This week I’ve had a touch of the blues. I share this melancholy time not to solicit sympathy, but to offer support. To those of you in the trenches, I am there with you. It is a tough place to be, not a lot of fun and requires so much mental energy to get through the day effectively. Please do not even get me started on going to the gym, extra housework or volunteering – those are not on my radar very often these days (to be honest, the gym is rarely on my radar – good or bad days).
The cycle of thoughts running through my head swing back and forth from, “yes – I got this” to “just one more Candy Crush level”. The only solid thought that motivates me out of my funk is “do it anyway Nancy”. Love BIG when it seems others could care less; give BIG when others don’t bother. Do the things God puts on your heart and serve those He puts in your life. Then thank Him that you can.
Gratitude. It’s the one word that gets me every time. It reminds me to get my eyes off of myself and to look out and up. We have so much to be thankful for – life, family, a home. Not to mention the very basics we take for granted daily – running water, electricity, our freedom.
You see my friend, it is during this blue time that I believe God is doing a work in us. We are uncomfortable and if we are willing to sit, feel the discomfort and not numb it, then surrender it; He is faithful to take it and mold it into something great. But only if we have gratitude; otherwise, we miss the miracle. What’s got you blue? May I challenge you to think on it, feel it completely and surrender it to God? Then find three special things you are grateful for and dwell on those instead.
Resources & Inspiration –
Poem:
“Anyway” by Mother Teresa
Songs:
“Anyway” by Martina McBride
“All I Can Do (Thank You)” by MIKESCHAIR
Verses:
Philippians 4:8 (ERV)
I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
Class:
Unintended Journey at North Coast Church begins July 21st. Please contact me if you are interested and I’ll get you directed to Marlene. Cost is $35 and they have classes at both the Vista and Carlsbad campuses.
Books:
Love Does by Bob Goff
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
You know I had to include Bob! Not only is he a wonderful human and author – I was blessed to meet him and attend one of his workshops. He’s amazing!
Thank you Nancy, for all of the reminders of what I need to focus on…be aware of and be grateful. My usual M.O. was to sweep it under the rug. All my doubts, all my fears and all those THINGS I didn’t want to deal with. My rug(s) got VERY lumpy. Remembering that we are always able to turn to our Lord and Savior is such a relief and blessing to my sanity. If we only would remember to do so. All my love to you dear friend for the encouragement and your bravery to tackle this wonderful BLOG you have created! XOXO
I have lumpy rugs too!! Sweeping has been an issue I’m working on as well. Our God is so good and so is your friendship! Thank you so much for your sweet post 🙂
Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities with the world. It’s an inspiration beyond measure for all. We stand with you in your journey just as you do with us. Tremendously grateful to you for your honesty, leadership in all things and grace.
Thank you Staci! And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with me in this journey. Love you!
Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities with the world. It’s an inspiration beyond measure for all. We stand with you in your journey just as you do with us. Tremendously grateful to you for your honesty, leadership in all things and grace.
Nancy thank you for sharing – hate those “blue times on our lives. I agree When we are weak he is strong.. when you share – it lets us all know we go thru these days.. and sometimes nothing help just have to stay close to the word… even if we just doing the motions he is working … your whole family coming on a week so you best rest up💜💜💜😂
Thank you Lois for your comment. I very much appreciate your encouragement! Our God is awesome!! Looking forward to posting all the beach house adventures soon 🙂