Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!!

Let the good times roll!! Today is Fat Tuesday when we traditionally gorge ourselves in celebration of the start of the Lenten season tomorrow. What am I giving up for Lent? ALL SWEETS. This includes candy, cake, cookies, brownies, ice cream, pie, soda, sweet tea, etc. While this would not be difficult for some people, it will be EXTREMELY HARD for me. No, I don't eat cake as a meal (too often), but after I eat...what do I want? Something sweet. Late at night what do I want? Something sweet. In the afternoon when the kids are eating a snack, what do I want? You got it. Something sweet. And yes, people, I know that fruit is sweet and I am allowed to have that. IT IS NOT THE SAME. It is quite obvious to me at this point that I am addicted to sugar. My dear friend, Karen, said that I will only feel bad for about a week and then I will feel glorious! Well, she may not have used the word glorious, but that is how my mind interpreted it. Here's to feeling glorious and keeping the good times rolling during Lent!

It's been almost a year since I started this blog. I've made so many changes in my life since then. I've also gone through changes that weren't by choice. Learning to accept life on life's terms can be hard...and sometimes not fun. But you know what? I'm getting better. I had the pleasure of hearing a sermon on this topic given by Bishop James King. When someone asks you how you are, what do you normally say? "Fine". I can't tell you how many times I've told someone that I am "fine" and have really wanted to break down and cry my eyes out. Since then I have consciously tried NOT to use the word "fine". I struggled with what to say instead. Now I know I can honestly say "I'm getting better". There are always days when I feel horrible, but those are not the norm anymore. I AM getting better. I am a better person because of yesterday. I have a stronger relationship with God, my husband, family and friends. I know what boundaries are. Do I have scars? Yes. But my scars are getting better too. Everyday the One who made me heals those scars a little bit more. Each day comes with new mercies. Each day I am offered a little more grace. Not only do I get to experience these things, so do all of the people around me. Me getting better involves me offering more mercy, grace and love with each day.

The Bishop also talked about "faith nerves". He said that when we step out in faith, try and accomplish things and then our attempt results in failure, our "faith nerves" can become damaged. This can cause us to settle or to become afraid to try again. Truly great people learn how to persevere regardless of their circumstances. I would like to say that my "faith nerves" are undamaged, but they are not. But I do know this....they're getting better.

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