Today is day two of no complaining, and thank God I happened to listen to my audiobook just a little bit longer than usual, because I got a super useful tip on avoiding any complaints that came my way.
It is called, "this is good because_____."
So, for example. Monday we check in our hotel for The Grand Canyon, and today I was talking to my dad on the phone and I mention it and he says, "Oh. You are really going?"
I said, "Yes," trying really hard to stay positive here, "And I am really happy about it! We are doing it."
Being my dad, he replied with a million reasons that I probably shouldn't go, and his concerns about the car. I politely listened to everything he had to say and kept telling him that I was going and I was happy, and then hung up. It took a lot of strength not to call my husband or my mom to complain because I just wanted him to be happy for me. Instead, I hung up the phone, and took a deep breath--pausing to find the "this is good because___," in all of this.
And I did.
"This is good because my dad loves and cares about me a lot. If he didn't, he wouldn't worry so much."
And then I went on to do my thing, bombarded every now and again by a phone call from dad to see if I had done this or that with the car, and what was my plan for this or that...
Again, this is good because my dad cares.
Later in the day, Levi (my husband) and I were talking about his new gym and all the cool things happening for him and he said his coach told him to talk the day off tomorrow to rest. Then I said, "Cool, does he know you are taking next week off to go to The Grand Canyon?"
I didn't get the answer I was hoping for...
"Do you think your mom could go with you instead?" he asked ever so hesitantly.
I told him I couldn't talk with him about it at the moment, because I needed to focus on cleaning this lady's house I was cleaning. I then hung up, took a deep breath and let out a few tears.
Then I said, "This is good because my husband is working really hard at his goals and will be in a fight in June. And also, maybe it will be a good bonding experience for me and my mom (if she can go)."
There have been lots of moments like this today where I have had to stop and say, "This is good because___."
Some of my answers have been off the wall, and some I had to be totally honest with myself and call myself out. I had to say, "This is good because you need to practice patience more."
I will also be honest with you guys and let you know I lost it a little bit tonight with the kids, and I am sure there was some complaining involved. But after the mini meltdown I pulled myself together in a calm manner, apologized to the kid who I had it out with and played a board game with him and even read and rocked him to sleep.
Nobody is perfect....but we can all aspire to be better.
Anyways, I had a beautiful day, and I am still super excited about the grand canyon! And I am thankful for all the wonderful things that God has given me.
It is time to go relax. I love you guys. Have a beautiful night with lots of sweet dreams.
Go change the world!
And please keep praying for our world. Pray for our country. Pray for my family. Pray for me. Pray for you! And always always, pray for my sweet Elijah.
Thank you!
Through it all,
I will always be thankful for you.
And I will always be thankful to be your mother.
Forever and always.
I love you.
<3
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