Real Life...

Real Life...4-25-25

The part about real life is that it isn't always roses and sunshine. Sometimes we have rain, sometimes pain, and sometimes we struggle. When I began this blog, I wanted to ensure it wasn't a fake Facebook. I wouldn't display my irritation at other people, lament about my troubles, or complain. It also wouldn't always be sunshine and roses. It would be real life and learning to let the Father lead me in all situations. This blog would be about my experiences and how He changed me then and is changing me daily.

In saying all that, today has been a struggle. I take medication occasionally that makes me feel horrible. When I finally get it into my system, I struggle. I struggle to make it through the day, and I struggle not to become irritable. It will last a few days. This is especially hard when you are in a room full of students who require you to be patient, loving, and kind. This is even harder when I need to be in meetings with parents and have adults who also need information or require assistance. In these times, I have learned to lean on God. As I'm typing this blog, the song, which I find always plays when I need a reminder, is on the radio in the background. Psalms 23, Still Waters. Yes, Lord. I hear you!

Some people might say, "Why don't you stay home?" "Take a sick day!" I don't take sick days very often. I have had to take many in the past for various health issues, and I want to save those for the precious times that I know I can't be here. I also feel responsible for my students. I know people who are gone every week or so. They can't make it through a week without taking some time off for something. In my employment career, I haven't been one of those. But, I have taken off more this year for other things that feed my soul. I still feel guilty. Yes, my students can make it without me, but I know I need to be here and teach them.

So why blog about this? Exodus 23:25 states, "Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you." So many times we thank God for the wonderful things that happen in our lives, but we don't thank Him for the sickness or the times we just don't feel good. Yes, we go to God for major illnesses; however, we don't think about every stomach issue, sniffle, cold, or cough. We just expect Him to heal us from those afflictions as well. As I was lying in bed last night, I said a quick prayer for the Lord to help me with this minor health issue. I am certain He said to me, "I was waiting for you to ask." I smiled to myself and right then and there thanked Him again for being that all-knowing God. Psalm 34:15, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;" So I will praise the Lord as I don't feel well, understanding that He has a purpose and a plan. Understanding that He loves me always. Understanding that He is the comforter and protector. I will praise Him because I need those "not so well" days to remember His goodness, His love, and His mercy in all things. Psalm 103:2-3, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

Why the picture? Because my grandson has ball games on Tuesday and Friday. He looks for us. Not feeling well is not acceptable when you have a grandchild. Ask any grandparent, and they will tell you we do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.