Have a plan, but go with the flow.
This has become my approach to life in the last year. Things could have been much easier had I made this my motto years ago, but better late than never, right?
We had a wonderful summer break this year! I hired babysitters to play with my kids for several hours each week while I pursued a passion project that I’ve let sit on the back burner for far too long. It was quite expensive to do that. My husband questioned my judgment. But man alive! It was worth it!
Enjoying a few uninterrupted hours away from home was refreshing, and it allowed me to feel excited to spend time with these young humans again. When I came home from working, I felt enough of a sense of accomplishment that I could happily tuck my laptop away and be present with my kids. So we played hard this summer. Together!
I was looking forward to even more productivity when the kids went back to school. After all, they’re growing up so dang fast that 6 out of 7 of my kids are in school this year! It’ll be just baby Huxley and me during school hours this year. I thought we would quickly settle into a new routine, he would take good naps during the day, and I would have a quiet house in which to kick some To Do List booty.
Who was I kidding?
I can’t tell you how often in the last two weeks Proverbs 16:9 has swirled into my thoughts:
“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
Since last week, which was back-to-school week for us:
- My college-bound son had a roommate arrangement fall through at the last minute and needed urgent help.
- My husband completed a house project that required a few days of complete chaos in the house (and… drywall dust).
- Our 4-year-old was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia.
- Our 5-year-old got fiberglass insulation in her eye which caused an abrasion.
- Our 9-month-old is cutting his first tooth.
- A couple different friends are dealing with some heartbreaking circumstances. (If you know me, you know the empathy is strong here.)
- I had a bout of mastitis-like symptoms. Some of you are acquainted with that devil.
- And now my hubby has a hurt wrist after a bike riding mishap (apparently caused by our six-year-old.)
So yeah, things have not gone quite as planned since school started last week. I’ve certainly not experienced the zen-like “in the zone” productive days I’d dreamed of. At least not yet.
You know what though? I’m grateful!
- I’m grateful that I happened to be at a conference in the same city as my college-aged son the same weekend that he needed me.
- I’m grateful for the new recessed lighting in my kitchen & living area and for my husband’s thorough cleaning up after his project.
- I’m grateful for our caring, accessible pediatrician and the top-notch care at our local children’s hospital (one of the best in the country) and for our health insurance.
- I’m grateful for the caring owner of Shotgun Dan’s Pizza who generously provided dinner for my family while I stayed at the hospital with our daughter.
- I’m grateful that I have the flexibility to take my children to doctor’s appointments and keep them home as needed… and not worry about calling off work. (Props to you mamas who also juggle a job outside the home!)
- I’m grateful to be the one who comforts my baby when he’s uncomfortable from teething pain.
- I’m grateful to still be breastfeeding. And for fresh garlic and how it works as a natural antibiotic!
- I’m grateful that my husband takes time out of his busy schedule to ride with our cycling-obsessed son.
You see, these circumstances were largely out of my control. Was this what I had planned? Uh… no!!!
But it’s OK. Really.
I know I preach gratitude all the time, but that’s because it can transform your life, my friend!
Maybe things aren’t going as you planned today.
Or this week. Or this year. Or… this life.
But try to find a silver lining somewhere. And please tell me about it!
What are you grateful for?
No Comments