Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Thankful Tuesdays: Living in the in-between...

I plunged into 2012, raring to go.  This would be the year.  The year we would get to see Europe.  The year we finally get our clutter under control.  The year of with lots of little learning.  The year where things got sorted out.  2012, like any year, held lots of promise.  New routines.  New resolutions.  

Then normal life got in the way.  The screaming sessions at night.  The never-ending list of household chores.  The screaming baby that must be carried during naps.  The call from the embassy signaling more delays, and more question marks.  This in-between state was driving me crazy.  Do we learn German?  Should the hubby spend money to sign up for his English language exam?  Should we start applying for positions in other countries?  The dilemma of being in a limbo: do I pack up to move?  If I pack to move, how do I still make my house a home to live in?  There are disagreements and raised voices.  Meanwhile, the laundry pile grows and grows.  The clutter seems to be never-ending no matter how much I try to pack.  There are toddler tantrums amidst it all.  Patience wears thin.

We are living in the in-between.  It is an uncomfortable state, full of questions, doubts, fears.  And then I am reminded that life, more or less, is a state of limbo, as we wait for Christ to come again.  We struggle with living in an fallen world, while waiting for perfection.  We live with and we marry imperfect people. We hope and wish for better, and chase dreams.  And with this struggle for the better, we long and seek for peace.

Then this verse gently nudges me and reminds me that this peace only comes from God:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

- Philippians 4: 6-7


So I am trying.  To lift high my anxieties to our Father, and ask for patience that is sorely needed.  And peace.  And yes, I am still trying to give thanks.  For:

Albatross nesting in Taiora Head, South Island, New Zealand.

:: The reminder that we are grounded and safe from the winds of life that buffet us, so long that we rest in the shadow of His wings.

:: Conversations consisting of gurgles and coos from the little one.

:: The hot cup of milo made by the hubby every night for my supper.


:: Little legs growing stronger day by day, that also insist on climbing the steps up to our home.

:: Being able to hold the hands of my boys.  All 3 of them.

:: The library, that allows us the privilege of reading, at no cost.

:: The kind soul that gave up her seat while I was carrying the baby.

:: Washing machines, that churn out clean clothes with the press of a button.  (Important because Baby J has been consistently puking/pooping on our sheets almost every other day.  I seem to spend half my life doing laundry!)

:: Breezy days that take the sweat out of trips to the playground.

:: Love from friends that extend to the kids.

Life is in a limbo.  But still very blessed.

What are you thankful for?

PS: This year, I am hoping that you, dear reader, could join me in a grateful gathering every Tuesday.  If you do blog, could you take time to count your blessings... and link up through the comments section?

8 comments:

  1. I get what u mean about laundry! It drives me nuts to see my basket filled so quickly cos H loves to change his clothes frequently! He can dump 3 shirts in the bin in one day. Gosh!

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  2. Hi I totally understand the agony of living in the 'in between' having been through it myself. Am so grateful when everything came to conclusion for us amid not a perfect one perhaps. Will be praying for you and family and hope things will fall in place soon.

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  3. You know, its a blessing to live in between because it shows you've got many choices, several routes to choose from. It's a blessing that you've got tantrums to deal with 'cause it means youve got kids to love & who loves you. It's a blessing that you've got piles of laundry as it means your family are well clothed. I was told of something similar and it makes see things in perspective. Hope it helps you too :) hugs!

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  4. Hi, I have been reading your blog for a while and I just want to let you know, that your blog has been a real blessing for me, too.

    I'm a mother of 28 months boy, I love scrapbooking, and also a Christian. So I can indeed relate myself in your shoes =)

    I'm thankful that I can find your blog that gives me a reminder every now and then, an idea for sunday school craft as well as for the scrapbook and my boy. Once again, Thank you! And God bless =)

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  5. sometimes we all get so busy and forget to thank God for the little things that we enjoy each day. That's a great idea of grateful gathering every Tuesday!

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  6. Jo: 3 shirts! Wow... that's a lot!

    CE: Thanks so much for the prayers, and I must say I'm learning a lot from your experience, thanks for sharing the tips previously!

    Homeschool@SG: Thanks for putting those things into perspective! :)

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  7. AG: Thank you for sharing (and sorry for this late reply!)... was encouraged by your comment! God bless! :)

    Gloria: Yay... hope you can link up too! :)

    Just Me: Thanks my dear!

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