A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 4 Spiritual Eyes

Spiritual Eyes

Back in 2010 I had Lasik surgery done to correct my vision. I am grateful for the surgery and being able to see.  I can't imagine not being able to see.  Being blessed with good eyesight truly is a gift but being blessed with spiritual eyes is an even better gift.

I never thought of spiritual eyes until I started listening to Joel Osteen back in early 2000.  I slowly began to understand that if I wanted to increase my faith and have peace with God, I had to correct the vision of my spiritual eyes. I had to trust and develop a stronger relationship with God.

Being in a toxic relationship distracted me from placing my time and trust in Christ.  My ex was my Savior. Whatever mood he was in determined my mood.  Whatever made him happy made me happy.  I was like a clone of his emotions.  I struggled to live for him. I depended on his attention and love for me to bring me joy and peace. I endured this lifestyle for so many years. I was drained, depressed, and disappointed countless times.  No one should be responsible for our emotions - good or bad.  Nor should we have to rely on any person to bring us that peace.  It is up to us to take control of our emotions and our lives.

I struggled to make our relationship work but my peace wouldn't come until I left that lifestyle.   My spiritual eyes would not improve until I placed God at the center of my life. 

At the end of 2008, my life seem shattered.  He and I had broken up for good.  Within a few weeks my dad was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. No matter how much I wanted to control things, I realized that I had no control over anyone's life, especially the two people I had cared for the most.  I couldn't change my ex and I couldn't heal my Dad.  

All I could do was let go and trust. I had to trust that this invisible being, this spirit, was walking with me.  I was overwhelmed with such fear and loneliness.  I wasn't sure what next step to take.  I cried out to the Lord.  Suddenly the peace came over me. I don't know how but I just knew my life would better.  I trusted that God would give me the strength and directions I needed, and He did. My spiritual eyes grew stronger.

I believe that all things happen for reason. My losses taught me that no matter what overwhelming struggle we may endure, God is always walking beside us.  All we need to do is call out to Him.  He will lead us. He will strengthen the vision of our spiritual eyes.

 

A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 3 My Uncle Andy

Family - Uncle Andy

Since I don't have siblings, I tend to relish in the moments that I get to spend with the family that I do have.  My mom, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins make up my realm of family.  The majority reside in KY.  However, I am fortunate to have family here in Houston - my Aunt Donna, Uncle Wayne, and Uncle Andy.

 

Growing up with my Aunt Liz, Aunt Donna, and Uncle Wayne was like having siblings.  There is not a big difference in our ages.  They have always been there for me at the drop of a hat.  My Aunt Donna is one of the reasons I was able to come to Houston.

My Uncle Andy, who is closer in age to my mom, lived far away from KY when I was growing up. I rarely got to see him.  However, my mom shared so many stories about their childhood that I dreamed of hanging out with him.  When he did come to visit, I thought he was the coolest. His hair was long and he wore leather jackets with leather boots.  I knew the heaviness of those leather boots all to well.  He stomped on my hand once when I was trying to rescue a caterpillar from his terror. Naturally the caterpillar was squashed and my hand throbbed for days.

Uncle Wayne & Uncle Andy goofin!

It wasn't until I was living in Houston that Andy and I got to bond. We both moved to Houston around the same time. After hanging out with him, I was surprised to find that we had many alike.  Like me, it isn't easy to trust people and we are loyal to the friends we do have. We both like about the same type of music, movies, and love to be a recluse at times. Many of his similarities remind me of my Grandma Jean as well as my mom.  

These last few years haven't been the easiest.  Yet Uncle Andy takes everything in stride.  He keeps a positive outlook.  He can always make me laugh and be straight to the point.  Like my mom, he never sugar coats anything.

As I mature, I realize that nothing can replace memories we make with family.  We can hang on to baggage or we can choose to let it go and make some memories.  Nothing can change the past but we can strive for a better future. I love my Uncle Andy!

A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 2 Friendships

Friendships ~ My Best Friend

I didn't have a whole lot of friends when I was growing up. I was very selective on who to trust. I am grateful for the friends that I did have for they brought me joy and laughter. Friends are like a certain tool we need at different stages of our lives.  Some friends are just for a season while other friendships seem to last a lifetime.

On Friday, I decided to have lunch and hang out with my close friend, Susan, who is fighting breast cancer. These last couple of years haven't been the easiest for her.  Although the battle is hard, she continues to march forward.  She seems to jump every hurdle that tries to trip her on this journey to recovery.  I am thankful for every moment of of laughter, tears, gossip, and stories that we share.  She doesn't show her weak moments with just anyone.  I am honored and grateful to be traveling with her on this road to healing.

Regardless of the size of our battles, it is necessary to have great support from friends.  We don't have to endure our hardships alone.  Open up and help someone in their battle. Put down your pride and ask for help in your own battle.  Become someone's tool in their time of need.