goodbye November

It seems my infrequent blog posts have served as a way to mark time this month.  I am either saying hello or goodbye to something.  I suppose that's reflective of this season of my life.  I have been both humbled and enlightened around every corner.

I shared with you earlier in the month that my brother is facing a critical illness and I am so overjoyed to report that the battle is going very well.  He is not quite midway through the process and his doctor is pleased with how things are progressing.

Watching him has reminded me of how precious this life, with all it's imperfections, is.  In my most childish moments I can be guilty of lamenting over the fact that my life didn't turn out just as I had planned, I can spend time in self pity and wallow in a bit of narcissistic "why me's".  Believing I know what's best and that I have control of things that I don't.

"Problems are a part of life.  They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world.  You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking.  Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.".  Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Now I am making a more conscious effort not to go there.  To spend my time being thankful for all I do have instead of moaning about what I don't have or what didn't go according my plans.  I am asking my friends to pray for me to let go of disappointment, to not let it turn into bitterness and to embrace each day with a joy filled and thankful heart.

So as I say goodbye to November, I do so not clutching my hands trying to hold on or shaking my fist in frustration but with my arms wide open ready to embrace all the miracles that December has waiting.

xo, Patty