A Woman of Grace

Don and I are blessed with many exemplary young people, on both sides of our family. I feel that my own children are heads and shoulders above many, but it doesn't end there. I have nieces and nephews whose lives far exceed anything I could ever hope to accomplish or even aspire to.

Which brings me to this post. I have one special niece who is incredibly bright, articulate and thoughtful. But she and I are poles apart on many of our views, specifically relating to child-rearing and family life. I can be just as opinionated, or more so, than she, so it leads to some differences of opinion.

Once again, recently, she showed me what a young woman of grace and Godliness she truly is. She posted. I had an opposing view. I usually refrain from expressing myself on her blog, because she is surrounded by loyal friends who feel much the same way about things as she does. However, this time I responded. Of course, I was shot down by some. However, this young lady handled the situation so lovingly, tactfully and gracefully, I couldn't help but admire her stance. Despite our differences (which she is fully aware of), she has never ONE TIME treated me with any ill-will or disrespect. That shows me what a special young lady she is. Truly a modern-day Woman of Grace.

I love you, dear niece, and respect your heart ways. When I grow up, I want to follow my heart the way you do.

An Element of Safety

We met with the counsellor from ALS this week, and the visit was very informative. She came to the house and stayed about 2 1/2 hours. In the course of the conversation, she was asking us what some of our concerns are, and it came out that each time Don has to change his lifestyle to accommodate this disease, he feels like it's a step backwards, and it distresses him. I like what she said. She commented, "You need to change the way you look at it. Instead of feeling it's a digression, simply say to yourself that you're changing your lifestyle to add an element of safety. You're protecting yourself. It's worth the change if it keeps you from falling." Nice way to look at it.

I've had things in life that hit me square between the eyes. Setbacks. Disappointments. I've hurt so deeply that I felt I might never be able to trust again. But I've learned lessons from those times that I would not have learned any other way. I'm actively trying to change the way I view adversity. In learning new lessons, I'm adding an element of safety. I'm protecting myself. Maybe I'll be more cautious next time not to speak so quickly or thoughtlessly. Maybe I'll consider your feelings before I comment. Then again, maybe not! But, if I don't, I can expect to have to make some changes in my lifestyle, because I'll definitely be falling - taken down a notch! Hope I can learn the easy way.

Battle of the Bulge

I've learned through the years that I exercise very little self-control where eating is concerned. For all my early life, I was painfully thin. I ate anything I wanted and in the quantities I desired without any ill-effects at all. Even after each baby, within six weeks I was two pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant. Now, I've rolled into my 60s. Things have changed. Honestly, it began before then, but 60 seems to be some kind of mile-marker for most. I've discovered bulges in places that used to court long and lean. What happened? One sweet niece recently joined a gym; she's hoping to win the battle of the bulge by working out. That hurts my back and makes me all sweaty. Eeeeewww! I have a treadmill, but it's seldom used. I like walking the park, but Don hardly lets me out of his sight anymore. Anyway, on many days my "get up and go" got up and went! What to do? What to do? It might help if I cut portions, but then I'd likely pitch the leftover food that could be used to feed hundreds of children in China or India or someplace like that. (I ALWAYS cook more than it takes to feed the two of us.) A guilty conscience isn't worth the effort. What about eating more healthy - lots of fresh fruit and veggies? Actually, I've done that. But I love fruit, and I end up eating it by the basketful. Sounds like a self-control issue, doesn't it? I think I've come up with a solution, though. There's this wonderful under-garment that you can buy and it "automatically" removes those unwanted pounds, along with all the unsightly bags and bulges. I bought one. It kinda works! Getting in and out of the thing is enough exercise to last a week. I think I'm going to lose weight just putting the thing on. I'm the winner!!!