A Big Challenge

This past week I was challenged in several ways. I had people counting on me, I had a deadline to meet., I needed to push myself when my body said no, I needed to have patience, to endure, to not give up and to sacrifice. Now, I know that if Shellagh reads this...she will think this post is all about the challenges we both had this past week of a big order that needed to be finished by the end of the week, but that is only a small fraction of what I was challenged by. My biggest challenge was not enduring the longer than normal hours of sewing, the pressure of the deadline, or how my eyes, neck and shoulders felt....it was something totally unrelated. It has to do with an obligation that makes me feel like I want to quit....to not fulfill that obligation. This thing involves others who count me. I have giving this challenge some very serious consideration and have decided that I cannot quit. I must find a way to make this challenge enjoyable and a great learning experience. As the saying goes...'that which does not kill you makes you stronger'. that is what I want...to feel stronger and capable of dealing with things that seem impossible. I know that I need to put more time and effort into this challenge. I also know I need help from above....I cannot do it all on my own. So....it is time to conquer!!!! Between prayer and steadfastness, along with a willing heart.....I CAN DO IT!!!

Mom's Girls Take Her To The Coast

Mom and I

As I previously posted, Mom turned 80 this year. Though my brother, sister and I took her out for a nice dinner for her birthday, my sister and I also planned a trip to the coast with mom...just the three of us. My dad has been gone now for over 7 years and mom has not been away from home overnight at all since well before his passing. We thought it was about time. She has been asked to go visit family and such, but she isn't into trips. We were pleasantly surprised when she jumped at the chance to go to the coast with us over night.

My sister, Peg and Mom

Driving Thoughts

I have been pondering the lessons that are before us every day...the things that tell our own personal story through our daily actions. One of those daily actions is how we drive our cars. There are those who can't stand having anyone in front of them. There are those who go nuts with someone tailing them. There are others who seem to not notice or make allowances for others on the road. Others get upset when the light turns red and they have to wait. Some drive fast.... they are usually the ones who don't like others in front of them, yet speed up until they do have someone in front of them, causing themselves anxiety. The ones who drive slow are the ones who usually get nervous with someone on their tails. Those who don't look in their mirrors or to the sides, tend to think everyone else sees them and so there is nothing to worry about. I find there are few who try to find their place on the road and accept the placement of others.
As in life, there is always someone that will be in front of us. Maybe they are smarter, better looking, skinnier, wealthier,etc. It is also true that there are others who are behind us in those areas. Some people are threatened by others coming up behind them and passing them up. Some are looking forward as they lag behind  hoping for a better place in life and follow the ones in front of them closely for protection and direction. When suddenly some people need to stop, they see it as challenge to get around or ignore rather than a caution for their own good.
It would be nice if while on on our individual journeys, each would take the time to enjoy the views along the way.... to show others some respect and consideration as they go about their own personal journey and heed the cautions that are there to protect us. We see through different eyes, and though the things along the highway of life are the same, we each see the things that we choose to see and experience those things differently. We can either enjoy the ride or make it a miserable experience for ourselves and/or others by our actions and attitudes.