1. Good things come, I just don't know when. The previous winter made me wonder if good things would ever come. I honestly saw myself in a downward spiral mood for years to come but one day, everything changed. Good things do come, we just can't pinpoint when they show up.
2. Keeping good habits are worth my time. The older I get, the choosier I am about which habits I keep in my life. I see that keeping the good habit of running is a great idea.
3. I choose to honor, no matter how challenging the personality. I learned a lot about honor this season. I decided that getting calm and showing honor is a very good idea.
4. The finish line is one of my favorite places in the world. I saw my kids crossing a finish line (again) and it reminded me of why this is one of my happy places. The exuberance, the joy and the sense of accomplishment are contagious.
5. Baking = gathering. My job change caused the rhythm of my home to change a bit. Nothing bad, just different. I find that baking is a way of gathering everyone around the table. We take a deep breath and enjoy that fresh baked good. We share stories about our day and we just connect easily. Baking brings us back together and I love it.
6. In the middle of the uncertain, look for the eternal. We bought a house this spring. We didn't know if it was all going to work out. I remember looking at my daughters reading together. They were connected to the story and to one another. It was almost as if I could see their eternal bond of sisterhood.
7. Music can calm a world of agitation. My husband bought us a ticket to a concert, our first one together. We highly enjoyed the music. Our world was a little agitated and music was amazing in bringing it all down to a joyful time. Our hearts are still full.
8. I already have all I've ever needed. I applied to run a major marathon and I didn't get in. Things like this remind me that I am blessed beyond measure already.
9. Not giving up is a good idea. I made a wreath for my front door and it was hard work. I basically came up with the idea myself and I went for it. I swear I'm not crafty but I did not give up. In other areas of life, not giving up on a good idea paid off. It is often difficult but when I persist, good things happen.
10. Every day I can be a better wife. I know it is hard to be married to me. When I consider my role in my marriage, I know that every day I can improve.
11. Dare greatly - I ran into this quote recently and I really enjoyed it.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
12. Cranky pants - I was pretty cranky on Thanksgiving but I learned "you can't be thankful and cranky at the same time." I quickly got a thankful attitude back by submitting myself to God and His word. That pretty much saved the holiday.
13. Determined - "My disposition, not my circumstances determine my joy or misery." I had many moments of frustration this Fall. Somehow, I ran into this quote and it reminded me that my disposition needed to be pristine.
14. Love is sacrificial
My husband and I agreed this was the absolute top lesson this summer. We may use the word love a lot. Only when we are tested through it we learn that sacrifice is part of it. I’m glad we had a chance to learn such Godly lesson. We’re better for it.
15. Having a de-stress routine is a necessity
I have been managing stress naturally for years but it wasn’t until the summer that I realized I needed a routine. I know I need to rest more, I just didn’t have the need to be strict with it until the summer. I have several de-stress things I do and they are simple such as taking a hot bath, doing my own mani/pedi or cutting the day short by going to sleep. I learned that adding such strategies to my week was very wise and I was able to benefit from it.
16. When I’m in despair, I need to look up
Last summer was hard so this year, I thought a lot about the past year. We had no jobs and then Harvey hit. I learned then that when I'm in despair, I need to look up to where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
17. Helping other people reach their goal is the best
I didn’t realize that when I invited my friends to join me during my runs would be so fulfilling. We started together in the beginning of the summer. Some people had not been running on a regular basis, others took some time off. I’ve been able to watch their consistency and dedication. I am seeing many reaching goals they didn’t think they could reach. That feels lovely. Here is the other side of the coin: it takes unselfishness to do that. It takes a total abandonment of one’s ego because it’s not about me, it’s about others. I love helping people reach their goals. I hope to continue to help others.
18. Making a summer to-do list was a good idea
I made an “18 for summer 18 list” and it was a good idea. I reached most of the goals I set there. I made sure they were not long-term, difficult goals because the summer was quite intense. It was lovely to do things such as sit down with a friend and swim.
More in this Lessons of... Series:
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
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