Putting Life In Perspective

Like most of you, I’m a busy person. I write books. (And I have a new novel coming out in just a couple of weeks!) I’m an online support teacher for a large Christian online school. My husband and I are currently serving as interim pastors at our church. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I’ve had my share of health issues recently. Shall I go on?

In order to keep my life in balance, I like to plan. I make lists. I keep a schedule. I use a variety of handy apps. I just love to be organized!

Recently, my husband had to take some time off work. He needed time to deal with some health issues of his own and it’s been nice to have him around… at first. I enjoyed a more relaxed schedule to accommodate more time with him. But trying to keep up with my daily tasks – some self-imposed and others not – has become challenging. He’s always underfoot! Lest I sound ungrateful, I say much of this with “tongue in cheek”. It has certainly made us think about how we will need to adjust once he retires…

But let’s put things in perspective, shall we?

A lovely young family has been coming to our church for several months, now. They homeschool, and the children love Sunday School. The father was diagnosed with cancer in November. When we went to visit just a couple of weeks ago, he was nothing but skin and bones. Several believers gathered to pray, and two days later he went to be with the Lord. He was 42, leaving behind his wife and four children.

The reality of life and death sheds a whole new light on my light and momentary troubles. I’ve felt impatient, overwhelmed, and sometimes just plain grouchy! But I’m grateful for every single part of a sometimes hectic existence – especially having my husband underfoot!

I used a photo of me dancing with a couple of the grandkids at the top of this post. I thought it exemplified the kind of joy and freedom we should all strive for…