Something Good- Day 330-332

I did not feel well at work on Wednesday and went home a little early. We watched a show until I felt better. Then, we went to the grocery store to get a few last minute Thanksgiving ingredients.

We woke up early on Thursday to start cooking food. My sister made me chilequiles for breakfast. We realized shortly after that we forgot a key ingredient to our meal. Luckily, we were able to find someone that had it to spare. I was grateful to feel much better because there was quite a bit of shoveling to do before leaving the house.

I went back to work today. It was pretty quiet because most people want to be at the store rather than the bank on Black Friday. I forgot my lunch, but my sister was kind enough to bring it while she went shopping with a friend. I cruised around one store with them, but we avoided most places because they were too crowded. We did get in a bit of online shopping though. After work, we went to a friend’s house for a Thanksgiving meal and some games. It was fun, and they sent us home with leftovers.

Something Good- Day 327

This is not a normal year. I think we are all craving light and happiness and joy a little more this year. So, even though I absolutely love Thanksgiving and feel that it is extremely important to express gratitude at this time, I am all for Christmas lights this year. Today we went to a friend’s house to drop off some puzzles for them. They unexpectedly invited us to eat dinner with their family. Afterwards, we drove around looking at Christmas lights and then watched Polar Express to end the night.

Something Good- Day 325-326

Friday after work I planned to go to a friend’s house. I stopped at a gas station to order pizza so it would be ready by the time I got there. Unfortunately, I ordered from the wrong location. I was so frustrated with myself and hungry that I sat in my car and cried. I messaged a friend to help calm me down while I waited for another pizza to be made at the right location. I was grateful she was available, and I felt much better after eating and spending time with my friends.

Yesterday was a warmer day. The snow had melted off the lawn, which allowed us to rake leaves we had left on the ground before the snow. We also cleaned up the garage and finished some laundry. I was grateful to accomplish so much during the day, and then get to reward ourselves with some shopping afterwards.

Something Good- Day 279

I spent the evening in the hospital with my sister because we thought she had appendicitis. Luckily, she had mesenteric lymphadenitis instead, which mimics appendicitis but resolves on its own without surgery. Although it was not how I would have preferred to spend my evening, it was great to know that my sister would be okay and that we could go home for the night. We celebrated with a couple pies from McDonald’s and watched a show to wind down before bed.

Something Good- Day 273

Today was an interesting day at work. The closest branch to us was closed for cleaning due to possible Covid exposure. That meant that all our bank traffic came to the same branch. We were able to help everyone without too much trouble, but it definitely made things interesting. It also caused some complications with social distancing since there were extra employees on the teller line. On the other hand, it was great to work with so many good employees, and it made me even more grateful for my job and my health.

Something Good- Day 112 & 113

I got a projector a couple years ago because I love the idea of a home theater. We have not used it since then because we have a television and not much space to put a projector. We set up the projector in my sister’s room yesterday to watch a movie in bed. It was fun to be able to use it again and exciting to know it worked for us.

My car has been in the shop for about a week. I got a call this morning that it was ready to be picked up. They said it did not need to be painted because the parts they received just happened to be the right color, so they would be able to give me a small refund. I have been struggling to pay bills every month until this point. Now I am able to pay bills easily, save, and repay loans. It is such a stark difference, and I am very grateful for it.

Something Good- Day 111

Today was incredibly busy at work. It did not feel overwhelming, but we kept busy the entire time. At the end of the night, one of the tellers was missing a large amount of money, and we weren’t sure what happened. I am grateful for how we all work together though when someone needs help. I helped my coworker look through everything. Then, my manager helped. We were there later than we should have been, but it was such a good environment.

Prior to this time of quarantines and social distancing, I was passively looking for another job. My coworkers all knew I disliked working at a bank and did not intend to stay long. Now though, I am so grateful for my coworkers and the care the bank has shown me as an employee. I have been humbled by this experience, and it has brought me closer to my coworkers. It is in times of darkness and hurt and loneliness that we find out what lives in us and those around us. We find out what means the most when it matters most.

Impossible

I had this insight at church today about Luke 1:37. One translation says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” I think it is interesting that it says “shall be” because sometimes things are impossible at the moment, but that doesn’t mean they will always be impossible. God can mold and shape us into a new person that can do what was impossible for who we used to be.

I have done things that were once impossible for me, but are now natural and even easy. I asked for help to do these things. I tried over and over, but I had limitations that I could not overcome by myself. But, then, I changed. I became a new person because people saw something in me that I could not see in myself.

We are so often told that God won’t give us more than we can handle or that all things are possible with God, but the process is not explained very often. God makes us so that we can handle things. Sometimes that is through trials, but I think most often it is through other people. People teach us, change us, and stretch us to become more than we once were. And sometimes it is not a good experience. Sometimes it is difficult, painful, and heartbreaking experiences with people that force us to become better.

I think in the end though, we can find reasons to be grateful for all the growth experiences, even the unpleasant ones. The key is allowing yourself to be changed, so that the impossible can become possible.

Grateful for Family

I have had an amazing week of spending time with family and friends! I spent a few days with my sister and her family and extended family. Then, I came home and spent some time with my nieces and nephew. Today, we had a Thanksgiving meal with one of my best friends, who is practically family to me. I am very grateful for the wonderful people in my life. They help me so much. I really do not know where I would be without my friends and family.

I realized a few years ago that it is not a good idea for me to live alone, detached from the people that love me most. I need to be able to see people that love me on a regular basis. I am grateful for how readily everyone accepts me into their lives. I feel at home whenever I go to my sister’s or my parents’ or my best friends’ houses. They all make me feel so welcome and like I belong. I like that feeling of belonging. I like the feeling of being wanted and needed and appreciated. I am grateful for that feeling especially during the holiday season.

As a single person, I could feel very lonely. I do feel lonely at times, but I have so many people around me that help me to not feel so alone. I know that I am loved. I know that I will always have a place to call home. I know that I will always be welcome when I visit my family and friends. I am grateful for that knowledge. I am grateful for the feeling of belonging and love that I feel every time I am with my family and friends. And I am grateful that so many people accept me into their lives and let me be a part of their families.

Grateful for Clothes

Clothes have a major influence on how I feel and act. I almost always choose my clothes based on how I feel. I wear certain colors when I am calm, others when I am sad, and others when I am happy or want to be happy. I wear shirts that tend to initiate conversations when I feel like talking to people. I wear clothes that are comfortable when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

I did not want to go to church today. I did not want to go out or see people at all today. I did not feel depressed necessarily, but I did feel a lack of motivation to do anything. I got ready for church anyway and put on a green sweater that always reminds me of Mister Rogers. Then I looked in the mirror and sang, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” It made me laugh enough that my mood lightened, and I went to church feeling a little happier.

I am grateful for the little ways that clothes help me every day. I am grateful that I can wear my yellow skirt on a rainy day to brighten up my world a bit. I am grateful that the soft warmth of a sweater can help me feel a little less anxious on a difficult day. I am grateful for the confidence my work clothes give me in helping me feel professional and qualified to do my job. I am grateful for the conversations that many of my t-shirts have started because of the fun pictures or sayings on them. And today, I was grateful for a sweater that reminded me of a song that could lighten my mood when I was feeling down. 🙂