Where has the time gone? It is nothing but a blur...I have sat down several times to write a new post - but I had to put it on the slow-burner. Life kept getting in the way!
Do you ever feel like that? You have good intentions and it's all planned out in your head - but then you are forced to re-prioritize, or just nix it altogether...
I once heard a wise saying that I have never forgotten: "People take precedence over plans!"
Much has happened in the past 3 months since I last wrote to you. We sold our home and moved into a smaller one --- much smaller. Downsizing is NOT for the faint-of-heart. Then we spent a couple of weeks doing some minor renovations including flooring. That is not an easy task when you are still living in the home! I am now in the process of unpacking and re-evaluating the necessity of many items as I go through them one by one. There will undoubtedly be more sold at garage sales, more given away to charity, and more taken to the dump. My husband and I are settling into our retirement abode - ever so slowly.
In addition to the move, I have also dealt with my Dad having major surgery and the discovery of cancer. I am the eldest of two daughters and the only one living in close proximity to my parents. Many family responsibilities and duties have kept me busy over the past several weeks. As is the case with most aging parents, their adult children are more involved in their day to day care giving and assistance. I am also still employed part time and have a retired spouse at home.
So - now you know why I haven't been writing lately! So sorry for the lapse ---
As I take a DEEP BREATH to relieve the stress, I am also giving myself permission to rest and take my time with the whole "unpacking thing". Moving can stretch any marriage and bring out the worst in your relationship. God has gently urged me to extend more grace and use more patience while we are settling into our new home.
Unpacking can be exhilarating and exhausting. Each box opened is a reminder of a memory, an accomplishment, a failure, a dream, a regret... a whole gamut of emotions. One box dredges up memories from when our son was a toddler. Another box reveals treasures from past travels. Others house rarely used serving pieces and cooking utensils. How did I acquire so much in 30+ years of marriage?Oh well... day by day I'm beginning to see the fruits of my labors. Room by room I'm making progress. Little by little things are being put away.
So - in the meantime I have given myself permission to post on the Blog as I have time and not stress about it. My sanity and well-being at home takes priority right now, along with my precious family.
Our son came into town for a week and my granddaughter celebrated her 4th birthday. Life lived fully is life lived well...
Halloween is here - so I am posting this link to a piece I did last year Trick or Treat
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
Deborah, I want to encourage you in your daily living for the Lord, yourself and loved ones.
ReplyDeleteWe are at a similar place in life, though retirement for me is 2 to 5 years off. I know what it is to have people take priority over writing or other avocational interest one may have. I am most happiest when viewing that as perhaps God's divine plan and thus grouse a lot less.
Down-sizing is in our future, we had some things within our daughter's life occur that put that temporarily on hold.
May you truly enjoy what is your daily portion from the Lord of life today.
Blessings in our Savior.
David
http://graftedinandonthejourney.blogspot.com
Thanks for the kinds words David. Each day is an adventure and a blessing from God. I appreciate the encouragement!
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