Not Learning or Not Listening?

It's been awhile since I've posted. Whenever I realize I've gone long periods of time without posting, I always use the excuse that "God hasn't given me anything to write about" or "I haven't learned anything worth posting."

But today, God reminded me that He is always teaching me, guiding me, leading me. It's my job to listen and learn from things and circumstances around me. That means I've really been learning a lot and I've really had a lot worth writing about. But I missed it. I'm the only one to blame. I can't blame God for my ignorance. I can only blame myself.

So here is a list of some of the things I've learned but didn't realize I had and some things I should have written about but didn't think they were worthwhile enough. I need to remember that I don't write these blog posts to entertain, inform or teach anyone. I write them so I have something to look back on in the future and see what God taught me.

1. No matter how many things go wrong (or not the way I want them to), being upset or allowing that worry to fester won't help at all.
2. No matter how I feel on the inside getting up, dressing up and showing up is always the best option. It would be so easy to let pain get me down. But that just won't work. I'm better than that.

Denver (2.5yrs), Clara (2 months), Jonny (4yrs)
Our precious grandchildren

3. No matter how tired I may be or how rough my day may have been, the laughter and smile of a baby or child is enough to give me a boost...especially when it's my grandchild. (and I've had the pleasure of hearing all three of my grandchildren laugh and see them smile since my last post).
4. Getting dozens of hugs from students every morning is the best way to start a day!
5. Watching my children interact with their children is an incredible experience.

Denver, who may be praying it'll be time to play soon. 

Silly smiles with Jonny

6. It may have been 22 years since I've had a baby staying in my house for long periods of time. But I can still prepare a bottle, change a diaper, feed and burp a baby and get them back to sleep...all in the dark!
7. I love the sound of crunching leaves just as much as I always have.
8. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of cold weather. It's been in the 40s and I'm wearing layers. Weird!
9. I love creating assignments for students. It's nice to be able to use things I learned in college without having all the grading and parent-teacher conferences to worry about.
10. Nothing beats a quiet night at home with my husband.

May I pay more attention to what God is teaching me and showing me.

Brenda ♥