Whaaaattttt?

Look at our world. Look at the headlines! Actually, don't. They are for the most part downright depressing. Catastrophic events, corrupt leaders, dishonesty, families falling apart....I'd better stop now. It's crazy. We need some good.

There is good. It's usually buried in obscure pieces of news, and tiny corners of the written word. As far as the media is concerned, it's not worth reporting because it's not sensational enough. I think good is right under our noses. Good is still all over the place, we just don't get to see and hear all of it that goes on every day. But we need to. We need good. We need happy. We need kind. We need light.

So why, how, what the heck....I hear complaints that....wait for it....it's truly going to shock you- "There are people who are TOO nice." WHAT the heck?

Some call it being naïve. Some think if you're happy all the time you've got to be fake. Me? I think it's amazing. I think it's brave, I think it's possessing a divine attribute.

I think it is a grand thing to find a person who can keep being nice in the midst of the things that life can dish out. It's amazing to me when people can stay positive no matter what is going on in the world and even more importantly their own homes and families. The person who can smile through the pain and help others through theirs is a saint,  period. Someone who is kind when they have been hurt? The epitome of grace and charity. Sometimes being happy is the furthest thing from a person's mind, but to find kindness and share it no matter what is one of the things we are here to learn. Not complaining when there's plenty to complain about? Try it for a day. See if you can do it. That takes grit, strength and integrity. Finding light in the darkness? Joy in the drudgery? Delight in the simple things? Good things in my book. Nice qualities. Nice things to be around. Nice, just nice!

SO no. You can't be too nice. In a world like this where nice can keep even one person going, there's no such thing as being too nice. Keep bringing it nice people! Because I NEED NICE. And I will be grateful.

 

Who Cares?

I slept in today. Chad went to work at 4:30 this morning and when he came home, we both went back to bed and this family slept until well after lunch time. It has been one of those weeks. I am so grateful that last weekend was peaceful and recharged me physically, spiritually and mentally or I might not have made it through this week. Each one of us is exhausted to the core on every level possible. But we are grateful we have had each other to come home to each night. So grateful I have a sanctuary full of people I love to return to each day. It makes literally everything worth it.

Mi familia~ mi vida
My family~my life

I love my life. It is rich and full and I have so much goodness in each day. But like everyone else, I experience stress, worry, exhaustion, heartbreak and all the other emotions that are not as much fun to handle. I have really had to look for joy in my life with all the stressors affecting me like they are. My "inappropriate" heart is being really inappropriate in handling the chaos. The week began with worrying about my father and the fact that his home dialysis is not working for him.  In the midst of a remodel that I instigated but is throwing off my groove, family members in the ICU and trying to find the healthiest routes to keep them alive, intense work stress for Chad and me, and all the other day to day instances that give extra worry, I have had to stop every single day and start naming the things that are blessings and joys in my life. I am happy to report that there have been many things to count. I am grateful for the people who care.



Painting, patching, ripping up carpet, redoing stairs....
and getting ready for new carpet on Friday.


I read something along the lines of "You know who your true friends are by who is there for you when things are bad." I agree to a point. I have never expected my friends to come flying to my side when I am having a rough time. Just knowing they are my friends is enough for me. Knowing I am loved, or even thought of will get me through most any situation that is in any way hard. On Monday morning one of my fourth graders brought me a pair of Halloween earrings she had made for me, just because she was thinking of me. On Tuesday morning I woke up to the sweetest text from a dear friend of mine, just reminding me that she loves me. On Wednesday one of my dear friends picked up Meghan and took her to Young Womens for me, making sure Meghan knows SHE is loved in the process. A wonderful family kept me updated on how their daughter who we have been praying for is doing. My boss was extremely kind in hearing this latest installment of stress, and told me to do whatever I needed to in taking care of those I love. Yesterday another dear friend texted me while she was  on the way to California to see how my sister in ICU is doing. I have been told prayers are being said for my sister, my dad, and my family. That is absolutely humbling and heart-warming. I feel loved. That's all I need.

My new earrings

I know that life is stressful. We all have our "stuff". You might be going through your own, completely oblivious to what I am going through, and vice versa. I hope you know I love you even when I am not "there" for you. You're in my heart always and I pray for you no matter where you are in your life. And I'm grateful you pray for me no matter where I am in mine. That's what matters.

Thanks for loving me, for being a part of my life, and for letting me know you care. Thanks for being the angel that whispers to me in the right place and at the right time. I love it that we can all share the joy in caring for each other. I love my peeps. And I am ever so grateful!