“He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~ Psalm 46:10, ESV

Ever have one of those days where anything that could go wrong, does? What if it extends into a week? Longer?

You fight to remain calm and upbeat, confident that God will provide for the need at hand. However, situations continue to build and mount and pile until you reach your limit and your frustrations spill over in tears and anger.

It’s been one of those weeks for me. Last night it all came to a head, I was overwhelmed with circumstances beyond my control. I was wracking my brain as to how I could afford the needs. Now . . .the anger is resolved because I chose to jot down those things for which I’m thankful. I can at least express my thoughts. Earlier, it would have been impossible.

First, I had taken the car to the shop – it was “wubbling” badly when it got up to high speeds — shuddering, shaking and making the distinct “wubble” noise. Worried that it might be a CV joint after hitting a racoon or a bent wheel, I was told that it needed all new tires. Breathe . . .

Second, we headed to Missouri to see the new grandbaby — leaving in a van that had over 200,000 miles and a newly repaired transmission. The first attempt to do so did not go well a few weeks back. We got 36 miles from home and had to nurse it along back roads and return it to the shop, under warranty for an auxiliary cooling unit to be added. This time, with a gut feeling of wary nerves, we made it 93 miles from home before it started shifting in fits and starts. We googled the nearest dealership and made it another 17 miles where we traded it in on a newer minivan with less miles – safer and more reliable. Or so we thought.

Throw in two phone calls from the mortgage company on two different days. One assured me that the process is being reviewed and the title came back clear so there was no need for additional documentation. (yay!) Two days later, a call from the same mortgage company stated that they needed additional documentation including quit claim deeds, etc to determine that the title was clear. (yada!) I figure, I’ll call back on Monday (because the third time’s a charm) and get a completely different answer on what they require.

Arriving in Missouri, there was the requisite dealing with the ex- whose inability to be reasonable as to sharing driving distance and time goes beyond the absurd. His insistence that I drive an additional 1.5 hours one way to spend time with a child that I was able to spend less than 24 hours with just sticks in my craw. But we chose to put on a happy face, enjoy the time we had together and hope it goes better next time. (Karma . . .baby. Karma)

It was on the way home from the drop-off that I reached my limit of exasperation and patience. The new van, with less than 70,000 miles, started revving and shifting down, revving and speeding up. We ended up pulling over several times, shutting the engine off and then re-starting it to roll a few hundred feet farther down a 2-lane highway until we could get to a populated parking lot. From there we called the warranty issuer and finagled with them to get a wrecker to come tow it to the nearest dealership. Of course, having only owned the car for four days, they didn’t have a record of my purchase and argued that they didn’t have to cover the expense. It then took an additional hour for the tow truck to arrive, and my older daughter graciously came to pick us up and drive us to the Oak Grove home (along with her newborn daughter).

By the time we arrived at the Oak Grove home at nearly 1 am, I was nauseous from motion sickness (sitting in the back seat), had a horrendous headache, was worried about how I am going to get back to the Alabama home, needing to contact my supervisor, trying to reserve a rental car online, and on and on and on. I ended up going for a long walk along the side of the road to cool off before I said some things I might regret later. It all felt so unfair.

This morning we got up to get a rental car and before leaving the house, the rental agency called to let us know they had no cars available. *sigh*

I messaged my supervisor to explain the situation and was told to just relax and do what I needed to do.

I contacted the dealership from which I purchased the car via email so they will be aware of the situation in the morning when they open.

So now I am left with nothing to do but sit, rest and enjoy my present company (which is a complete pleasure). In all things, God’s hand is present. While I do not know the reasoning, or the plan, I simply must trust that there is a greater plan at work.

Have you ever been in a situation or situations where you could not act but could only be still and rely on God to provide?

“Life has its rhythm and we have ours. They’re designed to coexist in harmony, so that when we do what is ours to do and otherwise let life be, we garner acceptance and serenity.” ~ Victoria Moran

Much like the stones pictured above, on good days, life exists in a balance. On bad days, the stones are toppled over, at odds in positions and in relation to each other. On meh days, some of the stones are balanced and some have fallen – – needing to be repositioned.

Today was a meh day –

Some things were balanced. Breakfast, the beginnings of schoolwork, paying the bills, the preparations for tonight’s dinner . . .

Others were out of whack. A headache resulting from a pinching sensation along my spine and shoulder. Unexpected rain.

The goal was to achieve balance. When the work was done, we progressed to enjoyable past times. Work must be balanced with pleasure; pain with relief. Packing bottles of water, we set about the business of balance.

First a stop at our favorite thrift store with some clothing finds – for a total balance of $25 we walked away with 2 pairs of name brand jeans, and 4 shirts for $14 less than one pair of the jeans would have cost from Old Navy.

Next a stop at Lowe’s (because it was raining) and a chance to just stroll through the aisles and window-shop or shelf-shop. Looking at cabinetry and tubs, and sinks and the clearance aisle and faucets. I got the giggles when I stopped to examine a stacking washer/dryer combo and Jo matter-of-factly states, “Mom . . .we HAVE a washer and dryer!” Yes, but look at the price . . . I saved $1000 buying them off Craigslist.

Then a hop over to Hobby Lobby – again, nothing in mind, just walking around, looking for inspiration. So many ideas, so little money.

Next stop: Target. And there I bought a small candle in one of my favorite scents, Sugared Birch from Magnolia Home. This was one of the first candles I bought after I purchased my home. It was my first night in a strange house, on a cold February night, all alone and three of these candles lined the steps to lend warmth and a feeling of hominess in an otherwise empty house. A treat from Starbucks on the way out of the store topped the afternoon off.

I initially thought I would lie down to take a nap, but decided instead to lay on the floor and stretch. Arms out to the side, and knees bent, I focused on the rhythmic inhale and exhale as I felt my muscles relax, dozing off at times. At one point, Jo came into the room and I asked her to hand me the large exercise ball. Propping my feet up, I was able to get an even deeper stretch as I bent my knees first to one side and then the other. Finally, I ended by kneeling, face down over the ball, stretching my lower back and breathing to release the tight tension that coiled there.

Comfort food for dinner, chicken enchiladas, rounded out the evening and the restoration of balance was complete. A phone call from one daughter earlier in the day, and then another daughter in the evening, as well as listening to Jo with her boyfriend having a nerf gun fight in the living room restored a sense of peace and well being that all is right with the kids as well. A snappy walk before dinner got the blood pumping and finished out the relaxation achieved by stretching.

Find your rhythm and work to keep the balance. You’ll be glad you did.

“You don’t feel bad when you’re dancing. You can’t feel unhappy; it’s impossible. It’s such a natural way to release endorphins.” ~ Caroline Flack

When I was growing up, dancing was frowned upon. We could watch the Lawrence Welk show where Bobby and Cissy performed. My sister and I would imitate them, but even that was merely tolerated. Music was okay; singing acceptable. But not dancing. School dances? Out of the question. Prom? Nope.

I still can’t dance. I’d love to do ballroom dancing but I’ve heard you have to know the difference between left and right which rules me out. I’ve seen the advertisements for the country dancing classes called “Show Her Off” but without a partner to practice the steps, it would be pointless. As anti-social as I am, I can’t even begin to think of anyone I’d want to practice with. I’ll remain content to watch.

But when it comes to dancing in the kitchen and singing while I cook . . . I’m all in. I mean ALL IN! As long as no one else is around.

I’ll dance in the rain in my nightgown late at night or on the front porch – because . . . guess what? No one else is around!!! Especially during a full moon, when the light is bright on the grass, it’s a feeling as old as time.

It’s my opinion (for what it’s worth) that dancing and allowing children to dance helps with their proprioception – where their body is in relation to things around them. It helps with balance and confidence. It strengthens the core muscles and contributes to good posture. It helps develop a rhythm and opens them up to the world of music and timing.

I hope you dance this week. Just for a moment or two.

Close your eyes. Feel the music. Let the cares of the world fade away.