When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.
A few weeks ago I shared here that I was going to be reading the book Bittersweet with my Small Group ladies and sharing my thoughts on this blog. I admit, I have been very been slack about this; however, that in no way reflects my opinion of the book. I actually love it!! Yes love. It is such an easy read. The author Shauna Neiquist is so easy to relate to, writing as if she is sitting with a girlfriend chatting over a cup of coffee. Each chapter is short, highlighting a different time or incidence in her life but really leaving a message in each one.
She tells that everyone goes through hard times. But through each one that God can use them to teach you something invaluable, pour His love and grace on you, and be your Sustainer when everything and everyone might seem to be failing you.
She encourages us to go deep with your friends, not to hold things back out of fear or shame. Time is of uttermost importance. You don't have to have an agenda, or try to resolve some tough problems. Being there is what is important. Do not let friendship become the last item on a long to-do list.
She says that change is never over, and just because you have gone through one previous it will not automatically make the next one easier, but change is one of God's greatest gifts and one of His most useful tools.
A lot of times people, women especially, feel the pressure to be able to do it all, at work, at home, socially, etc. But We Don't. At one point in the book she sharing her struggles about of being overwhelmed and trying to do it all and her friend responds, she said it's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about. I loved that because so many of us can relate to where we are trying to carry too much on our shoulders. Acknowledge it is okay not to do it all. Select on a few things that are really important to you and focus your attention here.
Do not stop dreaming. I stop dreaming sometimes because I'm afraid of what it would take to change my life. I stop dreaming because I'm afraid of the chaos that a dream might bring, afraid of what a new dream will require of me. I practice being fine, and I tell myself that things are all right, just as they are. They are all right, of course.
Ditto. And I would add because I am afreiad I will fail.
There was a chapter on Grace that really hit home with me. I felt as if God was shaking me saying "Listen to Me Meghan." I am trying God.
Grace isn't about having a second chance; grace is having so many chances that you could use them through all eternity and never come up empty.
Grace is when you finally stop keeping score and when you realize that God never was, that His game is a different one entirely.
It's forgiveness without forgetting, which is much sweeter than amnesia.
Sorry this got a bit lengthy. If you are still reading this thank you for bearing through it with me. I am learning to embrace change, or to at least attempt to. And to loosen my grip on control and enjoy the ride to finding the sweetness God has promised.
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