Irony

My dad and I always fought over the definition of the word "irony." (And I was always right, by the way.) Years ago there was a joke-rumor going around that Rosa Parks was hit by a bus and killed. I told him that was ironic.

"No," he replied. "Now, if she had been sitting at the front of the bus and got shot by a drive-by, THAT would have been ironic."

No offense to Ms. Rosa Parks, but we fought over you for years.

The day before yesterday I was feeling bored and stuck in the house in the middle of an overdone routine with these two toddlers. Living vicariously through my mother (who had a day off work), I called her, fishing for "fun" information. After a good chuckle, I hung up and asked the kids, "So, what should we do today?"

Without blinking, my 2-year old daughter put up her hands, said, "I dunno," then vomitted all over the living room carpet.

ironic.

My Psalms reading for this morning fell into Psalm 127.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward

Very ironic. How interesting that Solomon sees fit to remind us of the blessings of children right after reminding us that "He gives to His beloved sleep."

But I encourage you to read into the first part of that Psalm. It was a good reminder that no matter what I do around here in my current chosen occupation, nothing good will come of it if it's not done in the Lord. So much of my focus is on the "here and now." My attention needs to on my kids ability to direct their focus to Him.

And my focus? Well, I told you we were studying the second half of Daniel. My head is spinning each time I finish a homework lesson. Last night's was no exception. In looking through Daniel 8, we learned that the focus of that beast is not Antichrist, but Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The prophecy of his dreadful ruling was a foreshadowing of what Antichrist will do in the end times. And we were directed to look into I Thessalonians 4:18.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

All the things Paul had listed in regard to end times events were downright frightening and/or jaw-dropping. But he ended by reminding us of the purpose of his writing them.

To comfort one another. Encourage. Give Hope. Redirect Focus.

Yup, that's the one I liked, too. My focus needs to be on my Savior and showing my kids how to do the same. Once I can do that, maybe I won't be so bored during the day.

And maybe He'll consider me His beloved and grant me sleep.

Interesting

Yesterday I made it back to Bible study. This study is great. We're currently in the 8th chapter of Daniel and my head is still spinning from yesterday's work.

But what's interesting is what was read during worship. Some other women were glad to take over leading worship for me as I wasn't ready to commit back yet. And the dear woman who normally sings with me was left to read something in between songs. She was nervous, but she did great. And what I find interesting in my own little life struggles here is what the Lord gave her to read:

"When asked if I find the glass half full or half empty, I just reply that I'm thankful to have a cup."

I can't remember the name of the famous person she quoted as having said this, but it hit home for me. Looking at life isn't a matter of black and white, optimist or pessimist, half full or half empty. It requires being thankful for the things we have and not complaining about the way we have them or the lack of what we think we need.

interesting....any thoughts???

Glass Half-Full

It's hard to determine whether the glass is half full or half empty. I never much bought into the "it's-all-in-how-you-look-at-it" ideal. Isn't it one or the other? Or just "half occupied?"

I got up early enough to get back to the gym today, but I chose not to go since I was already hurting at 5:00 am. Okay. Gym. Bad idea still. So I'm disappointed I didn't go, but glad I didn't go and hurt myself in the process.

So I slept till hubby got out of the shower and got up, took a shower and came down here with enough time to enjoy my coffee and spend some time with Jesus. Great! The loud kid woke up, which woke the light sleeper and I couldn't retain a single thought I tried to read. So I'm bummed I have to move my reading time to later this morning, but glad I at least got up with plenty of time this morning.

I'm glad I can still take a few moments here and there to sit (since my body is still trying to heal) but I feel guilty if my kids are in front of the tv too much or my husband has to do too much around the house.

Last night I made dinner. First time in almost a month. I was glad to do it and I wanted to see it through and actually feel like I accomplished something. So, chili was simmering and I thought I could return videos, drive through the bank and pick up chinchilla food before it would be time to make some breadsticks and serve dinner. I got home and hubby had his revised chili (without my breadsticks--which he didn't know I wanted to make) served on the table, waiting for me. Glad he helped to get something done around here? yes. Disappointed I couldn't see one thing through? absolutely.

These are all little things, I know. Most wives would kill for their husbands to just pick it up in the middle and get it done. Most people I know can easily make themselves stay down and take the time they need to recover from something major like surgery.

So why is this so hard for me? Why do I choose to look at things "half-empty?" Is it just that I'm tired of having to depend on everyone else for things? I can only do things halfway these days. Have Julia stand on the stairs so I can carry her, but I can't pick her up. Have Brad bring the laundry baskets up and down, but I can fold them. Go to the grocery store, but have him bring in the heavy bags.

I think maybe I'm starting to feel helpless. Or halfway helpless. I want to do for myself---I'm very used to that. But I'm stuck. And it stinks.

Maybe there's something to this "how-you-look-at-it" thing after all? Maybe I'm doing more damage than good by looking at things this way.

Maybe I just need more coffee.

I'm Trying to Welcome Myself Back

So, it's a pretty sad state when my last post was LAST YEAR. I feel like I've lost a whole year since I've not been feeling well since last April (at least). In the past few months, I've hit rock bottom with my health and had to have a hysterectomy. The surgery was just last week and things went well. Now I'm looking forward to getting back into my routine....into good health...into some sort of "normalcy." It's amazing to see how lousy one can feel when you're thrown out of your routine.

So I'm welcoming myself back into my routine and into good health. I appreciate your encouragement as I start from scratch in getting back to normal.

Oh---and we started the second half of the book of Daniel, so be prepared for some great stuff coming up...from Daniel...not from me. :)