Sober women are never devoid of choices

August 31. If there is one thing I have learned over the past couple years (probably more if you count parenting) is there is so much we just don’t know.

And not only that but honestly, to have any peace in life it is imperative that we snuggle up with our blanket and get super comfortable next to the not knowing.

Wrapped in understanding that most things are truly out of our control. This doesn’t mean we are devoid of choices even in the most impossible of situations or when we believe there is no choice, think again there always is.

Every time this line of thinking comes up for me, I immediately go to the story of Paul, sitting in that dark, dirty prison all alone. Where literally beheading was his seeming fate. Yet he said “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thess 5:16-18.

He wasn’t even touting the gratitude we use to change our attitudes like being thankful for sunshine, blowing leaves or cookies and milk. He was rejoiced in that dark, clamy cell in the only thing he had left, hope. The hope that the gospel would spread because of his imprisonment, that through prayer the spirit would work all things for good.

I don’t know about you but this is hard sometimes.

When life is cruel and miserable turning to even the mundane, taken for granted areas of life seems annoying. And we can find every counter excuse or argument to shut down anyone’s attempt and changing our attitude.

I hope I don’t do that. I hope that despite the horribleness of this broken world, the pain we endure from life’s punches that I can strive to be even a tiny bit like Paul.

Eternal optimism might be a stretch but seeking gratitude and focusing on hope seem realistic. Even in tragedy there are lessons, there are silver linings, thankfulness and mostly hope.

The promise of a new day. The rebirth of the old when spring comes. The movement of the clock. And most of all the hope we all have from the cross.

What are you facing today?

What challenges have you all balled up in your own head stomping your feet and refusing to find the good in anything? Maybe it’s a huge loss, an inconvenience, and unexpected change.

For us right now its Corona quarantine, super annoying, sad and lonely. DH running around doing all the things taking care of everyone.

The gratitude we have now is or minor symptoms and natural immunity. And our incredibly supportive family member who are helping.

Oh and for sunshine on our skin when we go outside, Kleenex and Netflix.

Be well.

XO,

Shelby