At the end of the day

My sweet hubby bought these for me and then planted them in the yard.

I took this picture this morning.

Quickly, as it was just beginning to rain.

As it has done off and on all day.

At one point I didn’t realize it was raining, it was such a gentle mist I hadn’t seen it, but the refreshing smell and gentle dew on my face were like a gift.

The reason being my asthma has been troubling me all day long.

That one short moment I felt as if I could breathe, breathe without hindrance.

When my husband came home this evening he could tell with one look I’ve been struggling today.

We chatted for a little while as he ate.

Among the family business I wanted to share with him something I had noticed.

Two separate times I’d not been feeling well, I had started cleaning the house like it was a do or die kind of job.

I told my husband, upon reflection, I seemed to be counteracting some loss of control with more try.

When what I really needed to do was let it go.

And it wasn’t until the end of the day, right now, I can reflect on how important that is in any circumstance.

When things are causing me anxiety, like not breathing freely, I need to not put in more effort.

Instead, I need to do less, and pray more.

Because I can’t always tell I’m not breathing well.

As weird as it sounds, I sometimes just feel extra jittery, almost like too much caffeine.

My patience is also much reduced and little things, like a few dishes in the sink, can suddenly feel overwhelming.

It can be put in much shorter terms.

I’m stressed.

When stressed, whether due to physical or some other reason, my first response is to take charge and make changes.

Uhg.

Not what Jesus says.

1 Peter 5:6 NKJV — Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV — casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Humility doesn’t say, “Move aside, I’ve got this.”

Instead, it’s patient, waiting upon the Lord, at peace.

For the humble has understanding of the One Who cares for them has “got this”.

As I close my day, I’m so thankful for the reminder of what I already know.

I don’t have to try harder.

I simply have to humble myself and pray.

I pray the end of your day is as blessed as mine has been.

God be with you.

Sissy

(This post was supposed to be published in March. Please forgive my neglect! I hope you enjoy it despite the date.)

Sissy

That’s one of the nicknames our oldest daughter goes by,

but it certainly isn’t because she is puny or weak.

She hunts, both with a gun and a bow.

She fishes; pond, lake, river, or ocean,

it matters not.
Our oldest girl has often amazed me with her physical abilities.
When younger she was not a stellar athlete but what she didn’t have in size she made up for in “try”.
She has worked her body for basketball all winter,
now that it is spring she is running to stay in shape for track.
Her abilities in sports jumped to a new level because of her “try”.
It can be said that she is strong,
But it is because she has strength of determination to do what is hard,
To practice,
To run,
To give up some things, that would keep her from attaining her goal.

When it was cold and raining she still went running.
She missed out on fun activities with the family to go to practice.
When word of praise came her way she pointed to others who helped her get there.
The one thing she still struggles with is enduring the comments of others.
How is it that someone who can excel in so many areas can be brought down by a single sentence?
Probably because the true strength of character that comes from a humble and quiet spirit is one she is still exercising.

She has forced herself to walk with strength and humility in her attitudes.
Just as her body must be beaten into submission by daily work-outs,
So she is still beating back her thoughts, words, and actions.
I admire her for her continued effort.
Even when it is difficult and she is discouraged she comes back at it,
Goes in for another lap around the track, another chance to forgive, another moment to apologize.
She is a special young woman and one I am proud of.
And not because I am the reason she is the beautiful young lady that lives with me,

but because I know I am not.

Her faith is what has caused her to be able to overcome the struggles, trials, temptations.
And I look forward to the future, to see how the strength she has girded herself with shall help her in adulthood.

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” 31:17

Happy 16th Birthday Sissy!