I mentioned earlier that the reason for the start of the new blog had to do with the many life changes that have taken place. Changes are inevitable, and they always surround our daily lives- whether we recognize them or not. We are always getting older, always learning, always needing or wanting something different/new/more. I am the type of person that has a hard time taking advantage of the quiet times. My life has recently felt like it is constantly on the move and I haven't really had a chance to slow things down and take a good look at my surroundings. I know that this is due in part to school, work, and my recent wedding, but these reasons are not totally to blame. It is so important to take a moment, heck even a few seconds, to just breathe deeply and think about all I am blessed with in this life. I find myself getting caught up in the stresses and difficulties and don't take the time to recognize all that I truly have. Gratitude. This is what I need to focus on. Instead of worrying about finances (which, like so many others, are tough right now), or trying to jam pack everything I can into the too short day, I need to be more cognizant of the wonderful gifts that have already been given to me.
I overheard my uncle talking to my Dad while at my Nana's funeral almost two years ago and he said something that truly stuck with me. During the grief of losing their Mother, when everyone looked and felt overwhelmed, he said, "God will never give us more than we can handle". I'm not sure if he even knows that I heard him, and I am fairly positive he doesn't realize just how much it stayed with me. It was, in fact, the most comforting thing he could have said at that moment. During future stressful times I have gone back to those words on many occasions. They were there, whispering in my ear, when I was lost with what to do with my future after graduating college. They were there when my family made the huge move to Raleigh after my Dad was provided with an incredible job opportunity. They were there when I decided to quit working at the bank and move to be closer to my fiance'. They were there when I entered into graduate school and quickly felt overloaded by the immense amount of work I was facing. They were there when Matt and I got married in the middle of the semester. They were there when I was in a car accident. And, they are there with me now. Among other words of wisdom, these words have suffered and stressed with me, helping me get through whatever has been thrown my way. I have trust in God, and trust in the future, and I know that whatever else the world may have hidden up their sleeve, I will not be left alone.
I am so blessed to have such a loving family, husband, and friends to help support me through tough times, no matter when or where they strike. Changes may come, but I will always be grateful for such an abundant amount of love and support from people that mean so much to me.
I can't speak for everyone, but the importance of phrases like this in my life are immense. I'll leave with another phrase that I have gone back to, perhaps more than the previous statement. This one is from the Bible, but has been ingrained in my brain by my Mother ever since I was old enough to understand.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
This was not written to offend or contradict any one's beliefs- it's simply a personal statement. I am not someone who is typically very vocally open regarding my faith, but I felt it necessary to write about what has helped me through tough times. I believe it is good for the soul to write it all down when something is begging to be let out. I know that times are difficult for everyone right now. It is so easy to get down and depressed, especially surrounding the holiday season. It's important to take a moment to really stop and think about all you have to be grateful for, rather than what you have to be upset or stressed over. Doing this really helps me put everything into perspective, and helps me realize that things could be infinitely more difficult or challenging.
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