Okay, I legit need to complete three transcripts and I'm struggling to get out of holiday mode (eating all the things and procrastinating on all the work), so I've deleted FB and Instagram from my phone for at least the remainder of this week, and this will be the last blog post I write from work (started it yesterday and just need to finish and publish it this morning).
I went to see Mufasa with Rach and J&K at Flix yesterday afternoon - enjoyed the movie more than I expected, and it was fun times hanging out with the Parrish crew!! ❤
Saturday was Kyndal's volleyball tournament at UCO! I chatted with Rach and laughed about her and Mom's intensity at all sporting events! It makes me happy just to watch the team camaraderie, and I don't care deeply if they win or lose, outside of wanting K-Faith to enjoy it and do her best! lol
I believe this used to be a pile of snow in the corner of the parking lot at Lake Hefner... either way, the standing water is new, and it made me happy to see a couple ducks hopping in for a swim on Saturday afternoon! lol
In sad news, presh Ella "Bellsy" is now in Heaven... Friday night, David texted me that they had to put her to sleep after she injured her back and was partially paralyzed... sadness. Sam-puffins is doing well and will be 12 in October. They've moved to Texas, so it's been a while since I've seen the best girlfranz or heard from David, but I'm glad to know Sammich has other small dog friends to play with now, and I'm grateful Bellsy didn't suffer long. She was the best girlfran and the sweetest Pom puppy, and I so look forward to seeing her smiley little fluffy self again in Heaven (along with Rylee and Reagan and Kelsey and more)!!
❤❤❤
10-24-2013 to 1-09-2025
Rest in Peace Ella Belle, aka "Bellsy"
❤❤❤
Just inserting something random that made me laugh! =)
Huzzah for snow days and these impressive snowmen by the Wilson fam!!
Katherine Claire living it up at Disneyland - Sarah said they had a great road trip, and she highly recommends a Disneyland visit!
My fav niece and nephew enjoying CHA's Spirit Week!!
(Kyn and Dylan as refs for Duo Day + J&K on Cowboy/Cowgirl Day)
(Kyn and Dylan as refs for Duo Day + J&K on Cowboy/Cowgirl Day)
Shifting to a more difficult and important topic, a fellow CHA alumni and FB friend is on my heart today. She has overcome several challenges and lived with resilient strength, so I've paid attention to her story. She shared a beautiful, joyful post on January 1st about how she couldn't be more grateful for her relationships and felt like she had everything she'd ever dreamt of at her fingertips... only three days later, she was grieving her boyfriend's death by suicide. I do not know him or his family, and I do not know her well at this stage of life. Still, even seeing this from a distance had a sharp impact on me. The juxtaposition of her New Year's Day post to the heartbroken tribute posts and an obituary encouraging donations to mental health foundations and suicide prevention... it's tragic in so many ways, and I'm praying for her and her boys and his family and everyone directly affected in the aftermath of his choice.
With that context in mind, I am reminding myself (and you) to choose life in big and small ways, to draw near to God, to engage and be present with others, to set and work toward goals that mean something to you, to dwell on the ways you belong and how you can add value to the lives around you (rather than dwelling on how you don't fit in or don't really matter to others). The enemy is always speaking, but so is Jesus, and we get to choose which voice we listen to and get to know and prioritize.
As someone who has struggled with the darkness of suicidal thoughts MANY years ago, and as a single woman who is very familiar with playing the third-wheel role and being included in other people's family dynamics and hanging out with older and/or younger generations, I have thought about all of this a lot. The truth is, on any given day and in any group setting, you can dwell on how you don't really fit in and make yourself feel like the outcast or the odd man out... you can choose to withdraw and dissociate and disengage and isolate and feel invisible... OR you can intentionally choose belonging and decide to be seen, to contribute to the conversation, to be genuine and vibrant and joyful, to learn from others and add value, to believe you are wanted and loved by the people surrounding you. Relationships matter, and YOU matter - your life, your story, your talents, your God-given gifts, your opinions and desires - they matter. When other people aren't around, you can choose to feel alone or to connect with God and believe He is always present with you - there's a huge difference in how you will feel. I want to be a beacon for choosing life and hope and light, for reaching out every time you need help! Choose to notice the details, to care about others, to celebrate goodness wherever you see it. You really can step up and speak up and choose to belong. As God's children, none of us are ever fully "at home" outside of Heaven, and everyone wants good company for the journey until we get there! Single or dating or married, you can always choose community and belonging, and it's worth it!!
Praying we all embrace the abundant love and support that's available for us, and intentionally love and support others in return!! ❤
Seeing this was a good reminder for me as I step back from the Tulsa-move plan and prayerfully wait on what God has planned for me next. To be here now, fully present and alive and wholehearted. (Annnnd getting back to work. lol)
This moment matters, and your choices matter.
❤❤❤
No comments:
Post a Comment