I am becoming very familiar with the grieving process.
When I first learned about the stages of grief back in
college, I had absolutely no idea how many times I would go through that
process in the years to come. Just within the last 18 months I have lost seven
family members and friends. It certainly hasn’t gotten any easier; however,
I now recognize it for what it is. I’ve noticed that there is an ebb and flow to
grief. At this point in my life, I am more comfortable with embracing the
process and “riding the wave.”
God is faithful to give us what we need, often before we
even realize that we need it.
Back in October, when I was writing about “Letting Go,” I
knew that this was something I was also going to teach on in the Moms group
that I lead. Each week as I have prepared to teach, I have noticed that each
lesson is as much for me now as it is for the rest of the group (maybe even
more). God knew exactly what I would need. He’s cool like that.
Self-awareness can be a tricky process.
You just cannot believe all of the stuff that I have learned
about myself in the last few weeks. I’ve learned that my perfect occupation is
writer (woo hoo), that I am an “effortlessly cool parent”, and that I should
really live in the state of Mississippi. If I were a Disney princess, I would
be Belle. I’ve always fancied myself to be more like Snow White, so I’m glad we
got that cleared up. I am also most like the character Belle from the show “Once
Upon a Time.” Consistency is good. However, my perfect Disney couple is
Cinderella and Prince Charming. Hmmm…
If I were a Muppet, I
would be Beaker. I am the most like Hawkeye from the Avengers. I should have
majored in Eco Science (too late, the Psych degree will have to do). The
European country I should live in is Malta. This one seems completely
reasonable to me. I think I would do very nicely in the Mediterranean. Finally,
if I were a kind of potato, I would be tater tots! This one is very important
and revealing for a girl who is a native Idahoan. Apparently tater tots are the
life of the party. So why don’t I go to more parties?! Oh yeah, because I’m an
introvert and a highly sensitive person. Parties are quite draining for
me, so I might not go. But if you don’t invite me, then I will be really hurt!
Real lesson learned: I’ve spent wayyy too much time taking
BuzzFeed quizzes!!!
The best way to respond in challenging times- TRUST GOD.
I encountered some difficult situations during the month of
February. All too often my response is to basically freak out and proclaim
that the world is coming to an end. Overly- dramatic? Well, it is what it is.
Anyway, I have been really working on changing that response to one of trusting
God and resting in His peace. I am happy to report that I was actually able to
do this more often in February. Guess what happened when I did? It all worked out okay
and I was able to maintain my composure and live in peace. TRUST. Just. Do. It.
A little bit of hope goes a long way.
As I was walking to my mailbox last week, I noticed a little
something that immediately gave me hope. Little green shoots, pushing their way
through the mulch. 
“It's spring fever. That is what
the name of it is. And when you've got
it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just
fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
~Mark Twain
