Now, there was no sign of this very-bad-rotten-no good-day when I got up this morning. It was a beautiful, sunny, clear day. I blissfully got ready and got my boys off to school without a hitch. Then I came home, piddled around the house, did a blog post about cats and Black Friday, and talked to my daughter on the phone.
Good day….and then the phone rang. It was my daughter with “bad news”. Her bad news was that she - after 3+ years of driving - had her first up close and personal meeting with the Georgia State Patrol. Not only will this be a very expensive little lesson, but I am angry at her choice, which could have taken her life or someone else’s (I am seriously angry). It scares me to my core to think what could have happened. Also, I now get to sit back and feel just a bit sick about what that means $$$wise. Next,the furnace repair guy came out to do a repair. I knew he was coming but what I didn’t know, was that it would be a $530 visit. Now, I just get to feel sick again.
A few years ago I learned in a Bible study that we should thank God for the challenges. That was something that has resonated with me many times. Most of the time, honestly, I don’t “feel” like thanking Him for the challenges. My instinct is to whine over the challenges and just be frustrated (we ARE being transparent here, right?). But, I try to Thank Him for the challenges, even if at first it is more of a “fake it until you make it”. He knows my heart and He knows the struggle I have with thanking Him when I don’t see His big picture.
But, even in the shallow world in which I live, He gently reminds me of ways to be thankful. I am thankful that my daughter is safe. I am thankful that I am not planning a funeral or sitting beside a hospital bed. I am thankful that I have a furnace that needs a repair (as so many souls sit in the cold without heat), that I have a roof over my head; no one in my house is hungry. I am thankful that I serve a God that is in control and has a plan, is patient and especially that He puts up with my whiney self!
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
Psalm 138:1-2 (NLT)
"I try to Thank Him for the challenges, even if at first it is more of a “fake it until you make it”." AMEN! This is exactly right!!!
ReplyDeleteFriend, we have all had those stinky days, including the dreaded "Mom, I got a ticket" call. Ugh!!! In the words of George Costanza's Dad....Serenity Now!!
ReplyDeleteTo be totally transparent, I don't like days like that at all. It is so hard for me to 'look on the bright side' sometimes. However, you are so right...the ticket could have saved your daughter's life. I am thanking God now for you and her. Hopefully, this will be a lesson that sticks with her forever. I love your saying, "fake it until you make it." I'll have to remember that one. God Bless! Carla
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, we all have those days.
ReplyDeleteMy question is did she just get a ticket or was it an accident. I immediately thought ticket, but then when you posted that you were thankful that you were not planning a funeral or sitting beside a hospital bed, it made me rethink. Whichever, I am glad she is okay, and I do hope she learned her lesson.
Tommorow will be better and think about the boys with their hands in the pool. That put a smile on my face!!
You have written the post that fits us all. Some days the challenges don't stop coming at us.
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude about it all. It's kinda like the Potter who bakes his work in the kiln to make it stronger. Seems like you have been in the oven all day.
God Bless.
I have been traveling for three weeks but managed to get out a post yesterday. Please drop by for a visit. Hugs, Ginger
First of all, I'm thankful for all of those things for you. That your precious daughter is ok, that you have the means to pay an expensive home repair bill & that you have such a trusting relationship with our God. Secondly, I'm thankful to call you my friend.
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up girl. God gave you all those emotions. Anger, frustration, etc. They serve a purpose. You chose what to do with them.
Michelle, I know that sick feeling, I got it the day the $600 water bill came. I'm glad that the bad news from your daughter was from her and not from the police that she was injured. Challenges, we sure all have them.
ReplyDeleteYou and I could be BFFs. We are two peas in a pod sista. I know exactly what you are talking about. I've been having a lot of "challenges" lately. I keep asking God, "Are you sure I'm that strong?" Certain days I feel like giving up but then I imagine myself in the ring with boxing gloves on going against satan. My relatives in heaven are cheering me on. That gives me the encouragement to make it another day. I'm happy to hear that your daughter is ok. Give her a good "Mama" lecture and remind her every holiday, "remember that year when you...." :) That's the cost of doing something stupid...your family never forgets...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your daughter is okay. I like your approach to life's challenges. Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteCAS