I have family coming this weekend. Some, we haven't seen in a while and my sons haven't seen in even a longer time. So, you can imagine, we've been trying to get ready. However, life keeps getting in the way. It's less than 24 hours to go and I still have to decorate. I think the decorating is going to be a bit less this year! And, that's ok! It really is because while I was sick, I learned that we can still celebrate and enjoy our family even when we don't have totally decked out halls. For example, we've been known to not get any ornaments on the tree! Yup, that's right. Justs light were on our tree at least 2 years that I can remember. I wasn't too happy the first time but I've learned that its actually ok. And, in some ways, kinda pretty! Hmm....I can't decide what ornaments I'm using this year...maybe just lights again would do! Although I'm off the hook for tomorrow because I don't have the room for all this company AND a tree! :)
Anyway. Last week, I thought I had all this time available and could actually get our guest bathroom painted. We've been here almost 3 years and it was "OK" till now. Needed to be done, but on the we'll get to it list. So, last week, we got to it. Haven't decorated it yet and still don't have the towel rack back up, but, hey. It's painted!
I also said yes to a very interesting day for this past monday. I said, yes, I would go serve the Gettys and their entourage as their runner (go-fer). It was quite an interesting day, and I doubt I'll be asked back to do it again, but I had an adventure. I just happened to be in one of my gluten induced brain fogs. I think I said I'm sorry more times than is legally allowed if that's possible. But, I said yes when there was a need. And I'm glad I did it! I also knew that God could shut the door by not having me chosen to be the runner. So when I was, I felt it was my assignment for Monday.
I stayed overnight at my mom's that night since she had my dog and was closer than home. Even tho, in said, fog, I actually drove almost halfway home because of the missed turn to her house before I got going the right way! I'm dangerous in those fogs!
I was going to get up, come home and get to work at my house that day but God had a different assignment for me. I noticed that mom's kitchen and bathroom needed to be cleaned before her Christmas company arrives. And, I had time, didn't I? I also realized it was the best day to give her a haircut and set. And, it would save me a trip down there yesterday or today. I also got to make her and my brother dinner and share it with them. I had time, didn't I? And I'm so glad I did that!
Then, Wednesday I was REALLY in a gluten /allergy fog and not good for much of anything. But, I did get the bathroom back together (yup, still wasn't back together) AND cleaned that bathroom. That job was on the must-do list for company. All else could be done without. The decorating we could do without totally if need be and the food could even be bought if necessary. But, the bathroom, well, a must.
Then I spent most of Thursday planning and buying the food, making tea bread and feeling pretty good about where I was at, at that point I allowed myself to wander the stores and I came home exhausted. Truly exhausted. My legs ached like they haven't in a long time. And I hadn't really done that much to feel that way. Oh, did I mention that my electricity acted up on Wed night? I had to have someone come look at it, making many trips up and down the stairs checking out the breaker panel. PECO had to be called and many more trips up and down stairs because he came at 730 AM.
Then, Thursday night, I got the best gift of the week in terms of stress. My husband came home a day early from his business trip! He will be here tonight to assist! And this is where I got the text that a friend was in need. I had a choice. I could say, I'm truly sorry but I just don't have time right now or, I could do the good that I felt God was asking of me. It didn't take long to say yes. That was to be today. She was having surgery this morning and needed me to keep her company this afternoon between two others who would be with her. An easy job although away from home. But, we'd been saying we wanted to help if we could during her surgery/recovery.
I told my husband that I had said I'd do this and that we'd just do without anything I couldn't get done. He wholeheartedly agreed. You see, we've decided that others and their needs are more important than us and what we want to do. I could have said no and gone on my merry way, overdoing it for company, etc. But,they are coming, no matter what I get done. And yes, they'd enjoy the decorations and food I could over do on preparing. But, it's really family we are all interested in, not the extras.
We also know from experience, how much it hurts when someone says that what they "have to get done for Christmas" is more important than visiting a friend(me) who was hurting. I mean, she asked what she could do for me. And I told her, I needed a visit. But, she was too busy for that kind of helping. PLEASE, don't ever tell someone that kind of thing! All the stuff that goes with Christmas is just stuff. I hardly do 1/10th of what I did preRSD for Christmas, but the people around me are more important to me now.
And yes, here I sit writing a blog post. I've spent time in prayer and sitting before the Lord and felt I needed to write this.
You see. God asked something sacrificial of me today. And, even tho I would also be blessed by being able to visit my friend, I was sacrificing some of "MY" time today. Really, dear friend, it didn't feel like a sacrifice tho many would think it was).
God asked. I said yes. But, God asked me even tho, he knew I would not have to follow through. I was in prayer this morning over my day and Lord, how am I going to get everything done and what order to do it in. My my SIL encouraged me to make sure I walk a straight line between that moment and tomorrow. Not to get carried away with side tracks that aren't necessary. I've had to remind myself of that a few times today when my gaze (and yes, body) got looking off the line! But, I am walking this 'tightrope' still and need to be careful to stay on the rope! I feel this time I've spent this afternoon praying and writing were actually rests that God had set up for me along the rope.
Anyway, getting back to when I prayed this morning while I cleaned my shower, a text came in for me. Sadly, my friend was probably not going to be having her surgery today and later was admitted rather than coming home and needing me to visit.
God asked. I said yes, Lord. And he has said, thank you for your willingness but I don't need you at this time.
The year I was healed, I must have heard the admonish from the Word to do the good that is asked of you a hundred times in different ways and through different sources. I felt God was trying to get that idea across to me.
And sometimes, God says, "All I wanted was your willingness".
Be willing, my friends. God's got it under control!
Now, I'm off to decorate! And, I finally actually feel like decorating which is the reason I haven' t done it yet!
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