Every day is different and beneficial its own way. It’s hard to look at life that way, but even after a bad day we have to try, or life would be miserable. I’ve been miserable before and didn’t even realize it until I made the decision to do things differently and to live differently day to day. It’s a struggle sometimes, and I still let the old me creep in, but knowing I have grace makes all the difference.
Having grace is easier to deal with than giving grace. We understand and expect God’s grace, but we aren’t so quick to forgive. I’m not anyway. Sometimes we have to have that last word or make that last point even after the apology. I’m that guy...my mind tells me to just shut up, but my mouth just keeps moving, and words just keep coming out.
Sometimes though.....sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I pray for the Lord to just shut my mouth, and let me move on. He will. He does. I can enjoy my tomorrows when that happens.
My cousin gave me a nice weekly planner with a weekly devotional. I didn’t open it for this week until yesterday. When I did, boy was I blessed.
This message was perfect. Anyone who reads it now needs to know that sometimes the person against you doesn’t have to be someone else. Sometimes it’s the old you rearing that ugly head. Whether it’s doubts, lack of self worth, unreasonable anger, urges that come seemingly from nowhere...those things are the old me butting straight up against the new me.
Yesterday was a great day. I got so much done here at the house, spent quality time with my kids, was able to talk to an excited bride/former student planning her wedding, got to attend Addie’s basketball practice and see my friends, and have a nice visit with the in-laws all because I remembered to open my planner. Reading just one Bible verse and an uplifting message set the tone for my day. I have to get better about reading my Bible. I am blessed with every verse.
Very short Noah story:
Noah coaches and loves it. He coaches softball and now basketball. We have coached softball pretty much with the same couple for a few years. Our kids are also playing basketball together now too. Yesterday we were laughing in conversation about Noah using all this technical jargon with 5/6/7/8 year olds and how we have to go behind him and explain it on the kids’ level sometimes. For instance when he went on and on about a forced out and didn’t explain what that means. We no sooner finished laughing when he says, “Just make the play! Don’t telegraph it to the other team!” That gave us a second round of laughter. He’s a great coach but still manages to make us laugh!
Thank you. You definitely left a GOOD lasting impression on my life and your other girls ❤️ The ultimate goal in life is to impact someone’s life positively! I hope to do the same!
Stacey, I love reading your blog. Always makes me smile. A few more gray hairs popped out on my head when I read that you met with a former student who is going to be a bride. How is that even possible? Seems like it wasn't all that long ago that you and the rest of "my girls" were cheering at SES or SJHS. I am so proud of the young woman you have become. Blessed to have been a very small part of your life. I really enjoy seeing you with your sweet family. Keep on being the person you are.