Things I Learned During the Month of February

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.

Spring is coming! Just seeing that little sign of life gave me such a jolt of energy and encouragement. A couple of days later I found the first crocus blooms.

 

Well Helloooo Gorgeous!!! I was instantly reminded that a little bit of hope is all it takes to keep us going.

“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