Lessons in Humility and Love

This has been a challenging week for me. For a little while this week frustration stole my joy and clouded my eyes to what blessings were sprinkled into the week. I realized I had to make a choice: I could either keep fuming about the problems that weren't mine to own or I could start recognizing what beautiful and awesome things were going right around me.

seeing the beautiful sunrise over the soft hills and tall grass of the open prairies on my drive to work
listening to music that speaks of the truths that soothe my hurts and disappointments
time in devotions with the friends I work alongside to kick off the day right
hearing the giggles of my kiddos 
celebrating 100 days of school and the kindergarten skills that have been conquered
photographing a day of laughs and love and rollerskating as a school
silly Snaps with my family
sneaking in a dinner date with my husband on a weeknight
snuggling with the puppies while watching my favorite show
reading the Word filled with love and encouragement 
feeling peace and joy trickling back into me until I was full 
being able to humble myself before God and ask for help
knowing His love and grace are endless

A few months ago I went through a spell of feeling like some of the expectations put on me were things I was not capable of doing, and I was really frustrated and dejected as I anticipated failure. I wondered what I had handled the wrong way to get stuck with the task, and I was pretty glum when I sat down to read a devotion. It contained a verse that I immediately wrote down and stuck to my computer so I would see it often.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

[Romans 8:28]

I need those words, friends, and I need them when I feel frustrated or incapable. I need them when life isn't going the way I planned...which is every single day.

Sometimes those things that knock us on our butt in life are just a lot of small things that pile up together to pack quite a punch. Sometimes it's one big thing that hurts. I'm comforted in knowing that God never promised life would be easy. He promised never to leave my side, though, and I know that I'm blessed even in the moments it doesn't feel like it. I know I'm walking away from this week with more wisdom than I entered it with, and the stuff that was bothering me has ended up being a blessing. Without that I wouldn't have been humble enough to admit how lousy and lost I am without the hope that I have because of my Savior. I would have missed the little blessings around me that brought joy and peace to my heart as I was reminded that God walks with me.

And now it's Friday night. I face a pile of things to do for school, piles of laundry to fold, dog training to do, and many other items on my to do list this weekend, but it's a welcomed change in pace to be home and working on these things. It's time to be refreshed and renewed for the ups and downs next week will bring. I know I'll mess up, but I know it's all good. If you don't believe me, go back and read Romans 8:28 a few more times until you know it, too.