Feeling Stuck?

FEELING STUCK?

I had a talk with one of my daughters the other day. I was sitting on the front porch, sipping on a cool glass of water, dreaming of all the plants and shrubs that I wanted to beautify the front lawn with. My husband Greg was cutting the lawn, when she came out the door and asked to talk with me. She said, “Mommy, I feel stuck”. She told me that because of her learning challenges, she felt that she would never achieve her dreams, and that she wanted to go to college, and play college level soccer. She said she felt misunderstood and depressed sometimes, but when she feels this way she prays and talks with God. I was proud that she could identify what she was going through, because for many years she would be of few words. Fighting back tears, she said, “I’m trying to keep from being emotional, but sometimes the tears come and I can’t help it. She said, “Mommy, sometimes I even feel depressed”. So she asked me if I have ever felt depressed. My daughter wanted to know if “I” could identify with her. What an honor and a privilege as a mother. It was at that moment that my heart went out to my precious daughter. I felt her pain. I understood what she was going through. I know what it feels like to have a dream or desire so strong in your heart, yet feel so clueless as to whether it will become a reality or not.


Many times I have felt depressed, oppressed, and just plain ole “stuck”. Changing the way we see ourselves through the eyes of how God sees us will help us overcome those times in our life when we feel we are powerless to become the person who we want or aspire to be. Having a personal relationship with Christ also strengthens our confidence to do the things we find difficult or out of reach. We all have hidden valleys in our lives as well as mountain top experiences, but we can come out of those valleys by focusing our attention on our heavenly Father who will help us to continue this life victoriously, and will help us to be better encouragers or our children and our families.

Keep On Keepin' On!

Do you ever have days when you just want to lock the door, hideaway under those covers and shout “I DON’T WANNA GO OUT THERE, IT’S SCARY and IT’S MEAN!”

I get those days sometimes. I’m glad there are more days when I’m brave, encouraged, inspired, and just feelin’ great about everything, rather than the latter! So much to contend with, and I’m not just talking about work life, but family life too! There are days when all I want to do is be “selfish”, and there are some days that I do just that! Spend the day on myself and get alone with God for a moment. I do that from time to time because it keeps me leveled and balanced. It keeps me “keepin on”.

As parents we tend to think more about the needs of our families, and totally put off a much needed doctor’s visit. We put off buying ourselves new clothing, or a decent looking set of under wear. We run to this event, and that football practice or dance recital, someone’s birthday party or sleepover. Cooking, cleaning, nursing the sick, paying bills, encouraging the discouraged when we too need some encouragement. “WE HAVE TO”to refuel, it simply is a “MUST”! Otherwise, we will find ourselves resenting our station in life, burned out and irritable, even ugly to our spouse if he/she dare tries to make light of our responsibilities. Ladies, and/or Gents (if you happen to be a stay-at-home Daddy), or a parent who works outside the home, get time for yourself and refuel. Go out with some friends or take a long drive and some pocket change for a tasty treat, and maybe buy a gift or two for yourself. If you happen to be married, go out with your spouse and just “kick it” together, anywhere just as long as you have the time and space you need to enjoy each other and relax. You may even want to go to your favorite bookstore and read the latest magazines or books if the funds happen to be low. I like spending time with my hubby when he’s off or go out with girlfriends to the movies and then have dinner. Good food, good friends, great conversation, and plenty of laughter is good for the bones!

So do it for yourself, so you can be the best you can be for you, God, and everyone who loves and depends on you. Do it so you can, “KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON!”