Waiting for the other shoe to drop. That sense of knowing something will happen and it's just a matter of time. It is a saying that comes from the late 1800s when in tenement homes those on the first floor would hear the first shoe drop of their neighbor above and they would wait, knowing the second shoe was going to follow. It brings the idea of being on edge and looking for the evidence that the event is about to come to fruition. Everything gets put on hold while we wait for that shoe to hit the floor.
But, instead of spending our time looking for it, listening and anticipating it, what if we made the best of it. What if since we know it is going to happen, what if we spent the time enjoying what we have: the silence in between the shoes. Let's find the joy in what is actually happening instead of dreading and worrying over what will happen.
I am working hard to take this approach. The situation is not an "if" it will happen, but very clearly a "when" it happens. I could spend my days planning for all the consequences. I could monitor the signs, looking for hints that it is coming. I could raise walls and defenses, or attempt to control the outcomes.
or
I can find the joy in the pause. I can see, feel, and know that right now it is not happening. Right now things are peaceful and quiet. If I enjoy what is happening in this moment, then when the shoe does drop, I will know that I truly experienced the pause. My memories will not be consumed in the worry, angst, and care. Is this what James is talking about in James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy..." and Paul in Philippians 4:11 "... for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."?
To fix my thoughts on what is right now, isn't always easy. Some days it is a struggle to not dwell on that impending second shoe. But when I do get lost in the joy of the pause between shoes, it encourages and spurs me on to keep doing it. I want to keep seeking out those moments. Those joys can never be taken from me, no matter when or how that shoe falls, the time in the pause is mine to hold forever.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thinking Out Loud
This is one of those blog posts that is simply my thoughts. I am working through something and well, bear with me and please don't judge me.
Let's be honest here; being a christian isn't always roses and butterflies. There are times when stuff just gets tough. Times when you get weary and just want to throw in the towel.
Just last week I was praising God for His provision. Sam's hours at his part-time job had been cut to about half. The firehouse had all but eliminated overtime opportunities. Our family budget is based on at least 12 hours of overtime per month to make ends meet. And yet, we paid all of our bills and ate pretty good meals, albeit a lot of rice. We have used the extra time Sam has had at home to get things around the house completed that have been neglected. We have had some great family times with Monopoly, puzzles, and reading books together.
But now, here I am looking at another week of reduced income and I feel weary. Another week of watching every dollar and searching out ways to cut corners. Another week of relying on God, and I can feel my spirit beginning to grumble. God is so faithful and has shown us His faithfulness in all He has blessed us with in the last four weeks, and I am murmuring!
Romans 7:15 and 19 says, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I... For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."
I sound like the Israelites shortly after leaving Egypt. They have just witnessed a few miracles: the Red Sea has opened up right before their very eyes. They have manna from heaven delivered to their doorstep, and yet they are murmuring that: "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick..." (Numbers 11:5). Seriously? God has delivered them from cruelty and slavery. He has freed them from a life of hard labor. They have witnessed the miracle of food from heaven, never mind a sea that opens and allows them to walk through on dry land while their enemies are drowned. And they complain because they don't have onions?!
God forgive me for my short-sightedness. I have so enjoyed being able to snuggle with Sam on our couch or work a puzzle together with him and the girls. Why would I want to go back to Sam working 130 hours per week, seeing him only in the wee hours of the morning or evening just before he heads off to work again? Because we don't have onions?? Seriously?
Let's be honest here; being a christian isn't always roses and butterflies. There are times when stuff just gets tough. Times when you get weary and just want to throw in the towel.
Just last week I was praising God for His provision. Sam's hours at his part-time job had been cut to about half. The firehouse had all but eliminated overtime opportunities. Our family budget is based on at least 12 hours of overtime per month to make ends meet. And yet, we paid all of our bills and ate pretty good meals, albeit a lot of rice. We have used the extra time Sam has had at home to get things around the house completed that have been neglected. We have had some great family times with Monopoly, puzzles, and reading books together.
But now, here I am looking at another week of reduced income and I feel weary. Another week of watching every dollar and searching out ways to cut corners. Another week of relying on God, and I can feel my spirit beginning to grumble. God is so faithful and has shown us His faithfulness in all He has blessed us with in the last four weeks, and I am murmuring!
Romans 7:15 and 19 says, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I... For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."
I sound like the Israelites shortly after leaving Egypt. They have just witnessed a few miracles: the Red Sea has opened up right before their very eyes. They have manna from heaven delivered to their doorstep, and yet they are murmuring that: "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick..." (Numbers 11:5). Seriously? God has delivered them from cruelty and slavery. He has freed them from a life of hard labor. They have witnessed the miracle of food from heaven, never mind a sea that opens and allows them to walk through on dry land while their enemies are drowned. And they complain because they don't have onions?!
God forgive me for my short-sightedness. I have so enjoyed being able to snuggle with Sam on our couch or work a puzzle together with him and the girls. Why would I want to go back to Sam working 130 hours per week, seeing him only in the wee hours of the morning or evening just before he heads off to work again? Because we don't have onions?? Seriously?
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