This post is a hodge podge of thoughts, hopefully it will make sense. It goes without saying that I am about 25 posts behind. We have done some super fun things in this great city! I am behind partly because I have been extremely busy, partly because my laptop broke, partly because I have been suffering with TMJ and the position my head is in at my computer hurts my head, partly because we got a new MAC computer (that I love BTW) that I am still learning but mostly because time seems to be evaporating into thin air. I worry that just the basic responsibilities and task oriented nature of our days are squeezing out the smiles and giggles.... I don't like that. I don't remember the last time I was able to post a THANKFUL THURSDAY, being grateful takes time and energy, 2 things I have had little of. I am mourning the loss of many precious things that would have and should have been posted on my BYT blog but have not been able to and have since lost those fleeting spiritual moments to the necessities of a busy big family life.
Which brings me to my next thought. I am so grateful for my life. We have such a loving and happy life. Though we are happy the obvious strains that are on big families are taxing and I am VERY mortal. I am grateful for the power I bestow to make everyday a better one. I know that sounds corney but it is true. That I can go to sleep overwhelmed, feeling totally defeated by my day and awake with new resolve to make THIS day better. Having an acute awareness into your faults and flaws (like I do) can do one of two things, it can be debilitating or it can be empowering... today I choose empowering. I am grateful for that power to choose. I am grateful for a great parenting quote I found this last week.... it very well might have changed my life.
"Bringing up a family should be an adventure, not an anxious discipline in which everyone is constantly graded for performance." Milton r. Saperstein
This quote resonated in me not only in relationship to my kids but in relationship to myself as well.
We have a great summer planned, fun but crazy and literally about to begin. It is 8 straight weeks of one, some or all of us being away from home, in different city's and states at different times. I am grateful that school is nearing an end and for the adventures this summer will bring.
So to make this short... I am grateful for many things but today I mention 2
1) For the Gospel of Jesus Christ that makes everything go full circle. All happiness and joy that I experience is hinged on this gospel. When I am mindful of my Savior and make CHOICES in harmony with Him, I am happy and at peace and I carry with me the knowledge and faith that He does "maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters" no matter how rapid and swift they feel at times. There is reprieve in His arms.
2) Is similar to the above, the power I have to choose my attitude amongst all the business and noise. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh. 24:15.) Then... all will be well. My busy life is not going to get less busy or less demanding... so I must become a better mind manager and make conscious choices to bring about the results I seek.
I read something some time ago that helped me realize this. That at the end, all that really matters isn't the things you did, but what its effects are today, not the knowledge you have learned, but how you applied it, not the words that were said, but how they made you feel, and most of all, not the moment of occurrence, but how its now just a part of our legacy. What legacy are you leaving? It all centers in a choice, our agency, that is powerful and empowering.
SOME QUOTES WORTH MENTIONING... these little gems help keep things in perspective.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."Abraham Lincoln
"The secret of happiness is to make others believe they are the cause of it." Al Batt
"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life."Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. " Robert Brault
“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” Norman Cousins
Hope your day is great! If you feel up to it.. comment back to me something you are grateful for, that would make be happy and grateful!
4 comments:
Loved your thoughts, as always. I'm thankful for the chance I've had to get to know both you and your wonderful kiddoes. Such a gift! Thank YOU!
I'm grateful for your thankful posts....they always make me stop and think about the important things.
Love the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote. I am feeling this sentiment will all kinds of fervor as my babies get bigger. Sophie will go to college in 6 years. Too soon for my taste.
Jen, I really needed that so much today. I was in tears through the whole thing. Thank you for posting it.
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