by
Robin Steinweg
Do
you ever feel you’re in that awkward, in-between stage? I sure do!
I
recently spent years stuck in a crushing middle. Round and round I turned from
the growing needs of aging parents to those of growing sons to those of work.
I’d carve hours from sleepless nights to write, compose, or read. More often to
pray. My husband accepted leftovers with grace and gratitude. Not just food,
but time and energy. He was stuck in his own middle, caring for his dad and
doing more for my parents than can be recorded.
Now
our parents are gone. I’m living in the middle of grief, rediscovering who I am
if no longer a caregiver. Looking to experience—and to pass on—the rich life
Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Know what? God shows me things I can do so
He can help me move forward. I’m not stuck
here. I get to be here, where it can
be sweet in the middle!
If
you’re in the midst of circumstances or even past them, it’s never too late to
rediscover who you are. Try some of the following:
·
Develop friendships with people who will
build you up.
·
Find ways to build others up.
·
Journal what you’re going through as a
way to release feelings.
·
Photo journal or doodle journal.
·
Admit if you need help.
·
Get more color in your surroundings/clothing.
·
List your blessings.
·
Express more gratitude.
·
Find ways to expand or share your
hobbies.
·
Join a book club.
·
Volunteer to help others.
·
If you have grieving to do, do it
whole-heartedly. But don’t stay there.
·
Live fully. Enjoy what God gives you to
enjoy.
·
Dream again. Don’t hold back—dream big.
What does God have for you next?
These
ideas have helped. Yes, I still pick up the phone to call my mom or find jigsaw
puzzles for my dad. I still if wonder I could have, should have done more for
them. Guilt and remorse creep in.
But
I realize that’s the voice of our enemy, the accuser. So I intentionally turn
to words of life in God’s Word. I leave my broken heart at Jesus’ feet. I
embrace the blessings He sends my way.
I
affirm this truth: It is Sweet in the
Middle!
About the
Author:
Robin
Steinweg says life is like a sandwich-cookie. Whatever circumstances close in
on us, it can be Sweet in the Middle.
Her writings can be found in Today’s Christian Woman, Upper Room, Secret Place
and The Christian Pulse. She also writes monthly for Music Teachers Helper
blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment