There is a popular children's book called "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"... and folks, that is what I would call this year if I could title it.
It's been difficult, to say the least. In fact, I have to say that it's been the second most difficult year of my life. I won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, that most everything that could go wrong...did go wrong. From the inauguration of Obama in January to the funeral I attended today... it was a baaaad year.
From repeated pay cuts to a death in my family and loss of several of my pets. On top of it, my husband was in a car accident that totaled my son's truck and a well known delivery service, whom I will decline to name...but it's initials are FED EX... oops, did I write that outloud??... got stuck in my country driveway and decided that rocking the huge truck back and forth while spinning the tires...was a good idea to get out of his predicament. Do you know what that can do to a septic line? Of course, the driver disavowed all responsibility for it.
But this is the good part, folks....drum roll... it's almost over. 2009 is nearly gone...and Kate Wells is still here. And I call that victory!
My husband and I have a saying that we use when something awful is finally over. We say it so that we don't continue to dwell on the problem. We believe in letting the past go and focusing on the future. So when a difficult situation is over we say to each other, "It's in our rear-view mirror!" And that means we can glance at it once, and then focus on what's ahead...it's gone...
On the good side...yes, there is one... I have had a change of perspective this year. I've re-focused my energies on God's purpose for my life. I think you'll find the change reflected in my blog in the coming year. I do not intend to dwell on political ideologies that only lead to frustration and ranting. I get to vote once. But I can pray...often. And I think more will come of that than all the political ranting in the world.
The Bible says, folks, that we overcome evil with good. It's that simple. I think Mother Teresa figured that out. She said, "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love" She said a lot of wonderful things like that. Try googling "Mother Teresa Quotes once each day and read one. You'll be surprised at the difference that will make for your perspective.
If we can each just do a little good each day... it will make a huge difference, folks.
A smile at someone who looks like they need it... an encouraging word to the checker who is processing your order at the store...
These are important things. People are down and discouraged right now. So many are without jobs, without income, or being made to work extra hard for less pay to take up the slack for the employees that got layed off.
How much effort would it take to smile...to say, "Hi, how ya doin' and maybe stand there for a moment and listen if they need to talk.
I've taken to telling the checker at Walmart..."Thank you for being here so I could get my stuff"... it always brings a smile to their face. We all need to be recognized for what we do. Take some time each day to that for someone.
Text a friend just to say..."thinkin' bout ya...have a blessed day"
Pick up an extra bag of cookies at the store to give to your neighbor...just because. Leave it with a note if they're not home... and just say... "I appreciate you...you are a good neighbor".
After dealing with mean people all day and standing on your feet til they ache for not enough money to buy what you need... that would be a welcomed gift to come home to...wouldn't it?
Let's all try a little harder this year...to overcome evil... by doing good. And let's all pray a little more. It doesn't take long. God listens wherever you are. The car is often the best place to pray...
Ask Him to help and protect our soldiers. Ask Him to redeem our country from the Marxists that have had a field day in Washington lately... Ask Him for revival in our land. Ohhh how we need revival. And ask Him to let it begin with you... be the hands of Jesus to someone. The voice of the Spirit of God as you comfort and encourage...the feet of the Saviour as you go to visit someone in the hospital or a nursing home... and don't forget this when you pray... tell Him you love Him... He likes to hear that from you. Tell Him that no matter how bad it looks in the natural world...you still love Him and trust Him... like the prophet, Habakkuk in Hab. 3:17, pray this;
Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
Remember...He never promised you a rose garden. He promised you that He would walk through each day of your journey with you...and give you grace and strength to endure the hardships of this world. And He will...
2010 is almost here now, as I write this last paragraph. 2009 is in our rear-view mirror... and it's time to go forward and to make a difference. It's time to overcome evil... by doing good.
Happy New Year, folks... And I mean that from the bottom of my heart! God bless you, Kate~
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