This morning, I woke to the picture text below from my oldest. I got the giggles, then outright laughter, then I was laughing so hard I was crying and gasping for breath. He and I talk often. Last year was extremely difficult for him due to 3 concussions, 2 plays, and 1 packed class schedule. This year has been better… quieter. For him and for me, but there are still times of being OVERWHELMED.
I sat in my car pondering after dropping my youngest two off for rehearsal this morning. This year has come with added responsibility for me at work on multiple levels – having been asked to be part of the school leadership team and a union rep. I have a pretty heavy class load to boot. And I have the greatest amount of students with special needs this year.
So… why am I at peace? Why do I come home ready for the evening, usually with a smile and an expectation of quality time with my kids over homework, a family game, grocery shopping, laundry, or whatever the evening holds?
It’s simple.
In early September, when I was feeling like the college student – overwhelmed, spent, and hopeless – God began challenging me from multiple angles to focus on Thankfulness and Joy. Not in a forced way.
I started getting up in the morning, and, while brushing my teeth, staring at a piece of foil with the acronym G.A.S. on it that a good friend gave me the summer after my wife died. Gratitude. Attitude. Servanthood. G.A.S. Then I turn on worship music, and before my kids and I head off to school, we have devotions and a short family prayer. I feel bulletproof. And when things happen as they are want to do, I find myself handling it with more grace and ease.
Looking back at the meme, I realize it could be taken as manipulation towards parents to send money; I get that. But all I see is the reminder to focus on Joy and Thankfulness. My counselor just told me (as have many friends) that I seem to be in a good spot. I responded with No I am in a great spot.
Good Grief?!? 