I honestly think that perhaps sometimes in life, we are given a few challenges and trials to put us back on the right path.
But, finally at 39 years old, I have come to the point in life where I throw those worries over to God and have faith that He will pull me through those times of uncertainty.
I experienced that last week when I went to a doctor’s appointment to make sure something I was experiencing over the last several weeks wasn’t something serious. Waiting for the doctor to come into the room after a technician performed an ultrasound, I began praying that everything was going to be fine. Praise to God, it was nothing serious. In fact, and without going into too much detail, it was something quite common and manageable.
That same afternoon after leaving the doctor’s office and calling my husband Jason to tell him everything was fine, the world around me seemed entirely different. As I was driving, I noticed the beauty of a sunset across a field. The birds seemed to chirp a little louder. Simple things that normally stressed me at work seemed to roll off my back. My bed felt softer that evening. My supper seemed to even taste better. And the hugs from my children lasted a little longer than normal and maybe seemed a little tighter.
It is so easy to get caught up in trivial things in life that, once you step back and really examine, are not worth your worry. The bills seem to stack up, but I pay what I can, praying that God will provide until the next paycheck. The house continues to pile up with mess and hundreds of “to do” lists. But I tackle what I can, and what I don’t can wait until after watching a television show with my kids or a heartfelt talk with my husband.
There are constant reminders of some party, function, exotic vacation or “selfies” of people on social media that do not fit into my inner circle. But those conversations with my close friends began to feel more important, and the laughs and even tears were noticed more than before.
With three kids, my vehicle is a wreck inside. But I was grateful for a reliable ride to get me where I needed to go.
The house may be messy, but it is a roof over my head and a place to make memories. The kids can test your patience, but at least we have three healthy ones. Even a simple date night with Jason the following weekend seemed different with a moment of gratitude that I am married to my best friend.
It is so easy to get wrapped up with deadlines, bills, work and errands. But a recent hug from my husband put all those worries on the back burner as I held on a little longer and tighter than normal.
Money, beautiful homes, lavish vacations, trendy parties and other commitments are merely a fraction of what your life should truly be spent putting all together. A brief fear that it all could end or change for the worse reminded me of how beautiful yet short things can be.
The memories you make are far more important than your bank account. Snuggling with your children is more important than whether you finish the laundry or cut the grass. Designer clothes or fancy cars can’t hold a candle to a beautiful sunset or feeling the rain hit your face.
Your family, your true friends, your health, your faith and the awesome surroundings God places in front of you are worth noticing, appreciating and embracing.
Those are the true riches. Those are the reminders that sometimes you need a good kick in the teeth to put you back on track.
That is the road you should pursue. That is the journey you must take. That is the battle worth fighting for.
