Hi, everyone! I'm veering away from my normal posts today to share something on my heart.
Last week and this past weekend it seemed that everything went wrong. A series of 'mishaps'-a minor car incident/accident, our basement flooding, a serious fire at my parents' rental property, being sick, and some relationship 'drama'- left me feeling hurt and bitter, bringing me face to face with some of my attitudes and feelings that I'm not proud of.
It's so easy in this blog world of picture-perfect homes and families to forget that everyone has their own struggles. That we never really know what hurtful or painful situations another person is going through.
So as I struggled with these issues I had to remind myself that I am human, not perfect, and I am not alone.
I prayed and decided that if God can forgive, so can I. I can forgive others and especially myself.
I decided that we all need to be a little kinder to each other, and again, to ourselves.
And I decided to be thankful!
Because beyond these short-sighted circumstances, I am incredibly blessed!
I hope this encourages you if you're dealing with some less-than-desirable situation right now.
Or even if you're not, then maybe you can reach out and encourage someone else!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope that you have a wonderful day :)
Glad to hear from you today, Susan, and glad you & yours are all ok. None of us are perfect. I hope no one was injured at the rental, and hope you're feeling better. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet to hear this Susan! In this crazy world, it is sometimes easy to forget how good we've got it. I often take a step outside my little bubble, take a look inside, take a deep breath, and just look up and say "thank you". Sometimes I get caught up in a lot of little stuff that I should just let roll off my shoulders. You are not alone!! (((((hugs))))) And go buy a piece of good junk, that makes everything better too!! :-) haha
ReplyDeleteSusan, I really try to count my blessings. You did go through a lot. Some times when we feel we are being bombarded with many things, it can tear us down. We need to pray about it and let the Lord do the heavy carrying. A positive attitude helps, I know it's hard to put on a happy face at times. You have friends here in blogland that care. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I had a bad week too. I hope all is well now. Alaina
ReplyDeleteThank you for being honest... Yes, many of the social networks tend to make us all look as if we live in a glamorous perfect home with perfect relationships and perfect looks at all times.. I so appreciate your honest and your answer was to turn to God. He never fails to get us back on track....Love the challenge to be good to others regardless of how we may feel. I also love your attitude of forgiveness. Again, thank you! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Susan and I'm so sorry to hear about your parents rental home and your car accident...thinking of you my friend!
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand. After a few months of having health problems, I've caught myself not always being the nicest. Then I spent a week in the hospital next to a woman my age who was completely bedridden. I knew no matter what, i had a lot to be grateful for. We all can let circumstances get us down, the key is not to let ourselves stay there. Such a great post, Susan
ReplyDeletexoxo Debra
This is such a wonderful heartfelt post, Susan! So many good reminders for me too, especially this time of year. Appreciate your honesty and openness about real life!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
So sorry for all that has happened lately it is just horrible. I bet we all have the same problems and issues we just see pretty things on blogs. Since my blog move I have become more personal and let my readers see the good and the bad, I think this post was a great idea and gave you a place to share some of your feelings. Great post! and God Bless.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeletei love your honesty and you sharing with all of us out here that honesty, love and forgiveness lead us to THANKFULNESS, GRACE and HUMILITY if we all had more of this oh what a wonderful world. I hope you have an amazing day full of bliss and a great blessed rest of your week!
Smiles,
Sheila
Wonderful post! It is so true, blogging, FB, everyone "appears" to have the perfect life, but everyone has a struggle, some more than others! Something I'm going to work on for 2014, letting go of "stuff" be it tangible or emotional that is clogging up my inner peace!!! Hope you have a great week!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not alone! Thanks for a thoughtful reminder for all of us. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteI have read several blog posts recently in which the writer confessed to being "less than perfect" and admitted that all is not perfect. That is a good thing - not that anyone is having problems, but that they are admitting that "life happens". I have stopped reading blogs of the "perfect people" because I want to read about real people, with real lives. But, that doesn't mean I am ready to show the disaster of a guest room created by my son's drop in visits!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day - love the date 11 -12 -13.
Oh, I'm sorry you had such a long week! But I'm glad you kept a thankful heart.
ReplyDeleteSusan, this is why I love your blog and have come to love your friendship. You are a real genuine person to me! I do believe we get lost in the perfection of blogs atleast I do. I feel like sometimes blogs are like celebrities to me. Silly but I try to compare myself sometimes and try harder to shine. Thanks for putting it out there that we all have issues and are not perfect. I am thankful that we are forgiven for our misfortunes...have a better day and week..
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, i CAN see that your love for the almighty is giving you the strength to walk in faith that all will pass making you better for all you have experienced and have had to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThis post was a much needed post keeping in mind that even if things seem perfect in our daily lives were not perfect, and we can lean on the help of God to rescue us.
Forgiveness goes further when we learn to forgive ourselves first, we better understand that everyone needs to be forgiven for one reason or another.
Susan don't be so hard on yourself, Gods so much bigger than mans junk, give it to him he will come through for us.
Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for taking the time to share with me your thoughts on our newest little joy in our lives.
Our little Pia Bleu, Gods little creatures.
Xoxo
Doré
It's sometimes a good thing to express our hearts....Life has it's ups and downs, and it isn't a picture perfect world. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Forgiveness sets the soul free and makes one love and be stronger. Keep the FAITH! Blessings~~~Roxie
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post, although I'm sorry that it was precipitated by so many wretched things hitting all at once. I've found that so many of the bloggers I enjoy most don't always share the perfect times, the happiest moments, the elegant room, the exquisite art project or the most glorious things. They do -- but they also share the trying moments, the deepest concerns, the things that frighten them and the challenges they must face and hopefully overcome, be it emotional, physical, internal or external. It reminds us that under the keyboard we are all somewhat the same.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right -- there is much to be thankful for -- including being a survivor and not a victim, living in grace, not perfection. I am one who is grateful for your honesty and candid post. It's one we should all consider.
bless your heart--wishing you better days ahead, susan:) thanks for a great reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this post. I have learned that blog friends do want to share in the ups and downs of our lives. That is why I tell non-bloggers that blogs can be like a big prayer chain.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to forgive and go on. Harmony is much better than bitterness, isn't it? But it can be difficult to actually put into practice, especially if sometimes it's not a two-way street.
I have to be constantly reminded of gratitude. You would think by my age it would come naturally and most of the times I live that way. Then there are times when stress, lost of sleep, minor accidents, unexpected bill, etc. make anyone forget it.
My wonderful nephew's house caught on fire last weekend. Thankfully he woke up in the middle of the night, went downstairs to a smoke filled house and screamed for his wife to get their two little girls out. The fire department was there quickly and put it out just before it reached the attic. No one was hurt so there is much to give thanks for but oh, the months before they will be able to move back in. And right here at holiday time. Makes many of my smaller problems look insignificant.
Thank you for speaking honestly. You never know the effect it will have on your readers. But I do hope the days ahead will go much better for you.
Dewena
Well put. Several years ago I was grocery shopping and stopped at the deli counter and the "dreaded" girl was working. She took my order with the same miserable look she had the weeks before. I said "you know it wouldn't hurt you to smile". She came around the counter and when she handed me my items she said "it's really hard for me to smile. My mother is dying and when I leave here I stay up all night with her because she can't sleep from the pain. I have to keep working because I can't afford to take off". It was a life changing moment for me. Everyone has hardships and there is no perfect life but, we also have so much to be grateful for. Just need to be reminded sometime. Thank you for doing that today.
ReplyDeleteSusan…I am so sorry to hear that you are going through some difficult times…as you said…nothing is perfect…this is not a perfect world…I hope that many of your situations have been resolved by now…it always seems like all the aggravations in life seem to come all at once and then we are tested in how we deal with things…and I know that you will overcome all of your obstacles with grace..hang in there Susan…thinking of you!!
ReplyDeleteThis past weekend was a sad/thoughtful one for me. Nov. 10th marked the one year point of the death of my husband, so I was reflecting on memories, loss, and my life. I am so blessed with such wonderful and caring friends and family, who help me get through life. I am blessed, despite the losses.
ReplyDeleteOh my word I needed to hear this tonight. A fender bender in my truck that is less than 24 hours old! I haven't had a fender bender in at least 15 years and then it wasn't my fault. I also got news that my brother will passing soon from cancer. I was feeling so sad tonight, trying to remind myself that it is okay to be sad, but be thankful as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd I need to forgive myself (for the truck ding) and move on.
My dear we all feel that way sometime or another. But we have to remember all the good things we have and to forgive other people's misgivings. Hopefully everything worked out okay, it's just that sometimes it seems a big as a mountain and yes we need to forgive our self's.
ReplyDeleteMary
So sorry to hear that you've been dealing with some difficult things. I know we all have from time to time, but when you're in the moment with it, it's just plain hard!! I don't deal well when I'm sick and I don't deal well when I'm stressed. I hope you are on the other side of the difficult part by now and having better days now.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you've been dealing with so much ~ I totally understand!! Thank you for your honesty and open heart. I try to keep a gratitude journal and it really makes a positive difference. I just fail on the days that I'm in tears and my heart is breaking re: the loss of my granddaughter. I have faith in you...you're stronger than you realize!
ReplyDeleteI will hold you in prayer and send positive energy your way ~
xo
Pat
Susan,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you are having some tough times right now. Keep the faith and all be better soon. Don't feel alone, we all through these times too.
Blessings,
Linda
yes, we all have moments that we are not proud of how we acted, responded. I know first hand that when I am stressed it just makes everything else going down. Today was one of those days...glad it's almost bedtime for me (yes, tonight will be a 8.30pm good night kind of day). His mercies are new every day...every single one.
ReplyDeleteSusan, thanks so much for sharing! I've been going through some personal struggles right now too - and it is so easy to feel bitter and sorry for myself! It is such an encouragement to read words from a friends heart!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteYou have really been through a lot in this last week. I am hoping for brighter days ahead. When it rains it pours sometimes. God only gives us what we can handle. Don't you hate that saying!!!! Ha ha I do even after I said that!!! Anyway you are one of the most wonderful friends and a blessing to so many. Try to remember how much we all care and are here for you. I think you handled all the stress and issues so well this past week. You impressed me with your being able to handle all the crazy and still have a sense of humor and know deep down things will get better. I am really wishing smiles this week and I am sending my hugs to you my friend.
Kris
We've all been there and we're all still "there" in one way or another. Thank you for sharing what's been going on in your life. I'm sending you a BIG hug!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan here is a HUG !!!
ReplyDeleteThis world and our lives get crazy from time to time, but if we take time to practice forgiveness, we somehow make it through. Sometimes that's easier said than done. Sorry for your trials; glad you are feeling better. Take care, and God Bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart with us. Sometimes not so fun stuff happens in our lives and it really gets to us. Giving our troubles to God and forgiving others will always bring joy and blessings to our hearts.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of hugs your way,
Cindy
I appreciate bloggers who are real and not "picture perfect"! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan this is such a great post. I remind myself everyday how lucky I am and blessed. Having MS is frightening and I can't walk without a cane but I tell myself, I can walk!! I have beautiful puppies and a FANTASTIC husband. Sorry you had to go through some stuff. It is ok to say why???, it is affecting your life.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
You are so right, if we bloggers are wise we do not lay the drama out there for the world to read. But, it is wonderful to read how real people get past hurtful situations and mishaps. God really is the one who forgives us and helps us through each day, isn't He. I'm so glad you were able to give it to Him and forgive. It's easy to say but so much harder to do, sometimes. But God is always GOOD!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post...real and inspiring! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen problems come around I always try to remember "This to shall pass". God is wonderful, remember he is our father, just like our human ones.
ReplyDeleteOh you sweet thing, what a blessing that you realize that to forgive is Godly! Revel in His word, and take heart in His love.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti
Wow such an inspiring post...thank you. These words really touched me "I prayed and decided that if God can forgive, so can I." I never thought of it that way, but these are very wise words.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a better weekend.
I'm in agreement with your thoughts, and praying you have a very blessed week to reward your good attitude and make up for the hard one.
ReplyDelete-Revi
I'm so glad you shared this with us. We are truly girlfriends here on our blogs and we like to know what's going on. So many times we just step back from our blogs when things go wrong. But this is better. I will pray for you and you can pray for me. Then we'll be even better friends! Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I'm sorry that things got you down lately. Some days it just pours and seems like it will never stop. I try to remind myself that others have it worse than I do, but at times it's still hard. I haven't figured out how to deal with it all yet but have faith that I'm being watched over and guided. Don't get down on yourself. You feel what you feel; we can't control emotions. It's what we do after the fire's out that matters. Sorry, I'm tired and on pain meds, so mind isn't quite clear, but please know that I understand and am here for you and will pray things get better. Hugs, Leena
ReplyDelete