In my last post I mentioned a few observations I have made through personal experience in the past month. So as not to be considered too shallow and living my life by cliches, here's a bit of flesh on those observations. Please feel free to join in and comment on lessons you may have learned...or relearned...recently.
* disappointments happen.....When you have your heart/mind set on something and it doesn't pan out, that's disappointment. It's also potentially grief and bitterness and regret and disillusionment and despair. But letting it move from disappointment to those other more 'nasty' feelings is my choice. And I want to choose life and courage and peace and love and faith instead. It's a lesson I am sure to learn again and again, but each time I am faced with disappointment I want to see it through eyes of hope.
* there are always opportunities to help others.....Yes there are and it takes time and energy and sometimes costs financially. But it is the life I am called to...to LOVE others in words and deeds. I need to ensure there is enough flexibility in me and my planned life to see and take these opportunities.
* self-sacrifice is so very hard....hmmmmmmmm. As a first-time Mum this has been the learning theme of my year. I started thinking about this so many months ago and it has been at the forefront of many thoughts since then. And I don't think that all my thinking about is has made it any easier to do:) But I know it is the example Jesus set, so it needs to be the walk I walk too. And the more I do it, the easier it might get. Or not....but at least I know I am living right, even if it hurts a little.
* there's more joy & frustration to be had in a day of playing with a toddler than I ever thought possible...Thankfully the joys far exceed the frustrations. So many new things with little j this year that have blessed my socks off. Firsts everywhere....first teeth...time sitting alone....steps...sounds (not quite words although 'Da' and 'tractor' have been pretty clear)....p** on the potty....hand clapping....cuddles and kisses (full of sweet baby sloppiness)...etc...etc.... So many little wonder moments to treasure. Thankfully, I have captured plenty of these moments on film so will have them always to remind me of the joy of baby/toddler j.
* Central Qld summers are so very sticky....I laughed at the weatherzone.com.au weather report on my town the other day. Temp - 29 degrees. Feels like: 35 degrees. Then, the temp. went up just 1 degree but the Feels like maxed out at 38 degrees. Uuugghhh! But I do have cool running water, an ice machine, air con and the anticipation of a cooler summer on the hill next year. So no more complaining!
* the internet can be such a time waster....Which is part of the reason I have backed off Facebook of late. There are way too many times in a day when I am sitting right here and not doing other things that would be infinitely more beneficial. And I hate the idea that some days j sees almost as much of my back as my smiling face:(
* plans change....Another reason why determining NOW how I will react to disappointment is a must. And another reason why flexibility is so important if I am going to stay sane.
* farewells are not always sad....I said goodbye to some people this year and there were no tears, which is extremely rare for me. I guess it is about perspective to some degree. And gratefulness for the time we had together outweighing the loss of parting.
* self-absorbtion doesn't really help anyone....Really? I feel strangely better...but that is only in the midst of the pity party. As soon as I start the clean-up though I realise how pathetic I have been.
* parents are lovely.....mine have been especially good to us this year and I am grateful. It is so wonderful to have them come for visits and see them in action with their little grandson and have them bless us with gardening and painting and advice and Aldi nappies! (BTW, my parents-in-law are lovely too:)
* op shopping is fun.....Particularly if you go without any expectations and then BAM! you discover a bargain or 3. I have had lots of fun hours book and toy and kids' clothes shopping and spent a grand total of about, oh....$34.70!!
* pork crackling is so yummy....Especially when it is cooked on the bbq by your husband.
* Christmas carols lighten my spirit....I love the tunes, I love the lyrics. I love the meaning....'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men....Do not be afraid....The Saviour has come!...Emmanuel, God with us.' Got goose bumps now!
* teenagers are capable of so much good stuff.....I have taught and loved a bucketload of wonderful teenaged girls (and a small handful of brilliant boys) this year at my school. I have been challenged and blessed by them...enormously. I am excited about seeing them in action again next year.
* waiting can be tiring.....And that's why I try to do it wrapped in faith, with my eyes on the One who promises to walk the journey with me.
* living with hope is essential....And that's why I try to do it wrapped in faith, with my eyes on the One who is ALWAYS good, who never leaves me and who gives me contentment and peace for each moment.
