Life Lessons

My sister has recently done a post on lessons she's learned in her life - so I'm going to follow suit...

Five things I've learned in my lifetime, age 31 years...

1. Kindness for others trumps being right. Several years ago, after some rough experiences in ministry, I learned that it is just not worth it to try to be right. Rather, it's better to be kind to others, always considering their feelings first. As background - the situation that taught me this well...
I was on staff at a medium sized church, and the pastor really wanted me to have a good "program." Meaning that he wanted me to produce an excellent musical group - utilizing only volunteers. Well, being fresh out of college, and completely sure of my abilities, I treated those volunteers like students in high school, demanding perfect standards, attendance, and allowing no leeway for "life." Bottom line - I ended up really alienating many folks and now, years later have realized that feelings always need to be taken into consideration. Now, if I were in the same situation - I would use empathy and caring, rather than harshness and demands.

2. I value health! While being in ministry, one of the things that grated on me was when people were chronically sick. I guess in my mind - I felt that they needed to have a "cope and deal" attitude, rather than always complaining, or even talking about their issues. God used that in me, though, and allowed me to experience a chronic pain that has lasted years - and I now understand a bit better what people go through. I also never take my good health (that has now been restored) for granted! So even though I couldn't stand eating my veggies growing up, I willingly crave them now and eat as healthy as possible and take my vitamins, and have a chemical free household. Health is something that I do feel that we should never take for granted.

3. Being a mom is a great calling. I have always wanted to be a mother, and I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to let that be my highest priority, next to being my husband's wife! I have never struggled or been conflicted over whether to work or to stay home - I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be! And it is wonderful to be right in the center of God's will for our family.

4. Marriage is hard work. But if you're willing to sacrifice and make a daily decision to love, it is all so very worth it. It's also something that shouldn't be taken for granted. I learned just this last year how very fragile relationships can be and through walking through a rough experience with a friend, it taught my husband and I that what we've got just really ain't all that bad! I'm so thankful to have been shown this perspective - right at a time when we desperately needed a breath of fresh air in our relationship. He is so my choice for me - every day, even when he is ornery or irritating!

5. I've learned that I really love to entertain and be hospitable. I thrive on it - even though it wears me out. I love the planning and preparing, hunting for recipes, cleaning the house, getting ready, having everything "just so..." and just the fellowship of chatting with friends. My dream house isn't really about me and my family wanting a larger space for us - we want a larger space in order to be able to give more to others! Someday!!!