This Spring and time of Lent for me has been very transforming. Not so much because I met all of my Lenten goals, but rather, I learned to breathe some new life into me.
The first few weeks of Lent I was disciplined and excited for change. I started some new habits that got me back to that place I needed to be...more productive and focused.
But then my dad's surgery came around the corner and suddenly all went out the window. The stress, long hours at the hospital, and need to emotionally unwind...I could only do so much.
It was more of a matter of maintaining...getting through it all...doing my best...but allowing myself to let go a little for the sake of dealing with the situation.
The last couple of weeks, I have started to get back in the swing of things again...refocusing for the last few weeks before Easter...but realizing it is okay that it didn't all turn out like I had imagined.
I learned that when life is good...I have no excuse to be the person I need to be. Laziness and distractions are not good enough reasons to let myself do whatever I want.
But when life is hard...it is okay to not follow all of my rules...but to try my best...taking each day at a time...trying to make good choices...but allowing myself to be in the moment, right where I need to be...and know that I will take care of all those other things on my to do list later.
And ultimately, I learned that all of these goals...and especially Lent...was not about me and my self sacrifice...but it was about refocusing my heart...unto the only One who could truly breathe new life into me.
How lovely that you met your Lenten goals.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed holy week and Happy Easter.
I love that chalkboard drawing!
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this post. I've been feeling the exact same way. I don't remember ever observing Lent as a kid, but this year, we decided to give up Coke. I'm not on Facebook anymore and I don't miss it at all. I actually feel like I'm spending more time with my friends instead of just emailing/ facebooking/ texting. I love when you say that you don't have excuses to not be the person you want to be. I just wrote about that last weekend. Cheers to the better us!
ReplyDeleteWhen life is going along as it should it can be hard enough to be at the top of our game but when life is throwing you curve balls you've got to give yourself some wiggle room. I think you're doing just fine. Love the chalk wall!!! I'm so looking around my house for a spot to copy that. hmmmmm??????
ReplyDeleteLove this entry so much. Especially the very last paragraph. Sounds to me like you have a wonderful understanding of life, and what's important. Hope the rest of your Holy Week is amazing, and you have a beautiful Easter!
ReplyDeleteTrish
www.tryingtodoitgracefully.blogspot.com
I really agree with what you are saying here. Sometimes I start stressing about all of the unimportant things, and I realize that I need to get back to the basics. To the stuff that really matters. I hope your father has a speedy recovery. Also, I just adore your chalkboard wall. I just imagined my dogs brushing up against it and having chalk all over their fur, and it made me giggle.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post Ashley!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are getting back to "normal" for you and your family.
I'm still praying for your dad and mom!
God is good!
xo
Love this! You may not have met all of your original goals but the end result is what matters :) I hope you have a blessed Easter! - Ashley
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, so very true! I'm following your blog now, and your chalkboard wall is amazing btw! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that chalkboard... it looks wonderful. Well written, remember it's always about what matters in the end :)
ReplyDeleteI so totally agree with you! When things get challenging, it's super important to let go of some other things. When working toward goals feels nurturing, great. When it's actually a detriment to feeling nurtured, it's time to be less rigid and let yourself go with the flow.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, as always. :-)
I love that chalkboard! and I absolutely agree with this post- you're a pretty wise chick ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Sentiment & inspiration behind the art & the art wall itself. Excellent way to turn an otherwise invisible wall into something beautiful and inspirational - the same as your goals and focusing and introspection and self discovery and sharing are working to turn you into a beautiful and inspirational soul for us! <3 to you and your dad!
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