Susanne at Living to Tell the Story hosts a “Friday Fave Five” in which we share our five favorite things from the past week. Click on the button to read more of the details, and you can visit Susanne to see the list of others’ favorites or to join in.
As I thought about this post yesterday and this morning, my initial feeling was, “I ain’t got nothin’ this week.” It hasn’t been a bad week per se, but nothing really stood out to me as a favorite. And then the last day or so I’ve just been in a funk, as we used to say — irritable over several little petty annoyances and possibly hormones. But as I thought about it this morning while driving around on a couple of errands, a few things came to mind. So this will be a little different “Fave Five” post than usual for me.
1. I am glad that God still loves us and is patient with us even when we’re petty, selfish, irritable, or hormonal.
2. I accompanied a family member to an outpatient medical procedure as moral support and the designated driver afterward, and, though happy to do so, I thought at the time how much I hate hospitals and medical buildings. There is just the association with something at the very least unpleasant, possibly painful, and for some, devastating, at those places. But I’ve also been reading about pioneer missionaries in a primitive area on the Amazon River — 18 hours from a doctor, carrying a patient over jungle trails and hills, bouncing along the Amazon in a small boat, sometimes having to do limited medical procedures on their front porch. That makes me shudder. For all it flaws, I think we probably do have the best medical care available in the world here and now.
3. Our family is “on hold” in a couple of ways, waiting and praying for results of the above procedure and waiting and praying concerning a possible major change for us. And, of course, we’d much rather know than wait. But you can’t rush the process, not if you want the best results. I was reminded of the children of Israel in the book of Exodus traversing through the wilderness until the pillar of cloud that was leading them stopped, and then waiting for an unknown amount of time until it moved again. They didn’t know how long they were going to be there or where they were going next. But they could trust the One leading them and patiently and faithfully attend to the duties at hand until it was time for the next step.
4. Several incidents that led to my frustration and irritability had to do with thwarted plans and desires: nothing major, just small things over the course of a few days. It would take too long to list them and there’s no need to rehash them. But it was a painful reminder to me of just how selfish I am that I can get so irritated when things don’t work out my way. I have to remind myself often that I am not just here to do my own thing: I am here to do what God wants me to do and to be available to minister to my family. Even though I have always felt that a woman’s family is her first ministry, I often have to adjust my thinking to that perspective in practical everyday life. And once I do that, whatever changes I have to make are fine. It’s just that mental hurdle.
5. I think I have probably mentioned Christian music a time or two, but I was blessed by it again this morning while driving around running errands. Not only was the music calming and soothing, but the words helped me to set my affection on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
Stray Thoughts 
Hmm. Feeling concerned for you and your family.
I have become more hormonal as I’m getting older, and it ALWAYS brings regrets during “Irritable Week.” I know what you mean.
Hmm…yes…concerned here as well! I’ll just be praying for you all as you sit under the cloud, waiting to find out which direction to move in.
I had a similar week. I couldn’t come up with a good Friday Fave post. I wrote and deleted and wrote and deleted. It wasn’t a bad week here either. It just….was.
I can so relate to your “funk” feeling, Barbara, AND getting a bit irritated when I have to change MY plans or not even my plans, just my day because of someone else.
Oh, but we are captives of this humanity, hm? *little smile*
We just have to remind ourselves that He knows and He is such a compassionate Father.
I’ll be praying for you and your family as you await the news concerning the family member.
Again, He knows the path we take and we can trust Him to know what is best and to take care of us through whatever may come. His grace is sufficient. ((HUGS))
I like your honesty!!! hormonal changes are tough…I find my self much more irritable now that I am 50 and it’s a certain week of the month…I am also finding that deep breathing and staying in the Word of God is the only cure for my irritability. that and good Christian music! I actually thought this was a good FFF list…..you are being honest and open…thank you!
Such wise insight. You’re not alone in feeling frustrated with how quickly we revert to our own selfish feelings. I do the same. Thank God for grace. I hope your upcoming week brings good news and peaceful times.
Ohhhhhh WOW! Posts like THIS one are what let me know how very much ALIKE you and I are! Sometimes you don’t complain enough and I start thinking you’re perfect! To ME that’s a bummer, cuz I hate trying to live up to “perfect”!
I TOTALLY agree with your #1 and #5! And I am praying for your #3, and I’m adding your #2… and I’m sorry about, but totally relate to #4!
How ’bout a HUG?!? (((Hug)))
“They could trust the One leading them.” Amen to that!
I know that mental hurdle, too. I’m praying for your family and for patience for you as you wait.
I’m so thankful for Christian music — my kids heard nothing else growing up. It was all we played and all I play now, pretty much. It is a blessing.
Christian music radio made my 700 mile commute in pounding rain bearable and kept me focused on the positive and remembering that God was with me. It helped me keep from getting so tense and frightened that I became a danger to myself and others.
As to the other, your family is still in my prayers.
I have those weeks often where everything seems to have been so ordinary Nothing pops out as a “favorite.” God seems to always have a way of reminding me of what’s important though. I’m glad you found the gems in your week! Blessings to you this week. I hope it will be extraordinary!
I love Christian music as well, it’s so uplifting. I never change the radio station in the car from the Praise one (unless it’s the start of the commercial set and I have a really short drive haha!!!)
It’s amazing how good worshipful music can change our mood and set us in the right frame of mind. Sorry for your road bumps this week but glad you know the one who holds our future in His hands.
The older I get the more I’m struck with my own selfishness… Kind of kept it under the radar for many years… :0)
Blessings…
Thanks for this post, Barbara. I’m feeling irritable and hormonal myself today, and just hopped in the car and took myself out for a little bite to eat. It helped. So did your list, and the reminder of how much I have to be grateful for. Thanks 🙂
You are Real…I’ve been thinking alot about stuff that you wrote about. I felt the same this week…I have nothing and then I thought of those phone calls or coffee experiences and realize I need to not think negative. Many times I think, Why???
I’m now trying to say, What do I need to support the decisions.
Take care my friend. I like your honesty.
Hi Barbara,
I enjoyed your post. I appreciate your honesty in sharing about the trials in your life. Those trials of having to change things last minute are too familiar for me.
I found your post today encouraging!
I hope you have a blessed weekend.
Hugs,
Wendy
Barbara, I’ll be praying for you and your loved ones while you wait. It’s hard. Thanks for your honesty and I think you’re probably a lot less selfish than you think you are (but that’s between you and God). Have a blessed and restful weekend.
I can very much relate to #1!
Waiting is so hard. Praying for you and your family during your waiting time.
I’ll keep you in prayers, Barbara. I enjoy listening to Christian music as well.
Barbara, I so appreciate your honesty in this post. How God has blessed you this week to see His hand in the midst of thwarted plans and disappointments. He is always doing a thousand other things we cannot see, isn’t He?