In January, I had big dreams for 2013. I kicked off the new year by starting my Master's degree and going to Cancun...of course on the same day! Wouldn't you love doing homework at the beach? We had a great time on our trip, and I even managed to get some work done. After coming back late Sunday night, we both had to be back to work on Monday. It was a long day, but I never could have imagined what was going to happen that week. I spent most of Monday and Tuesday trying to get caught up with school work, house work, etc. Late Tuesday night, I got a phone call that would change the rest of my life. My Gran had passed away. I was absolutely crushed. While my mind questioned God...my heart praised Him, because I knew she was in a much better place than we are. These past few weeks have been hard, to say the least. I miss her soooo much! I often catch myself thinking that I need to call her to ask about a recipe or tell her about school. Until once again, I remember.
I have been re-evaluting a lot of things in my life lately. I am ultimately so blessed...blessed with a job, a great family, a great husband, and a happy life. I often take those blessings for granted. It is so easy to get caught up in the business of life. Instead of enjoying every little moment, my mind is wondering to what task needs to be completed next. I am constantly thinking about where I want to be in life...trying to plan our next step. I have quickly realized that God laughs when I try to plan! I'm assured that His plan is much greater than ours. While I will continue to work hard and set goals for myself, I am going to lean on guidance from the one who knows so much better than I.
*It is my goal, to stop...enjoy life, document life, savor every moment. My Gran was a beautiful person, inside and out. I loved so much about her and hope that I can possess qualities like her. She chose to see the good in every person and every situation. This is something I am working on. I often jump to conclusions about people...that's not fair. I don't know their life...I've never walked in their shoes. Thankfully, Jesus sees the good in me. A nice word or smile might be exactly what that person needs. I have quickly learned this as a teacher, kids want to be praised (adults do too). What good does it do to constantly point out the bad, except to make things worse.
*Gran also was an excellent writer. I always knew she kept a journal. After her passing, reading her journals has comforted me more than anything. Reading them, I felt so close to her. Over the years, I have kept a journal (off and on). It is my goal to start writing again, whether on a blog or in a notebook or both. I will write. I will keep a record of what is happening in our lives. Even if all I have to write about is doing homework and Brad checking his cows 2 times a day, because they are having babies and there is ice on the ground! This is not a good thing, so it makes for some exciting stories ha! How sweet are these times in our lives? I want to remember these times.
Anyone who knew my Gran was a witness to the legacy she lived. I pray that I can continue this legacy. My mom is a testament to this legacy...and shows us love and a is great example everyday.
While our lives are often "paved with good intentions", I am learning that we can only do so much. I'm pretty sure no one is keeping a record of how clean my house is (only Brad when he doesn't have any clean work clothes ha!) I would much rather be able to celebrate a life spent with family and enjoying God's creation. Today, I am soooo thankful for a snow day! This is for sure a perk of being a teacher!
I am learning to count my blessings and that it is truly the little things in this life that make it great!
Have a great day!
