And that's a wrap

Labor day has come and gone, and with that means another summer {and another lake season} have come to an end. If I stopped long enough to think long and hard about it, I would probably become pretty upset with this fact – because I do love some summertime – but before I can get too beat up about it, I think about how excited I am for fall.

Oh, by the way, yes, today was the first official day that the Pumpkin Spice Lattes are out. Walk Run to get yours. {Yes – I did get one today because a sweet coworker brought one to work for me – and I like mine with two pumps of toffee nut, so check that out!}

All I’ve wanted to reflect on lately has been how blessed I have been. I’m sure this is a constant struggle for most people, but do you ever just look around and become at peace about your life? I sure do, and lately, more than I ever have. I’ve seen a lot of heartache and loss this year, more so than in past years, and while I could use this time to question my faith and how God could let these terrible things happen to such good people, I’ve used the time to focus my energy towards being thankful to God over the immense blessings He has bestowed me with.

I have two adorable nephews, a precious niece, wonderful parents and siblings, in-laws that love and accept me, the sweetest and cutest Dobermans in the world, a job that I enjoy going to every day, and last, but certainly not least, a husband that means everything in the world to me.  

The following bible verse has been coming into my mind lately {I’m sure you’ve heard it!}:

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

If I replace the word “Love” and enter the name “Charles,” I find that the verse I am reading is true. Charles is patient. Charles is kind. Charles does not envy, Charles does not boast, Charles is not proud. Charles keeps no record of wrongdoings. Charles does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Charles always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. This is how I know I’ve found the man for which I am meant to spend my entire life.

I’ve always felt that I’d found my match, my person, in Charles, but lately this feeling has been overwhelming. Maybe it’s because we are approaching our 2^nd wedding anniversary later this month, or maybe God is just working in mysterious ways, but I have a feeling of peace about our future. It truly is well with my soul. Maybe all the sorrow and heartbreak I’ve seen lately was meant to happen to teach me the significance of the greatest blessings that I have right in front of me.

 

A cup of perspective for your Thursday

Hello, blog land!

Let's be honest for a second. We have all had those days, those AWFUL days, where you just yell at every driver {because CLEARLY they don't know how to drive}, your clothes are driving you nuts, everything your friends post on facebook is making you irritated, and you're just in an all around terrible mood.

That was my day yesterday. It's starting out to be this way again today.

I thought I might give you a cup of perspective, if you will, for all of the times you have these inevitably wretched days {and you will}.

In the midst of my horrible mood yesterday, after leaving work almost an hour late on an already horribly busy day, I hated EVERY driver, I was irritated by everything, and on the driver home I saw a few things that made me feel guilty for even being in a bad mood over a hard day at work. I don't think it was a coincidence, I don't fully believe in coincidences. I firmly believe that God shows you things exactly as you need to see them, and puts people in your life to teach you something.

First, on my drive, I saw a homeless gentleman. Here I am just stewing in my anger about something that happened at work, when I am blessed enough to have a job to support my family and I have a roof over my head. I instantly felt guilty. So often we take forgranted that even though our job might be frustrating or difficult at times, we have a job to show up to every morning. In a society where everyone wants "more, more, more", it's easy to forget to take time and appreciate the small blessings that we have every day.

Secondly, I overheard a single mother in the grocery store talking on the phone trying to sort a few things out, while she had two very small children tugging on her arm and pulling her every which direction. She looked like a very loving mother, she was cool as a cucumber with the children, but you could just hear the panic in her voice on the phone. She sounded about how I felt: stressed and frantic. I don't have children {besides my two fur children, who are a slight huge handful at times..}, but I can only imagine how difficult it would be to have two small children, and I completely respect all of the single moms {and single dad's!} out there. I am blessed to have a loving husband who is always there to lend a helping hand, as well as a family that I can call on for help whenever I'm in need. Having that luxury alone is the biggest blessing I could imagine.

The final thing I saw yesterday that really just made me feel quite silly for being in such an irritated mood over something so small.  While driving home, I saw a police office and an EMT crew working an accident {it appeared to me that everyone was ok, but the wreck looked pretty bad}. It has been extremely chilly around these parts the past week, and I was instantly thankful to be driving in my warm car to my warm new home than working out in the cold weather. I also became thankful that my friends and family are all safe and sound, as accidents can happen any minute.

Since this morning started out being stressful from the get go, I decided I needed to take back, reflect on my reminder from yesterday that I am "too blessed to be stressed," especially over such miniscule things.

Today, I am thankful for hairdressers. Hair days are the best days, and I can't wait until 3:30, when I am well on my way to a much needed hair appointment with a glass of wine in my hand, being pampered.

What do you take forgranted on a daily basis? I think I really needed those little reminders yesterday to remember the blessings I have in my life.

Here's a picture of some fog this morning in beautiful Arkansas. Isn't it beautiful?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

I'll be back before you know it! Be Blessed! XoXo