On Sunday, I was having a blue day, I don't know why because it was a gorgeous day. Plus, I'm an "otter" and this kind of feeling is rare for me--which makes it harder for me to deal with.
I like life to be fun.
When I'm not an otter, I'm a "lion," and I like to control things. So in my effort to loosen the restraints of control (as if I'm in control of anything) and turn to God,
I started talking to Him, and He got me listing my blessings
(as I drove to CVS to get some black licorice...)
Here's some of what I came up with, some that I've been counting ever since:
1) Bradford and our marriage
He makes my heart sing and he makes me smile and feel loved each day.
He tells me I do the same.
It's so good to know.
I so enjoy getting to know him, it will take a lifetime.
2) Mackers
I love every memory of him and every moment of him.
He loves me unconditionally.
And I him.
We learn from the perfect times and the imperfect times.
3) My job
It's a good and important one.
4) Writing
What a gift to be able to reach out with words.
They're communicative, cathartic, enriching.
It matters to be able to share even the picayune stuff of life.
5) My home
It's such a comfort to me, just to be here.
6) Books
I plan on reading about 30 through the summer.
7) The Internet
I know lots of experts comment that the Net is causing people to grow farther apart, but it's brought so many good people into my life lately,
I'd need more than two hands to count them.
8) Laughing
Oh my gosh, if I didn't laugh at least once an hour, my heart would hurt.
Most often I'm laughing at myself, and not because I'm hilarious, but because I do stupidly funny things.
God laughs too, I'd bet on it.
Is it wrong to wager on God?
9) Education
A lot of folks pooh-pooh learning, but it's valuable beyond measure.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to go to college and beyond.
10) Crying
When my body tells me to cry, I do, and I almost always feel better.
11) My mom and dad
The were the best they could be for me, and their hearts shaped mine.
12) Community Christian Church
Sunday mornings come with a welcome
13) My friends
An amazing and eclectic group of people--
they are always there to listen,
to laugh,
to support. defend me
and to graciously tell me when I am wrong.
They are true blue in the best sense.
14) My co-workers
From the office staff to the custodian to my teacher peers,
I cannot imagine a more cohesive and caring group of people to spend my professional time with.
They are all more creative than can be measured, patient than can be tested, and I learn from them, without fail, each and every day.
15) The need for reading glasses
So I cannot see the small print that lists calorie counts and nutritional information when I do something like, oh I don't know, down a bag of candy in one sitting.
16) My relationship with Jesus
"I am a friend of God..."
so that on rare afternoons like Sunday, when I feel bluer than I can fathom, I am comforted by His closeness, by His assurance for forever love, by His shoulder to cry on, and by his provision of all the things listed above and all those too many to list here.
5 Shared Thoughts:
Now you've exposed more of yourself than any A-Z list ever could.
I love this post!
Told you, I'm pretty much self-revealing on this bloggy thing. No other site needed.
As I was writing it, I kept thinking of that song from "White Christmas," "When I'm too tired, and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sleep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings."
Corny yes, but I love it.
Though in neither place--blog or facebook--do I speak of my unmentionables. That's an in person thing. I used to work for Gap Body, so I definitely have opinions!
Who knows for sure why these feelings come around. You're okay though! More than okay, actually. You know how to help yourself and that is huge. I admire and appreciate your approach. I hope you found peace and just ride out those blue feelings and they subside so the joy can come back, as it is want to do : )
I'm trying desperately to get my house to some semblance of decency for my folks and sister coming on Thursday and a little graduation party this weekend. Today was Mitch's last day, and he was all smiles. We went out for supper and are definitely entering our nostalgic memory phase during this transition.
I'll send good thoughts your way for a shot of joy to follow that slump!
You know, my worst "talent" as a Christ Follower is to remember to pray. Sad, it's what I'm meant to do first...
I cannot remember at time it hasn't lifted my mood.
Brad's not been feeling well, so of course I'm concerned, and this morning I prayed over him while he was sleeping. It may sound zealous, but it was peaceful.
Dear Ellie,
Sometimes you need to be blue all
by yourself, in your quiet house.
I am proud of you for recognizing it. It reminds us all to ask/demand
it for ourselves when the feeling strikes.
Brenda
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