Among Friends

[FlyersGirl]

@Shanus Thank-you!

[FlyersGirl]

@jeanlake Thank-you! 

[RedTop]

Growing up on a farm with dad’s family taught me that **** happens; animals die, crops fail, and equipment breaks down.   You deal with it and move on.   

Mom’s family had high anxiety and did not cope well with any challenge.  My grandmother was a staunch Methodist, and taught Sunday School in this neighborhood for many years.   She taught me to walk my faith, and it is her Bible I reach for when I need a spiritual boost.    

[ECBG]

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@jeanlake wrote:

If I thought this life was as good as it gets -- I'd be discouraged more often. But I have hope of a peaceful, eternal resolution. Many Americans live a life of privilege. I remind myself of that daily when I complain about troubles. I also ask, what am I supposed to learn from this situation?

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Remember @jeanlake , we only see "part of the picture".  Dysfunctionalism knows no boundaries, religion politics, income, neighborhood, education, or race.

[alicedee]

I think mostly I see that glass half full.

One thing I've learned about myself is that in the face of serious upheaval, I'm too distraught to pray much...my deepest, most coherent  prayers come later, when some time has passed after the crisis.

But I also realize I'm in the last "chunk" of my allotted time on earth, and it helps keep me from getting bogged down in despair...time is too precious to waste.  It's awful to lose dear ones...,but I also realize it won't be all that long til we are reunited forever.  And  I've learned not to sweat the small stuff...many things that I stewed on in my 20s and 30s just aren't that important anymore.

i also realize younger family members look to us older ones to see and learn how we handle tough times and situations.  I want to show them how I get through tragic times without losing hope, and humor, and the ability to still enjoy good things in this world, in spite of sad losses.

It's a process..,we're all learning as we go.

[jannabelle1]

I try to be like my mother....no matter what diversity she and my dad encountered, she faced it and figured out a way to either deal with it. My DH has bad health and I've ended up being responsible for most everything that needs to be done. I accept that and we deal with it. As dear mom used to tell me: "where there's a will, there's a way".

[blackhole99]

 I'm not one to look on the bright side of life if it's not happening and believe me, I've had my share of grief. I guess God thinks I've had my fair share and as long as I'm faithful to Him, He's faithful to me.

[vsm]

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@alicedee wrote:

I think mostly I see that glass half full.

One thing I've learned about myself is that in the face of serious upheaval, I'm too distraught to pray much...my deepest, most coherent  prayers come later, when some time has passed after the crisis.

But I also realize I'm in the last "chunk" of my allotted time on earth, and it helps keep me from getting bogged down in despair...time is too precious to waste.  It's awful to lose dear ones...,but I also realize it won't be all that long til we are reunited forever.  And  I've learned not to sweat the small stuff...many things that I stewed on in my 20s and 30s just aren't that important anymore.

i also realize younger family members look to us older ones to see and learn how we handle tough times and situations.  I want to show them how I get through tragic times without losing hope, and humor, and the ability to still enjoy good things in this world, in spite of sad losses.

It's a process..,we're all learning as we go.

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And you, @alicedee , seem to be teaching as you go -- not just by your words, but more importantly by your example.  Thank you for sharing your wisdom.  I needed it today.

[alicedee]

@vsm Thank you so much for your kind words.  I have a feeling you are doing very much the same kinds of things.  May 2020 be a good year for you and your family.  🌷

[AngelPuppy1]

Me, too.  I have had so much of all of the same in my life and more so in the last 2 years.  I didn't let it break me, but it hasn't been easy.  Not to say that I don't have moments where I feel weak and sad, overwhelmed,etc.  But I have much to be grateful for and much to live for and am so appreciative for so much that I have.  Nothing in this life is perfect and nothing is guaranteed.  If you face each day with a more hopeful outlook, it does make for a brighter day. One day at a time.  As I live each day, prayer becomes more and more important to me.  It's what gets me through all the bad spots.  Oh, almost forget ---- glass half full!