Over the past few days, I've attempted to write a few blog posts. One made it to a draft and no further, which probably was a good thing. One made it to being published, but then I ended up taking it down. It just felt too vulnerable. I was being open and honest and transparent with some of my feelings/struggles as of late, and I guess I was just afraid that someone might abuse that. So I took it down.
People tend to translate posts like that as either a cry for attention or a call for help, and sometimes it's neither. Sometimes it's just trying to be real for a moment.
But I struggle with the decision to take it down, because I want people to know that life is not always a bowl of cherries. Blogs tend to be somewhat of a highlight reel and none of the "behind-the-scenes" and I just want to be REAL. Iam always so encouraged when other bloggers share their humanity, like this time that Naomi Davis shared about being in "survival mode". I mean, if SHE can find herself stuck in that zone of just trying to get through the day, then surely there is hope for us mere mortals! Or does that mean that if she can struggle that there ISN'T hope for the rest of us? Sigh.
There is such a fine line (or maybe there isn't even a line...just a bunch of gray matter) between being too pessimistic, gloom-and-doom and an allover Eeyore in general....and being real. Being genuine, being honest. I strive to be the latter but then what do you do when there's a little black raincloud hovering over you for a while? Say nothing? Remain silent? Gloss it all over a bit before hitting "publish"? I guess I haven't figured all of that out yet. So for now, you can just enjoy some old pictures taken back this summer of the Smucker grandkids. I know, it has nothing to do whatsoever with this post, but I have been wanting to post them for a long time, and just recently got the cd, so here they are!
All photography by Ruth Swartzendruber.
We are truly blessed with wonderful in-laws and family out here. With most of my family far away, it is such a huge help and support to have a Grandma and Grandpa near that my children adore, and I never worry a bit that they are in excellent hands when I need to leave them. Not to mention that these little ones are going to have SO much fun growing up with so many cousins close to their age. In my childhood, my cousins were some of my VERY BEST friends and we made the absolute greatest memories, so I am so excited to watch these friendships grow and develop.
Right now we might be working on the whole "playing nicely" concept, but I can envision sleepovers, treehouse explorations, tea parties, fort building, and all sorts of lovely times in their future. I am thankful for my families, both near and far.
I'm off to Bible study in an hour and I can't WAIT for a spiritual shot
in the arm. What are you up to on this foggy, hazy Thursday?
