Yesterday, I felt a bit bi-polar. I woke up to find that my scale hit the number that was my first of two weight-loss goals. I was ecstatic!
Then, after I picked up my lunch and was on my way home to eat it, “BAM” (literally). I had a car accident. And it was my fault. They were in my blind spot on the van and I pulled out when I didn’t see them. Fortunately there were no injuries and the damage is minor, but that brought me crashing down and I cried (sobbed, bawled, etc.) off and on for hours. By myself. In front of an amazing friend who showed up without being asked (you know who you are – THANK YOU!). With my husband as I told him about it. And by myself some more.
As I continued through my day, it seemed like every little thing that could go wrong kind of did and because of the accident (and subsequent ticket – the first one for me EVER), everything felt bigger than it was. By bedtime I was just feeling like it was a terrible day.
And then I was reminded this morning that I did reach my first weight loss goal yesterday, and that is a great accomplishment. No one was hurt in the accident, and that was an amazing picture of God’s protection. I was reminded what amazing friends that God has given me who came when I needed someone, and also let me be when I needed to not talk about it. I got my house spotlessly clean in my effort to work off my frustration, and that is a weight off my shoulders.
I’m sure as the rest of the story unfolds with money, insurance, etc., there will be many more things for me to learn from this experience, but for now, I am just reminded that God uses all of life to teach us and mold us into the people he has created us to be. I sang this song in my head quite a bit yesterday – “This is the stuff You use.”
What is God using in your life lately to shape you, good or bad?
I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please ‘Cuz I can’t find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that’s getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I’m blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I’m running behind
Whoa
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that’s getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I’m blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I’ve got a new appreciation
It’s not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I’m blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I’ve gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use
Glad I’m not the only on with bad days! Sometimes just a news story that deals with orphanages or people looking for food puts a little healthy perspective on our bad days, but boy when we have them it’s hard to leave the pity party!
Thanks for sharing this.
American Composer Ralph Kendrick
We definitely need perspective on those bad days, Ralph!
Been enjoying your blog, Chrisy! Sorry about your car accident, but so glad no one is hurt. After the insurance stuff gets taken care of, and some days (weeks) have passed, it will be just another of life’s happenings.
Congratulations on reaching one of your weight loss goals! Since your e-mail back to me, I have really been trying to be more disciplined after supper every night. It is amazing how much more energy I have when I’m not loaded down with sweets.
You are a gifted writer. I’ve always known that about you. Articles you’ve written for the church — the KIT, the bulletin, special articles — you know how to express yourself and word things so well. You could publish your personal blog into a book someday!
You’re doing such an admirable job keeping your heart sensitive to being the Christian woman God wants you to be. What a great example you are to the rest of us — even those of us old enough to be your mother.
Have a great weekend! ~~ Betty Kay
Thanks, Betty Kay!