A friend texted me yesterday morning, asking if I had read a book called “Night”, by Elie Wiesel. Since I had not heard of the book, I looked it up online. After reading the quick synopsis, my mind immediately thought, “I cannot read this book right now”. In the meantime, I texted her and asked, “Should I?”
She sent back a response about the political and social state of things as of late, and how the book made her fearful of the future.
I wrote back how I could relate, but that fortunately my faith carries me above this stuff, as much as it can. I typed many more words than that, but you get the gist.
See, that is my truth. My faith and belief in something bigger than myself, and something even more wonderful after this not-so-bad life, sustains me on the daily; even while all this crap is going on in our country and in our world. My faith has also kept me sane this last year and half, and even before my marriage started to crumble.
I believe part of my purpose in this life is to love others and to mother the three children God gave me the best way I know how. I also feel it is my purpose to act out of kindness and concern for those I love and even those I do not know. When I can, I do my best to give any amount of both material things, and my time to those in need. And no, I am never perfect at this and never have been. The word I use here is “strive”.
Yes, shit is tough right now. There are many people who are without or suffering, or who are disillusioned or sad. However, I cannot always take on all those things because doing so causes my anxiety to go through the roof. Instead, I focus on doing the best to take care of those in my community, family and those who need me the most. I can be an example and live a life of kindness and instill hope and faith in my own children. I can take part in a community that serves others and attempts to leave no one behind (and yes, I know so many times this is NOT the case)
I know prayer and my faith cannot necessarily make everything better but it certainly cannot hurt, at least not when coming from a genuine place. I am not typically an activist, however I do conduct myself in a way that values everyone, and I am doing my best to pass that thinking on to my kids. Yes, whoever is president may affect me in some ways, however the way I choose to live is going to have the most impact on my children and those around me.
Storms are brewing all around, but finding the calm in the midst of them is essential for me. Otherwise, I tend to spiral downward. While having faith, I trust that things will be alright.
Lately, I have been trying to do my best to enjoy those around me more and take in the moments that matter. I am thankful for all of these things…
The delicious chocolate chip cookies G baked the other night.
The dollar I put under a pillow Tuesday night, when K lost her other top, front tooth.
The almost teenager still requesting I drive for field trips.
Time spent at the local brewery and making a delicious steak dinner with my boyfriend – the one who loves me for all that I am and am not.
A sweet dog to cuddle.
Friends to have dinner with and laugh with.
Books full of words I need to read.
Time in nature with my kids.
The ability to sing in front of others in church, and share my voice.
Jobs that are both challenging and fulfilling.
Gorgeous winter sunrises
So what is keeping you upbeat and happy and grateful lately? I would love for you to tell me in the comments. Or on The Miss Elaine-ous Life FB page.
This post inspired by Mama Kat’s writing prompts – “Write a blog post inspired by the word: trust.”
Faith, it’s a funny thing. After the election I fell into a spiral of anxiety that i’m still digging out of. On Christmas Eve I went to church and nearly started sobbing, I just needed it. If there is one thing that comes out of this it’s that I have realized I have more faith than I knew I did. I have been spending more time focusing on family and kids and getting off the dang internet.
Love this – focusing on the wonderful all around us is important perhaps now more than ever, but honestly always.
Amen to that. I’m focused on Mary and the people I’m close to, and ignoring the news.
I feel a lot like you. I have faith that things that are wrong will right themselves and I do what I can personally do in life to try to right the things I can. I focus on there here and now and those whom I love and who love me as well. I can not sit on a pile of fear and sadness. My children need a mom (and grandma) that is present.
It’s my faith that is getting through these unsettled times in the United States. There are a lot of people in my life who are totally against Donald Trump. I cannot let them shake up my life.
I love the fact you listed what you are thankful for in your life. It’s a great reminder.
Storms may brew, but the calm does come from trusting in the Lord. Faith can do wonders in all situations. Having an attitude of gratitude, like you expressed, is medicine to the soul.
I read a lot of books written by Holocaust survivors and actually taught Night to my ninth graders when I was teaching. It’s a heavy topic, but written by an amazing survivor who would go on to become a tireless human rights activist and win the Nobel Peace Prize. I definitely think his words are worth reading even if they are hard. He was a beautiful writer. I hate politics and I’m lucky that for the most part, like you, I can carry on and focus on the positives…but when human rights started to become a major issue in the political agenda, I felt like I had to start paying attention. Faith is a beautiful thing, but so many faithful have been wrongfully persecuted. We do have to stay adamant that we do not repeat the past, and of course take time to appreciate what we do have otherwise the news will just drive us all crazy.
I really appreciated this comment, Kat. I will probably read it someday, I just cannot right now in my life, ya know? And I completely agree, that we need to educate ourselves on the past so that we can build a better future.
As always, I look to you for a right perspective on life. Yes, things can be terrible, but like you said, we are not meant to take on the world individually. We are best suited to seek what we can do, and do our best at those things. Your strength has brought you to this point, and you can be content with that.
Yes! Yes, yes, yes!
Dang I wish we lived closer. We really are so simpatico on so many things.
I feel the exact same way.
This world is a crazy, messed up place. But it is temporary.
And as crazy and messed up as it is it is also filled with amazing, beautiful things too. I want to focus on filling this world with love. I think that is really our one and only job here on earth.
Great post, Elaine!