A Long Week...

Ever feel a bit overwhelmed? This past week has been one of those times for me. Even the little things start to add up. We have had everything from a mouse in the house, to a dead car battery, to 3 visits with different doctors, to family members not feeling well or battling stress of all kinds, to sitting on pins and needles wondering when little Emery will arrive, to awaiting monthly bloodwork results, to giving shots in the abdomen, to dogs that are limping for some reason, to fellow multiple myeloma bloggers who have relapsed, to high gas prices and an almost flat tire, to light bulbs that all seem to burn out at once in places too high to reach without a ladder, to cookies that burn on the bottom, to hurting with friends who are suffering from cancer or other medical issues. Big or small, sometimes it just feels like a lot…

Then, something wonderful comes along, like a first birthday celebration for Samuel and Samantha…our joy amidst the trials of the past year. Or news of a new job opportunity for a nephew. Or an announcement that our niece is expecting a third healthy baby boy. Or getting to see Nick’s face on a video chat from Peru. Or Ernie reaching the 6 months post transplant mark. Or daffodils blooming. Or someone sharing the good news that she is expecting. Or a friend showing up to paint our porch railings. Or a brother who is here for one night and fills it with caulking, changing light bulbs, and handling a dead mouse. Little and big things that encourage my heart and bring a smile to my face.

I know that our challenges may be quite small compared to what others might be facing, and who am I to complain. God is with us, He will sustain us, and He is able to see us through whatever comes our way, if we will just trust and obey. I want to see the blessings that can be found in each new day, not take people for granted, and not miss opportunities to show, or tell, others that I love them. I want to keep on keeping on, trying to be an encouragement to others, regardless of my many shortcomings. Sometimes there are just bumps in the road.

Looking forward to a great week ahead..."Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7.