During some seasons we feel called to put everything into our work, our friendships, our marriage. During other seasons, we are able to absorb all the good we have put into those things and just be thankful for them. I definitely think you are in the latter season right now and I know my time for that is coming up in about 5 short months :) Before too long, you will move out of this season of life so don't fret over it while you are here and continue to be thankful, just as you are doing! I know I have been encouraged by you and I'm sure many others have as well! Thanks for sharing!
well I think you are a good friend and kate is right, this is a tough season to be a super intentional friend. But I have loved your letters even when we can't talk!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Rachel. It is so easy to think we are alone in our struggles, but in reality, Satan is the only one who wants us to believe that! I admire your honesty!
ReplyDeleteThanks all!
ReplyDeletedefinitely feeling that I'm learning so much in these months of tiredness & weakness. Thankful for that! The Lord has things to show us in each season eh?
I love the post Rachie! I know the feeling of thoughts going round and round and round in your head and you just spiral down. You broke the discontent with thankfulness. I am proud of you. Thank you for the honesty and the challenge. Also, that link was pretty awesome! holler.
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