Thanksgiving has just passed, and Christmas is approaching. It got me thinking as it does every year. Each year I care about gifts less and less and appreciate the small things more and more. I'm thankful for long awaited love, a job that pays the bills, my crazy wonderful children, my cluttered home, my welcoming church family, and so much more.
I started this blog to explore my writing abilities and options for the future. It gives me a place to think. I'm almost 50, and things are changing in my life. I've hit menopause, which is like a train wreck. My kids are growing and moving out, and it's heart wrenching. One of my parents has passed and the other is getting older, and it's saddening. I'd like to change careers, but it's really challenging to know how. I'm more tired, and my body is confused, so it needs more attention. However, I'm more aware and brave than ever before.
So, my thoughts for myself and you are to appreciate what you have right this very moment. Breathe and appreciate the small and big things. Allow yourself to enjoy the new things that aren't what you expected (like kids moving out). Make practical small steps forward in your dreams. Take care of your body because you only get one (I don't know about you, but young me didn't do a good job at that). Give yourself what rest you need, and seek Jesus. He's always there, and your eternal soul is the only thing you get to keep. I'm giving advice to myself now. Pursue your relationship with Jesus, and I think it will help with the other things (my young self didn't always do great with this either. Prayers for all.