People often make comments to me when reading my posts about my “perfect life,” or how I’ve “got it all.” I don’t put that out there to be conceited at all, and while I’m flattered that people would say that to me, in the interest of being “real” I want to tell you that I, nor my life, are in any way close to perfect.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely happy…I have everything that I could ever hope for, and I know that’s what people are seeing…my happiness shining through. But I also want people to know that I have struggles, often daily, and thankfully, that’s where God is my strength and carries me.
We used to go to a church where everyone put their happy face on Sunday morning before they walked through the doors. When there, if asked how things were going, people would always say “couldn’t be better,” or “everything’s great.” Only they weren’t…that’s not life. It’s almost like you weren’t allowed to have problems, and if you did, and had the courage to bring them up to people, they were quickly brushed under the rug so as not to impose on the image of the church.
I go to a different church now. A church that has people that pride themselves, and the church, on “being real.” And while I haven’t gotten up the courage to ever “be real” at church (there are many times that I have big issues going on but would never dream of telling anyone), I love that if I ever needed to, I could talk to someone. Or the fact that I am always there and ready if someone needs me.
So going along with that theme, it’s only fair to make sure I’m passing that along here. My blog’s main purpose is to chronicle the life of our family, and who wants to read about past times that were sad or upsetting? But I know based on conversations with people, that some people are inspired by what I write (again, I’m in no way being conceited at all…just repeating what was told to me), it’s only fair to try to be inspirational on how to get through bad times as well (and to make sure people know that everyone has them…even if it doesn’t look like that from the outside).
We all know I have 3 great kids, and I brag about how great they are. But come one, of course they are kids! We are dealing with back-talking, attitudes, and whining, just to name a couple of issues. And when I say “dealing,” I really mean that we’re stressed out about it and sick of it and obviously what we’re doing isn’t working 100%.
And we all know I’m married…9 years this past August and have been together for 12. If anyone out there for one second thinks that life is all roses all the time in our marriage, you’re crazy! We live together for goodness sakes! We fight…a lot. Just ask any of our family members :) And the kids, while obviously planned and welcomed with open arms, have definitely changed the dynamics in our marriage…drastically. Right now I’m trying my hardest to figure out how to get back to where we were before we had our little darlings…is it possible? We both know we don’t want to be that couple that wakes up when the kids leave and say “who are you?” But to steer away from that is very difficult…it’s harder work than anything else I’ve ever done.
And my walk with God? That could always be stronger and more diligent. Often times I let life come barreling in and I’m left with no time to read my Bible or pray (or so I let myself think). Anyone that is a mom knows how little free time you have, and during that free time the first thing that comes to my mind is sleep. Or TV. Or sleep.
Those of course are the big areas that are in no way perfect. Of course we’ve got the areas of friends, family, money…I could go on and on.
But, and this is a very important “but,” I’m still happy (most of the time anyway). But knowing my personality, I would be happy in a cardboard box if I still had my family. I hope that putting this out there and “being real” helps people even more. There are no perfect people out there, and there are certainly no perfect relationships or children. But God gives us the people in our lives and the situations we encounter for a reason, and they are all part of His plan. Remembering that is the hard part…
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4 comments:
Very, very well written and of course you aren't perfect!! :) I have yet to see you "walk on water" tee hee. But let's put it this way, you are "refreshing" to say the least. Your family, your blog, pictures etc are all positive and in this crazy mixed up society, it's so nice to start my day, anyway, reading positive instead of whining , bring down the world, oh woe is me post, you know? Everyone has their own dealings but everyone also has postiive in their life. I love the fact you chose the positive side of life to write about, it's awesome. I feel it's so much easier to be positive and focus on what you have, rather than what you don't have, and I feel you are the same way.
Our own private dealing, you with the kids, of course they sass, of course there are times you want to give the lil darlings away, heck you are human and so are they. Hubby's of course you want then gone when you give the kids away, right? BUT and that's the key word, there's always something positive going on each day, no matter how bad it seems, and you focus on that. To me that makes you "perfect" because you strive for the best in life, deal w/ the worst and come out the winner each time!!!
Have a wonderful day and hey if you want to punch someone's lights out, go for it, tee hee, then get back to your sweet self!! See, that's how it's done, haha. We all need humor too, right??? right!!
Hey! I just wanted to leave you a comment and let you know that I LOVE reading your blog. And maybe it is because I know you a little and I feel that your blog is very real. I love reading about all the things the kids are doing or about the Front Porch Monday. You have inspired me in many ways!! I hope you keep it up.
I feel the same way. I love my life and am super happy. BUT things are not always perfect, no matter how much I try to find the good in everything.
This post? One of my all time favorites.
Just like you :)
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