Oh what a roller coaster I have been on the last few weeks. Water in the basement, brakes failing on the car, sewer line repair work, new job, truck that won't run, death of a good friend, fired from a job, sick dog - I am sure there is more but you get the idea. It seems like every day something else "bad" happens. Bad might be too strong a word but life hasn't been it's usual smooth sailing style lately.
To add to the mix, I am still doing a 90 day weight loss challenge and to my dismay the pounds aren't just melting off (like they do on Biggest Loser!!!) So I met with the train for a quick 5 minute check in and asked for some strategies to get the weight loss going. He praised me for my dedication and the fact that I am a work horse - I just keep plugging through my workouts. And therein lies my problem. I don't jump start my body at any time. I have never tried the interval training idea. I just like to challenge myself in time/pounds/miles. So he suggested that I start interval training a couple of days a week to "shock my body".
That suggestion got me wondering if that is what God is doing to my Faith and my Spirit. Time to shock them a little - shake things up. I love how my Faith has grown during this journey but perhaps I have fallen into a rut of sorts. Am I stuck praying for the same people? Have I been actively looking for new opportunities to minister to others? Have I decided that I am good enough where I am at? Well Yes, No and Yes - I guess. I do have family and friends that I pray for on a regular basis. But what is to stop me from picking random people to pray for - or to seek those who might be in need of prayer? I have been so wrapped up in the negative things that have been happening to me that I have not made that conscious effort to seek new ways to minister to others. And yes I think I have become comfortable where I am at - my life seemed just peachy a few weeks ago.
So God - in His infinite wisdom - is shaking up my life for me. And honestly - it hasn't been horrible. Yes I have grumbled more than I would like, cried more than I would like, felt anger and frustration that perhaps weren't exactly justified. But when I look over all that has happened the last few weeks - it could have been a lot worse. I suppose Dana and I will be pinching pennies a little tighter for a few more months to cover the expenses that have come up but we will get through just fine.
On the day we found out about the cost of the sewer work, I was given a job at school for the rest of the year. Not a job I was thrilled to have - but an obvious sign that God was giving me the opportunity to earn some money to pay that bill. And perhaps work in a young girls life in a positive manner. Dana has been given many opportunities to work overtime lately - that will help. Unfortunately I was "laid off" from one of my jobs this week. As nice as it would be to have that money still coming in - the stress of working three part time jobs right now with Dana's schedule and overtime was really starting to wear on me. So how can I not believe that God had a hand in giving me the opportunity for a little "Shari/Sheba Time - or sanity time".
Each day that something happened, there has be some kind of sign to remind me that God has a plan. I need not worry - all will be taken care of. My favorite reminder of God's love is when a student at school calls out "Miss Shari" and runs over to give me a hug. At that moment, I can feel God's Love and know that at some point I have made a positive connection with this child. God uses me in their lives and uses them in my life. During the last few weeks these moments have been extra special - and extra important reminders that money isn't everything. Yes we need it - but if we have Faith - God will provide. It is the love of others and our ability to show love to others that is important.
I may still grumble as things happen - I am only human after all. But I am so grateful that God has brought me as far as He has in my Faith so that I can take a step back physically and mentally and allow His plan to continue. It isn't up to me to Shake Things Up - it's all UP to Him!
Well said, Shari! Change is never easy, especially when the idea to change wasn't your idea! I know there is a plan, we just rarely get to see the plan beforehand! I also believe in having a "glass is half full" attitude as opposed to half empty. There is power in positivity! Things always seem to work out, so just hang in there!
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