Hurt Feelings

I was upset with my son this week for being rather rude to me in front of his friends. My daughter witnessed it and as we talked, I told her that he hurt my feelings. She patted me on the shoulder and said, "I'd never do that to you." I smiled sadly and explained how I had seen her hurt her dad's feelings. She didn't say anything.

As I journeyed through my days, I told my friends what happened - fussed about it really. A week later I'm still a little upset, but not about the hurt. It's more about how to repair the relationship. I think we are all guilty of hurting someone we love. It's hard to be the 'hurter' because you need to realize you caused pain and apologize. It's hard to be the one hurt, because you need them to acknowledge that what they did was wrong and you just really want things to be right again. 

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 

I'm praying for a merry heart again. 

13 

Sunshine and Roses - Not

Last week was almost more stressful than I could stand. Everything regarding work seemed to be one disaster after another and life at home proved to be difficult as well. Each day I arose thinking it would be better than the day before, but a new challenge would present itself. I sent a text message to my best friend on Thursday about having a rough week and that I guessed I was due. She texted back, "TRUE" and I laughed.

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

We all know that life isn't always sunshine and roses. It's just hard not to let yourself feel overwhelmed when it pounds on you day after day. However, I didn't give up. I kept working on my problems, plugging away in search of solutions. After 4 days of high stress, I finally started to feel that something began to turn by midday Friday. I was able to finish the work week on a positive note and was so thankful to have a two day break to unwind. 

Frenzied Friday

Did you ever have a day with too many things scheduled, all of which are beyond your control? That happened to me on Friday the 13th. At 7:30 I delivered my child, a table and other stuff for a school group fundraiser. Thirty minutes later the set up was complete and I headed to work. I was on a morning deadline to get over 1400 letters stuffed, sealed and mailed. With the help of several in my office, we made it before we had to leave at 10:15 for a staff gathering and picnic. I was back in the office at 12:30 trying to get some reports finished. I returned to my child's school at 1:30 to collect the table and was back at work by 2. After working a while longer, I traveled to the karate studio at 4:30 for my child's belt advancement test. After the successful test, we headed for supper at 6:30. By 7:45 we arrived at our county's American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. I walked the 8:30-10 shift and stayed another hour for the tribute video. I arrived home just after 11. 

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor - this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Even though Friday was packed, there was great joy in each event. I would not have changed a single thing, except maybe sending out the letters. ;-)

Downs and Ups

On Tuesday we received final word that the AF JROTC HQ would stand by their decision to deactivate my son's unit. I was probably the last person holding onto my hope, so it probably hit me harder than those who had already accepted it. 

On Thursday my daughter was feeling poorly, but was determined not to miss school because of perfect attendance. After taking her to school twice and her staying long enough to count, I brought her home and realized she had a tummy bug. She was a trooper and was better by midnight. 

I'm convinced that God had all of this planned because my son has already joined the local Civil a Air Patrol and being at home with my daughter, I had the time to study and take a credential exam for work that I had been putting off. 

Even after a week with some unhappy moments and some unexpectedly cold temperatures, today dawned warm and bright. I was able to sit in church, sandwiched between my kids, and listen to a great message from our pastor. They even let me take a photo with them for Mother's Day! 💜

Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

My Son's Big Year

Last year my 14-year old son chose to switch to an unknown school so that he could join the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). He had been talking about wanting to become a pilot, so I wasn't very surprised about his decision. As a freshman cadet, he jumped in with both feet. On the second day of school, he began staying 3 afternoons a week to practice drill (marching on commands). He went to monthly Saturday drill meets and supported the team, until he was placed on the team in the spring. He did community service with the group and on his own. He became close friends with cadets ranging from freshmen to seniors. He pushed his body and mind more than I'd ever seen him do. His efforts reminded me of this verse.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

He was by no means a perfect cadet. Now 15, he's still learning how to prioritize but he always perseveres. I can tell you that his hard work was recognized Friday night at the FBHS AFJROTC Awards program. He Lettered in JROTC and received the Patriotic Flag Ribbon (flag detail), Activities Ribbon, Drill Team Ribbon, and Longevity Ribbon. Best of all, he received the honor of Freshman Cadet of the Year!

We still don't know if the JROTC program will be saved from closure, but he's already got a plan in place to continue working toward his goal of attending the Air Force Academy. He joined the Civil Air Patrol a few weeks ago. He's one very determined young man.