It was tough, but it was good

Doug,  one of my husband’s roommates in college, when he was asked how his day went would often respond,

“It was tough, but it was good.”

We used to chuckle at his response, but really there’s a lot of truth to be found in his attitude.

I chose a word for this year:

JOY

I am seeking joy in 2013.

 

But my life lately has been tough.

It’s been busy.

My kids are always fighting don’t always get along.

My middle son makes me want to pull my hair out and scream. Sometimes I do scream.

I sometimes feel like this whole endeavor is completely hopeless.

 

I haven’t been blogging very much even though there are many days I’ve had ideas for great blog posts, but I’ve been quickly distracted by the next important thing.

I have laundry to do.

Meals to cook.

Diapers to change.

Children to teach.

A hugely cluttered basement and garage to clean.

I don’t want this blog to be a place of discouragement, but of encouragement. So you won’t find a bunch of whining posts (hopefully! )But at the same time, I don’t want to discourage others by sending the false message that this parenting and homeschooling stuff is easy, and I have all the answers. Because I don’t.

And yet I do.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (KJV)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:2-5 (ESV)

My trials are really not that bad. I should be thankful that I have such easy trials! But they are my trials. They are what the Lord is using to make me more like him. They are for a purpose.

It’s ok that my days are tough. They are still good!

I will never cease to be amazed at how God leads and directs the events of our lives. Our sweet friend Doug is with Jesus. His days are no longer tough, only very, very good. But I still remember and am still learning to say those words of his.