There are times in my life when I find my self asking, “How on earth am I going to get through this extremely difficult, seemingly insurmountable moment?” Added to the mix is the ever-present advice on what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. Now, don’t get me wrong. Advice is always welcome, especially when it comes from someone who’s ‘been there’.

In truth, everyone has their own way of accomplishing the impossible—some rely on traditional methods, while others employ more inventive tactics. Though circumstances can sway any decision making process, it’s important to stay positive no matter what. Let me tell you...easier said than done, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

“I guess sometimes we tend to focus on what is happening and fail to recognize The Mercy in what is not happening.”

Spirituality plays a big part in my stability, even on the roughest days...and sometimes whiskey lol. One day in particular I found myself wanting to complain about being tired from trying to fit in and do all the things I needed to do while blah blah blah, until a familiar but intangible awakening suddenly came to life. You’ve heard of the oft used anecdote, “It could always be worse.” Well that phrase never really hit home until I was actually challenged to reflect on how my circumstance could actually be worse. I realized, sure my mom has an illness and I act as her primary care-giver as well as being self-employed wife... but right now she’s resting comfortably in her bed sipping on a home-made smoothie... as we watch the local news report on the latest torrential flood, as it tosses all-manner-of-what-have-you down what was once a local street in some poor American town. Right there, my troubles transformed from woe to extreme thankfulness. My countenance shifted from weary to relief and realization. Yes, some moments in life can be real rough at times, and yes I mean really really rough...but imagine if you had all the responsibilities you have now plus your house gets burned down by some natural disaster and insurance is giving you the run-around. In comparison, I thought, I’ve got it made. Right now. I can get in my car, leave my mom’s house, go to my house, kiss my husband, work at my desk, think about dinner... you see where I’m going with this?

As fate would have it, it doesn’t have to be this way for me. I could easily be one of those people suffering some unspeakable hardship...but as Grace would have it, currently I am not. I guess sometimes we tend to focus on what is happening and fail to realize The Mercy in what is not happening. All things being relative, those life waves can be gigantic monstrosities but try to keep in mind, there are even bigger ones out there. So while your current situation may not be so easy, try to find a way to be grateful and mindful that that is all you have to deal with. And for any of you riding that even bigger wave, you are actually designed to ride that wave... all the way to safety. My two cents: God is a very excellent surfing coach :)

Last, nothing lasts forever. With that said, there is never enough time to love someone so get it in if, and while you can.

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