Tales of a Thankful Mom

            I did not know how much I would need the word trust when I chose it (or did it choose me?) as my #Oneword365 in December of 2021. There have been several seasons during this year, when I wanted to panic, or I wanted to sink into despair. The word trust reminded me that even during periods of times that I could not see the path forward, that God was still on the throne. I can trust Him. I needed to trust God as this year brought very big changes in my life. God showed me His love and grace, by dear friends and loved ones literally showing up for my children and me, being his hands and feet. They shined God's light and love when I felt overwhelmed. As an auditory processor, music comforts and encourages me. I am going to share a few of the songs that I played and replayed this year. "In my worry, God You are my stillness. In my blindness, God you are my vision. In my weakness, God You are my power." These are words that I needed to remind myself o...

             I have a tendency of over complicating things. I like having a plan, a back up plan, and a contingency plan in case my back up plan goes awry. I am learning that fussing and fretting and over planning can steal joy from the moment. These two like our weekend days where we can be more relaxed and go with the flow. My youngest likes our movie nights. My son loves telling me about his video games. I love listen to all three of my children play online games together. My so loves it when my youngest daughter wants to cook or bake something that we can all enjoy. These are all simple moments that I want to slow down and enjoy. 

        After initially writing something very different, I decided to take this opportunity to write about what I learned this Autumn, while using the Five Minute Friday prompt instant. My two younger children really settled into some new routines, as our life had some significant changes toward the end of Summer. Even though not all the changes were pleasant, we have learned to embrace the new season. We have much to be thankful for this Autumn. My youngest loves to bake. She made two desserts for Thanksgiving dinner, candy bar fluff and Turkey brownies. She has learned that it takes patience to wait while her creations are baking. I am trying to teach her that while the desserts are baking is an excellent time to clean up the kitchen. I really enjoy doing my Christmas shopping early this year. It was better for my budget, as I was able to plan when I purchased items. I also think December will be less stressful since I won’t have to think about shopping. My son lo...

           One of the more fun parts of my journey over the last four years is rediscovering what I like and enjoy. As a recovering people pleaser, it is far easier for me to ask others what the like than to make a decision solely based on my own preferences. I am thankful that two of my children really enjoy trying new things. I have learned so much about myself, from simply agreeing with them, when they said,”Mom, let’s try this!” I want to have a curiosity about life. and a willingness to try new things and start new traditions. I don’t want be held back by fear of other people’s opinions or fear of failure any longer. Sure, I could fail, but I could also fly. What are a few of your favorite things? Is there anything new that you would like to try as the year 2022 comes to a close?

           I laugh frequently. Children (my own and those that I substitute teach) have noticed that I sometimes laugh at things that are not very amusing. I laugh at matters that are ironic, baffling, or would fall under the category of “If I didn’t laugh, I would be tempted to cry.” I do want to laugh more from finding joy in the moment. I don’t want to take life too seriously. I want to enjoy everyday moments with my children. I want to be the Mom who plays with them. I want to be the mom who laughs. I want to dance in the living room, and listen to them laugh and tell me I can’t dance. I want to laugh as my son shows me funny things about Minecraft. I want to laugh at funny memes my eldest texts me. I want to laugh at funny animal videos that my youngest watches. I want to laugh as we play games together on weekend nights. What are some ways that you can make laughter a part of your day today?

             I am learning in counseling that focusing on extremes is not helpful. Having an “all or nothing” attitude usually causes me apprehension. Two emotions can be true at the same time, even if the emotions at first seem opposing. It is okay to feel conflicted at times. I want to be more curious about my feelings instead of ignoring the feelings that I do not want to take the time to deal with at the moment. If I don’t process my feelings, they are going to come out sideways. I would like to be less reactive, and handle my emotions in healthy ways. After all, I want to model emotional wellness to my children. I want to pray, tell God how I am feeling, and ask God to help guide me to be more emotionally healthy. I am sharing a picture of my daring youngest child who loves trying new things.

  Psalm 143:8  Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning , for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. I love this beautiful scripture. One of the things that I enjoy about letting my children sleep in on weekend mornings is reading God's word in a quiet house. I need to remember to still myself so I can hear God's words of unfailing love. I need to slow down, and listen so that God can teach me the way to walk. I think this is the perfect verse to end this 31 days of finding freedom in trusting God. Trust has not been an easy word for me. I tend to worry and want to plan five steps ahead when facing unknowns, but I think that God has taught me much about trust in 2022, and I believe that He will continue to teach and guide me.