Grace's Grass Dance

So much and so little....all at the same time

Well, I just celebrated another birthday, and it was fabulous! I had a few members of my sister circle in South Carolina to celebrate with me. I was loved on and cared for, and it felt good... I got some really nice presents, too. :O)
As the Lenten season continues, I'm still in boot camp and consuming less of the things that aren't good for my body or spirit. I'm down 22 pounds since November and counting. The idea of losing weight and being a better version of me has now become a way of life (again). I still enjoy being home with Grace full time, even as I explore my employment options. Options....
It seems as though a lot has been going on. I've been "busy". Grace is growing like the proverbial weed. We've found a doctor for her here in SC, so my visits to Tallahassee, FL will now have to be more intentional. We've met some neighbors and church members who have friends close to Grace's age, and we've started going to Gymboree classes. She has a small vocabulary (mama, dada, milk, up), but she understands far more words than she can say. She enjoys afternoon strolls and makes a great "flying bird" motion anytime she sees one in the sky. Every four legged animal gets a "bark" as they must all look like a dog to her. And she absolutely enjoys doing her "grass dance". It started when she realized that grass under her feet felt distinctly different from the concrete driveway. Once she started stomping at it because it gave when she moved, it became her grass dance!
We're moving right along. As we continue to become more involved in our new community, we find ourselves doing so much and so little all at the same time. While I like the idea of doing more, I also like the idea of doing less. Spring is here (even if this week's temperatures don't know it), and the idea of lazily sitting by the lake or sitting on the porch watching the sun rise or set is appealing. We try and balance that with the continuing effort to make our new city home which means being out and about.
So much and so little going on all at once...
As Dale continues to thrive at SC State University, Grace and I take advantage of going on business trips with him. We've been plotting weekends on the calendar for friends and family to visit us for getaways and planning a few of our own.
I'm mindful of what is going on in the world (Japan, Libya, college basketball, continued bullying, hunger and homelessness and the like), while maintaining sanctity and sanity in my little corner of it. Like I said, so much and so little going on...all at the same time.

Sacrifice

I started a boot camp this morning. I was like a kid waiting for the first day of school...I had another 5 minutes of sleep left before my alarm would go off at 4:50, but I didn't need them. I've been trying to figure out why I was and am so excited to be a part of this Monday, Wednesday and Friday early morning adventure for the next several weeks. I believe it's because of the possibilities. I have 6 weeks to turn my sacrifice into the outcome I want. With the cooperation of my husband, WHO CHANGED FLIGHT PLANS FOR A BUSINESS TRIP SO I COULD MAKE THE FIRST CLASS TODAY (Grace is not ready for boot camp yet:o), and the expertise of the instructor, I can get results. I have to continue to count calories and exercise on the other days of the week, with the exception of my rest day. I have to stay motivated to get up and get moving, and I have to put in the work. Sacrifice....I see it as part of my Lenten discipline as we head into Lent and the Easter season. Some people give up something and others, like myself, take on something. Sacrifice....feels good... and that's a positive outcome even before my waistline shrinks and arms and thighs tone. I'll keep you posted!

Happy where I am?!...

The question mark followed by an exclamation point is something I do....but in this instance, it's relevant. It's sometimes a question mark but today....as in this season of my life...it's a statement. It's an exclamation even! If you're like me, then you often plan for the future; you have a five year plan; you know how you'd ideally like to see things, and you have a plan to that end. What I've been learning in my newest season is this...I have to be content where I am. (PERIOD) If I'm to move to a next place...OR NOT....it's important that I live in the now. Whether I'm made ruler of many or not, I must be faithful over the present few. I heard Yolanda Adams talk about this on her show this morning. She talked about how sometimes God wants to know that you'll be okay where he has you before He takes you to the next place. Single friends,,, be present in your singleness before God brings your mate (never been married, divorced, etc.). Couples with no children....wait on Him and enjoy each other in the meantime. Couples with growing children waiting to be children-less again....it's coming, but until then...enjoy the family lifestyle for now. It applies to enjoying the job you're working, the classes you're taking....the life you're living. If God has you in your present place, be present and accounted for until your change comes. Now, this is key....if your change doesn't come now....or later....will you still be present and GRATEFUL? It's somewhat of a proverbial rock and hard place situation because we are supposed to reach for the stars and want more out of life. Yet, we're called to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves. The good news is... we get a choice. The better news is... it's not as difficult as we make it out to be.
I had a call this morning that gave me hope on the job front. I'm certain it's because I'd given myself permission to be okay where I am. I don't want to live like a default SAHM. I'm here now and enjoying myself. I believe the next level in South Carolina will come. If it does...GREAT...and if it doesn't, will I continue to be happy where I am?! I choose yes.