That little nugget of glory is #54 in one of my all time favorite books, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff." It also happens to be the title of a book, written by Jon Kabat-Zinn, which is on my ever growing list of must read books. In the process of packing books for our move, I found "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" with a million little sticky notes popping out of it. I remember doing this awhile back while I was teaching 3rd grade. I wanted to share a thing or two with them about growing up, but in the process of re-reading it again, I realized I had some growing up to do myself.
I guess #54 means a lot to me right now because we are moving and there are so many unknowns. I'm a big time planner and the thought of having so many unknowns floating around out there is enough to make me lose a few of my marbles. I'd like to say that when we move, we have a cute little bungalow waiting for us on a tree lined street in the heart of a charming neighborhood, but I can't. I'd like to think that I have some type of job lined up when we get there, but I can't. I'd like to think that financial burdens will be non-existent, but they won't. And the list goes on.
#54 couldn't have come along at a better time.
I must remember to let go of all the worry and the wishful thinking..."what if we can't find a place to live that we like, what if I can't transition easily back into the working world after staying at home with our daughter, what if I fail at life's next chapter."
I need to have faith. I need to be here, right now, in this moment for my daughter and my husband. I need to find that inner peace that I know I have and give it a little nudge. And I need to remember that life always has a way of working itself out; it just takes a little time.
xo,
Jen
I really enjoyed reading this post, Jen. I've learned that worrying about the future really doesn't help at all. It just makes us anxious and that's not from the Lord at all. He just wants us to trust Him and depend on Him moment by moment. All the worrying and insecurities will just rob us of our present enjoyment. Hope you're doing well!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written! Thanks for the encouragement and well wishes :-)
DeleteAs I was reading this I could just feel the mental struggle you were going through...I remember feeling that way when I went back to work after Nola {my oldest} turned one. I didn't have a move to contend with too, but I remember that struggle that I was feeling, but you know what? She did great...and I did great. I think at that point I could see that it was the right choice for both of us.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you as you all move into this new part of life. I never knew you were a teacher...just one more reason to love you! Nola will be headed off to the 3rd grade this year, and looking back at that moment when she was one and we had all that change going on...to now, I am grateful that I embraced the change and cut myself some slack. I know I am better now because of it:)And so is she!
Be here...be now....I will be saying lots of prayers! God is so good!
Thank you for such great advice and all your prayers!
DeleteYou just cracked the code for moving on to a happier place as a confident woman, loving wife and awesome mother! And that's first admitting what you believe in your heart you need to do - keeping the faith that everyting will work out and that you have Someone to call on! Congratulations Jen. And secondly, reaching out to other women so you know you're not in the "making so many decisions" alone. Your first 2 pinners are keepers!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the exact same boat Jen. Thanks for sharing this little nugget. :)
ReplyDeleteAh thanks so much for sharing this, it came at the perfect time for me too. Sending good luck your way with the move-- as an AF family, we obviously move a lot, and I can totally understand the stressors that come with it. You'll get through it :)
ReplyDelete- Nicole @ Me + the Moon
Thank you Nicole! You must have a great system in place for when you move. You're a military family and therefore you are my hero--both dad and mom :-)
DeleteJen, I read that book in my early 20's and it really had an impact on how I faced situations in life. It would probably would do me good to read it again.
ReplyDeleteI stopped by from the Blog Hop and am now following you via Twitter!
Frugal and Fun Mom
Love this post. My mum is always telling me to stop worrying! I'm a new follower from welcome wednesday blog hop:)
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm visiting you from Welcome Wednesday. Nice Blog! Cute family!! Have a great Summer!
ReplyDeleteTerri
Hello, new follower here from the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop! I would love a follow back at http://endlessdaysofbooks.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Candace
Hi, I'm visiting from Welcome Wednesday. Good luck on your move. I know it's so hard to let go of the reins, but having faith really can have its rewards. Doors will open that you didn't even expect possible.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that you must have faith, I find myself telling myself "This to shall pass" more and more often. Good luck on the move!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Welcome Wednesday and happy to be your newest follower :)
xo, Jersey Girl
hairsprayandhighheels.blogspot.com
OH this is lovely, just so beautifully lovely. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Following ya from the hop and looking forward to many longer visits ahead. We're spending this wordless Wednesday sharing bits of sunshine, cups of warm yumminess and lots of aloha. I would love it if you'd join us for a quiet walk with friends.
xo,
Nicole
localsugarhawaii.com