Sharing

With the pool season upon us, my thoughts often turn to how can I organize my life so I can get to the pool. How can I plan out the time at the pool to make it fun, safe, and relaxing for everyone. It usually means making sure we go at a time that isn't too busy, that we have snacks for those hungry swimmers, and that I'm not too tired to go so that I can have my eyes and hands ready to make sure it's a safe trip with these boys.

The funny thing is that I don't foresee a whole lot of pool time in our future right now. We have a lot of stress going on in our family right now. The timing of some of these life changes isn't ideal but that's the way life goes sometimes. I recognize that a lot of our stress is brought on by our choices so I'm not playing the blame game. We are just trying to stay afloat one day at a time and are so very grateful for all the helpful friends and family we have. We couldn't do all this without you!! Thank you thank you thank you!

Recently I was reading a post from my cousin's blog. She has dealt with enormous changes in her life in the last year and has been a tower of strength for so many. I'm always amazed at how this past year's twists and turns have not brought her down but have given her experience and made her that much stronger in her faith and determination to follow the Lord in her life. In this last post, she made an analogy with swimming and dealing with the stresses of life. It was so good that I thought I would share it.

"I've been teaching my children to float when we go to the pool. It is the first rule of water safety. Panic is your aquatic enemy. You must relax completely and be absolutely still. It occurs to me that in life, as well, thrashing around and panicking in a sea of stress is wasted energy, and possibly even emotionally lethal. We are often told to "Be Still." At times like this, even when there is literally a SEA of stress that seems as if it would swallow me whole, quiet faith calls for that stillness. Experience has taught me to follow my heart, and allow the greater powers of the universe to guide my life."

I want to say thank you to my cousin for sharing her wisdom and send a hope out there that we all can teach our children ....and ourselves for that matter...to learn how to be still in the seas of stress that come our way.