7 Quick Takes (Volume 190)--The Family Vacation Edition

1) It's been a fun week for the Boesiger family as we spent a few days away at Lake Okoboji in Iowa. There are some definite differences to vacationing with older children. No one needs to be carried. There's no arguing about where to eat, no worrying about getting naps in. You start watching movies at midnight. You don't have to drag a stroller along. Everybody can play every game. You can ride rides together.

But some things never change. We still had to make a stop to buy beach toys. We're still hearing, "Dad, he won't share. Mom, she called me stupid." And we've had our fill of talk about farts and butts and wieners.

Sigh.

2) On our way to Okoboji, we stopped at the zoo in Omaha. Kevin wore his new koala shirt to commemorate the occasion and Drummer Boy surprised us by wearing his shark shirt. Apparently Ladies Man didn't get the memo.

3) Though we booked a family suite, our room was a little small for our brood. We had to improvise when we wanted to play cards. Yes, our "table" is an ironing board.


And speaking of our room, Drummer Boy was worried he broke a pedestal.

We quickly realized it was a previous problem. Closer inspection revealed electrical tape that had been painted.

4) One of my favorite things about this trip was watching Drummer Boy and Ladies Man play together. Being nearly six years apart, they didn't play together much as kids. They're making up for lost time now. These two spent tons of time giggling at each other.



5) You're never too old to play in the sand. Drummer Boy and Ladies Man spent a good deal of time building this sand fortress.



While they did that, Miss Innocent One and I left our mark on the beach.


6) Last September, Kevin and I had a blast parasailing. Our kids envied us, so when we found an outfit at Okoboji who do it, we had to give the kids a chance. I think they enjoyed it as much as we did.




7) We're on our way home today. Boo. But it's been good. With the age of our kids, you never know which trip will be the last family vacation with our original family unit. Our family is due to change greatly in the next few years. I try to enjoy the moments and not think about it too much. Good things come with change too, right?


And now, I must pack my little family up and come on home for the weekend. May you enjoy your time with kin and have a few laughs by reading more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Van Jam

What happens when our family gets tired of riding in the car . . .

Growing Friendships to Another Level

I was having a bad day, probably caused by hormones or not enough sleep (is it ever anything else?). I felt defeated and low and confused about God's plan. I wanted to tell someone about it, to get the yuck out. I needed to hear something true.

But it wasn't pressing. I knew I'd only hash over the same old stuff I whine about when I'm in that way, stuff that sickens me and makes me feel like a wuss. So I stuffed it. I choked back the tears that kept misting my eyes and pressed on.

In years past I prayed about my funks, asking God to bring someone to my rescue in the form of an unexpected visitor or phone call or sweet email, but He only answered that prayer once, in one of my lowest places ever. Most of the time I whine to Him and wait and nothing happens and I assume I'm supposed to buck up.

But the cloud hung like it always does. It nagged at me, trying to sneak out in every encounter. I knew it would pass like usual, but how long would it take? Would it help to bleh it all out?

What I really wanted to do was see my friend, to just sit by her and soak in her lovely presence, to be. It sounded silly, childish even, so I pushed it away until God whispered, "Tami, use who I've given you. If you want help ask for it."

So I called her. "This might sound dumb, but, well, I'm having a bad day and can't shake the the urge to see you. Can I just come over for a little bit? I can't stay long. I just need you."

"Sure. Come on over."

She listened. She smiled. She hugged. She prayed. She said, "I'm glad you came."

And I felt known, loved, better, and able to get on with my day.

Often I tell myself I should be strong. I should suck up my petty problems and get over them. I scold myself because other people have real issues and mine are nothing. I listen to the lies that say nobody cares and I'd be a bother and it's stupid anyway.

But if God has given me people, people who love Him and know His mercy, people who love me and want my best, why would I hesitate to use them? People are resources, aren't they?

Would I refuse an antibiotic for an infection because I should be strong enough to fight it alone? Would I let a broken down vehicle sit in my driveway because I'm too proud to ask for help in fixing it? Would I neglect the busted furnace because I need to buck up and deal with the cold? It's ludicrous.

So why are we reluctant to admit our need in our relationships? We want people to come to us, not vice versa. We want to be the strong one, the dependable one, the together one. But there is no shame in asking for help, in admitting to weakness, in being honest and open and raw with trusted people. I'm finding a tremendous blessing in reaching out in my low times.

Relationships deepen when we are vulnerable.

When my friend opened her door and took me in, my heart healed, my spirit soothed and my appreciation for her skyrocketed. I hope I instilled in her a sense of being trusted and needed. Our bond strengthened in a mere 20 minutes of sharing the real. All it took was me asking for help.

Do you want to take your friendships to a deeper level? Share your need. Be humble enough to ask for help. Build up another by trusting them with your vulnerability.

And watch your relationships grow.



Photo Credit: tlr3automaton

7 Quick Takes (Volume 189)

1) Drummer Boy doesn't like to spend money on his hair. His friend who normally cuts it for him is in Florida all summer and he's been pressed to find someone else who wants to tackle the job. He asked my mom.

Drummer Boy: Grandma, will you buzz my head for me?

Grandma: Absolutely not! I don't want something like that delivering my pizza!

He found some buddies more than willing to do it and if you don't count the crooked hairline in the back, they did a pretty good job.

2) We attended a wedding last weekend and towards the end of the ceremony, my friend quietly asked if I knew anyone who could operate the church's mechanical lift. A chandelier in the reception room had not been lit and the switches were near the top of the ceiling. It shows God has a wonderful sense of humor as I've spent many hours in that lift painting sets for programs at church and knew exactly how to operate the thing. It was quite exciting as we rushed to get the job done before the wedding was over. I've donned all sorts of clothing in that lift, but never imagined myself being so fancy in it!



And here's the end result. Totally worth the hassle, don't you think?


3) Some days Drama Queen has little patience for her brother.

Drama Queen (to Ladies Man): You're an idiot.

Kevin: Hey, this family is about love.

Drama Queen (not missing a beat): I love how you're an idiot.

4) We found a great little chair for my office at a salvage warehouse. I love its shape and comfort, but the best thing about it is the way it smiles at me every day.


Don't you love it?!

5) Me (to my other kids): Miss Innocent One helped me pick out a Father's day card for Dad. I think you'll like it.

Ladies Man: Does it have something to do with dogs and cheese curds?

What?!

6) Remember Drama Queen's "talent" for matching people with the animal they resemble? She's always called her dad a koala bear. The kids thought themselves brilliant when they found this t-shirt for Father's Day.


I also found the perfect gift. Kevin is a huge fan of the show Wipeout, so when I found a Wipeout Wii game, I knew I had to buy it. I figured it was good for a laugh, but it's totally exceeded my expectations as it's turned into a great father-kid bonding thing. They've played it WITH him every day this week!

7) Miss Innocent One's been taking a pottery class and came home yesterday complaining about how much better her friend's piece looked than hers. I am well familiar with that sort of angst and without thinking gave her the spiel I give myself.

Me: Well, somebody has to have the bad one so other people can feel good about theirs.

Miss Innocent One: Wow. Nice pep talk, Mom.

Oops. Yet another reason I won't be receiving Mother of the Year. Oh well.

I hope you all have a perfectly wonderful weekend. You can find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Accepting the Truth About Me

I've been working out with a couple of friends each morning and have secretly dubbed myself the worst one. They are beautiful, even with bed head hair, no makeup and sweaty bodies. They have more stamina, more gumption, more determination, more strength. I work hard, but they always do it better.

Each day as I leave, a tug of war goes on in my head.

It doesn't matter who is best or worst.

But I'm the worst.

You're still getting the benefits of exercise.

But they look better.

You're getting stronger each time.

And so are they.

Though I know it's a silly argument and I work to push it aside, it eats at me. And this is just one area I do this to myself. I read books and envy the talented authors. I hear singers and wonder why I bother. I hear the stupid things that come out of my mouth. I notice every mistake when playing my instruments. Why can't I excel at anything?

Obviously I drive myself crazy with this kind of thinking and God's decided it's time to for me to quit, overwhelming me with messages about giving grace to myself.

I've realized just as it takes faith to believe who God says He is and trust His Word is true, it takes faith to believe the truth about myself. In the same way I accepted what Jesus did for me, I must accept God's impression of me.

He tells me it's time to choose to believe the truth about how He sees me--if I never did anything for Him, I would still be enough, worthy of His love.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
1 Thessalonians 1:4

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:3

From the beginning I was loved, chosen, not because of any great accomplishment, but because of His unfathomable grace. We are loved and accepted by God right now, today, regardless of what we have or have not done, because He is good and gracious and loves us more than we can imagine.

I am enough.

YOU are enough.

Though I don't understand it, faith believes it. Faith says, "If you say so, Lord." Faith believes though it doesn't see. Faith says, "I am loved. I am chosen. Period." When I question or dismiss it, I've decided NOT to believe, rejecting my faith.

Do freedom and joy in Christ come as we choose to accept not only His saving work, but His deep love for us? It's worth finding out, don't you think?

I don't have to be the best. I just have to do my best.

Then He smiles and says, "Would you look at that?! Beautiful."

Will you join me? Will you fight the mindset that says you have to prove your worth to God? Will you accept the truth about yourself?

Will you have faith?



Photo Credit: ecstaticist

Wanting More

I want to be more. I want to be better.

Yet sometimes in my quest to improve myself, I wonder if my dissatisfaction is a cover. Is this a nice way of saying I want more and I want better? Am I disguising my selfish nature as self-improvement? Are my earthly desires, my temporal wishes distracting me from the beautiful gifts He's placed within me?

Do I slap God in the face by uttering these things?

Not only do I want to be more, I want to do more. I want my time on earth to matter, to make a difference. I want to leave behind something not easily forgotten. But in all my wanting, I get frustrated. In my own eyes I don't measure up. Others accomplish greater things. I realize my insignificance in a great big world and feel defeated.

I know the attitude is wrong, ringing of discontent, but I feel powerless to stop it. Where is the freedom and joy I'm supposed to find in Christ?

“There is only one answer to our craving for more meaning or more purpose in life, and that is God himself.”

Marilyn Meberg
Constantly Craving: How to Make Sense of Always Wanting More

When I find myself craving more, it's a sign my focus has veered to me. Who do I want to be better for? Am I seeking to honor the Lord or impress my fellow man? Am I truly striving to be the best Tami for God, or am I doing it for my own ego? When I feel anxious and restless, is it because my spirit senses a disconnect? I need more of Him, more time in prayer, more time in His Word, more quiet reflection on Him and His ways.

And while the world may see that as a waste of time, for we Christians it is necessary. Jesus Himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." When I want more, what I'm really craving is His supernatural touch in my life. I yearn for Paradise--heaven--and since I can't get there without God's divine summons, I must do the next best thing and rest in His presence here.

Do you ever feel this way, torn between what you want to be and what you are? Do you find yourself always wanting more? There's only one solution, my friends. Seek God.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

What do you think about this Marilyn Meberg quote? Post your thoughts to your blog and link up here or read what others have to say.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 188)

1) Drama Queen and Ladies Man spent some time at a local lake with friends where they were both bitten by fish. Apparently Drama Queen's fish was serious because it drew blood. She has a little scab to prove it! She thinks it went after a mole on her leg presuming it was food. Keep in mind, this is basically a big pond in small town Nebraska with no predatory creatures of the sea. We residents of middle America aren't used to fish bites!

2) A few days after the fish biting incident, we joined some friends for a weekend to the Ozarks. Now that's a lake! We enjoyed swimming, boating and tubing. The kids did some fishing and had fun on the jet skis. We crammed a lot of fun in a few days which is the perfect amount of time to spend when there's six adults and ten kids involved (and we were missing our oldest kids). Things can get a little rowdy with this bunch, arranged in order from youngest to oldest.


3) I tried water skiing for the first time since I was 12. That first time as a kid was a colossal disaster as I didn't even come close to getting my hefty frame out of the water. I don't think my rear ever cleared the surface. I've always wanted to try again, so when the opportunity came I grabbed it.


Sadly, I still didn't get up on the skis, but I gave it a good effort and I think I got up out of the water some. No one warned me about the wishbone feeling I would get if my skis veered in opposite directions. I felt close to being upright twice, but couldn't quite hold on long enough. I kept at it, but eventually my body pooped out before I got the hang of it. Normally I'd be very frustrated in not getting it, but for some reason that day I was proud of myself for being an old lady giving it a shot. Maybe next time.

4) Here's proof I'm a born and raised landlocked girl. After being on a boat for only two days I developed this rocky boat sensation even on land. I noticed it first Friday night when going to bed and it lasted through Wednesday of this week. I would be standing perfectly still yet feel like I was swaying with the waves. I was like an elderly lady whose equilibrium is off. The weird thing is I don't get seasick. I felt more seasick riding in the van on the way home, trying to ignore the imagined rocking than I ever did on the boat. I remember having a similar sensation for a few days after our cruise last fall. My friend says it's a sign I need to do more boating. I don't know. It may make me more ditzy than I already am.

5) We adults did sneak out for a quiet dinner by ourselves. There was so much laughing the kids were convinced we were drunk when we got home which we weren't.


My woozy rocky feeling kicked in that day and it didn't help matters in convincing the kids we were completely sober. Picture this: I'm standing in the middle of the kitchen with my arms out to steady me and saying, "I just feel like the room is swaying." Yeah, not convincing at all. No wonder they got the wrong idea.

Ah well, whatever. They can think what they want. We know the truth. Good, good times. Thanks Mark and Rachelle!

6) I laughed my head off at Ladies Man this week after I called to see where he was and what he was doing.

Me: Will you be home for supper?

Ladies Man: No, we're picking something up on the way to her house.

Me: You'll be home by 10:30 though, right?

Ladies Man: Oh, yes, definitely. And if our plans change, I'll let you know as soon as possible.

I know he was trying to be responsible and respectful, but the official sounding way he said, "if our plans change, I'll let you know as soon as possible," struck me as funny. He was hanging out at a friend's house, not orchestrating a covert operation. I didn't find his evening plans that urgent, I guess. Maybe I'm being completely ridiculous, but even thinking about it makes me laugh.

"If our plans change I'll let you know as soon as possible." Oh my.

7) We've got another fun weekend planned with our friends' daughter getting married. How did we get into the mother of the bride or groom category? Every time I attend a wedding now I think my time is coming, sooner than later. Shoot. That means I have to keep killing myself exercising to look good for the big day.

Oh brother. My kids are no where close to getting married and I'm already worried about what to wear to their weddings. Truly I don't have enough to worry about.

I better quit here, friends. Who knows what other irrational neuroses may surface? I hope your weekend is restful. Take a little time to peruse other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Doing Something Big

I read stories in my Bible of great people of faith, defying odds, believing though no one else does, persevering through painful circumstances, securing themselves a spot in the Hebrews Hall of Faith*. And I think, wow, they did great work for God.

I want to be like them. I want to do something big.

But in the moment, did those heroes of faith view their contributions as wonderful as we do now?

Did Moses think leading whiny Israelites through the desert an honorable work? He didn't want to go to Egypt in the first place and begged God to send someone else. Did Noah think his work great when his neighbors taunted him? Did Abel find his offerings any big deal? Was Rahab looking for praise when she hid the spies? Did Daniel think being thrown into the lions' den would bring glory to God?

I suspect not. They were doing what was before them each day and maybe even complaining a little while doing it (think David in the Psalms). They couldn't see their eternal contributions any more than we can, which makes me wonder something.

What if there are no "big things?"

What if our definition is inaccurate? What if God views solitary, selfless acts as grand work? We think our daily lives ordinary, mundane, but isn't it a big deal to God when we take time out of our day for a child, or love someone enough to be interrupted or give a hug to a woman with sad eyes?

Do we miss what He calls us to by desiring loftier things that are a front to build our egos? I know I'm guilty of wanting to leave my mark on my world. Yeah. My mark. Ick. How can that ever be big to God?

The truth is we won't see our own works as big things for God because we use the wrong measures--human understanding and worldly ideas of success.

It's time to stop wanting "big things." I pray God shows me what He values and that He hones in me the humility for any task. If I'm able to embrace everything as His "big thing," perhaps I'll find greater joy in the every day. Is this where true contentment lies? I'm ready to find out.

Have you been striving to accomplish an elusive "big thing?"



*Hebrews 11

Photo Credit: tomfs

Bashing Ourselves

My husband's been getting on my case lately about being hard on myself for, well . . . everything. Someone can always run further and faster, sing better, top me as a mother, be more fit than me, cook and clean better, be more articulate, have a prettier smile, or surpass me at . . . fill-in-the-blank.

"You need to stop that," he says, "Half the stuff doesn't matter and most of it isn't true. And who cares anyway? You never acknowledge the good stuff in you. It's not right."

Yeah . . .

I suspect you do the same thing, dismiss yourself and your good qualities thinking others do it better. I mean, really, we know who we are, don't we sisters? We may be better than we've ever been, but there's always someone who tops us. Am I right? Besides, isn't it humble to understand who you aren't?

Except bashing ourselves doesn't recognize God's beautiful creation, does it?

“People go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compasses of the ocean . . . . and they pass by themselves without even imagining.”

St. Augustine of Hippo

We are works of art, every bit as much as a spectacular sunset or newborn baby. We've been designed, not thrown together. We have purpose and meaning and BEAUTY. We're the only thing made in the image of God! Just as the owl that soothes me everyday with its gentle hooting has no idea he moves me, we may never understand how He uses us, His perfect creation, but He does. How dare we declare His work not good.

We wouldn't dream of criticizing a trickling stream or a toddler singing "Jesus Loves Me." We marvel at a full moon that does nothing but sit there, yet kick ourselves around for not performing to a certain level. We sigh at the summer breeze blowing through our hair, only doing what it was meant to do, yet miss the lesson for ourselves.

If we valued who we are, forgot about who we aren't, and do what we are designed to do, just like the rest of God's beautiful creation, would we bring Him more glory?

Genesis 1:31 says, "God saw all that he had made and it was very good." ALL He made, including man. And woman. And me. And YOU.

Perhaps my husband is right (ugh). It's time to start seeing myself the same way I see a clear, starry night or a glassy pond or a tiny infant fist. As perfect. And wondrous. And beautiful. Very good.

A work of art.

Can you see yourself as God's awesome creation?


Visit our hostess, Nina, at Mama's Little Treasures for more thoughts on this quote.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 187)

1) Ladies Man got super excited when he found out his girlfriend got a steal on a couch for him at a garage sale.

Ladies Man: The man cave is evolving!

Oh my.

2) I was looking through the stats for this blog and saw that someone from Las Vegas got here from typing in a search for "trusting God for money." Does anybody else find that funny?

3) Drummer Boy got a job at Pizza Hut this summer, but it came with a price. He had to shave off his "chin straps," the little line of hair that connects his sideburns to his goatee. Apparently having that thin bit of hair along his jaw line gone makes him less sketchy delivering pizzas. Now really, would you be scared of this guy bringing you your pizza?

He says they name the delivery guys and he is now known as "Band Boy." So here's a shout out to anybody in Lincoln, Nebraska getting a pizza delivered by Band Boy--feel free to tip generously.

4) Our whole family was standing in the kitchen grabbing some lunch when Ladies Man looked right at me and said something surprising.

Ladies Man: Your eyes are gorgeous.

Me (completely shocked): Did you say that to me? Were you just talking or am I supposed to believe that?

There was a brief moment of awkwardness while he just stared at me.

Ladies Man: I was talking about all of us really. I mean, we all have the same eyes.

Is it just me, or does it seem like the words escaped before he thought about it and it sounded like a weird thing to say to your mother so he had to save face? Or was he really not talking to me and worried about hurting my feelings? I'm going to assume the former.

5) Apparently Ladies Man is getting in touch with his feminine side as he found this little project on Pinterest right up his alley. He took plastic spoons, melted them in a candle flame and put them together to make this rose. Kinda cool, don't you think?

6) We were sitting at dinner talking about how people are either moody or even. Often moody people end up with even people.

Me: Take me. I'm moody, but your dad is even.

Drama Queen: Yeah. I'm moody too.

And her boyfriend? SUPER even. Super DUPER even.

Drama Queen: He HAS to be or he'd never survive me.

True. Very true.

Drama Queen: Ladies Man is moody.

Me: YEAH!

And his girlfriend? Again, very even.

Me: Miss Innocent One is even.

Maybe we should wait until she's through puberty to declare this one, but really, you always know what you're gonna get with that girl. In a house full of moody kids, she can be a breath of fresh air.

Kevin: She and I are the only even ones in our family.

Should we feel sorry for them?

Me: Drummer Boy is moody. The older he gets the more I see how he's like me in that respect.

Drama Queen (to me): He's not as bad as you!

We all gasped.

Drama Queen: Wait, that didn't come out right.

Yeah. Whatever, sister. The damage is already done. Boo. I think I'll be mad now.

7) We are already enjoying a fabulous weekend with some terrific people we don't get enough time with. The only downside is I'm sure to have more laugh lines before we rap things up. Hmmmmm . . . laugh lines or fun, laugh lines or fun . . . I'll take the fun.

Hope your weekend is enjoyable too. Take some time to soak in more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

One Big Picture

. . . With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

2 Peter 3:8

If to God every day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day, does He see all our days as one? When He looks at us, does He see us at every age?

When I first came to know Him, as an awkward, shy adolescent, did He see the woman I would be today? When I felt abnormal because of my weight, did He whisper, "Just wait. It'll get better," but I didn't hear? When I cried in my bedroom as a teenager, wondering when my turn for love would come, did He see my wedding day? When I chided myself for not speaking up at my dad's 50th birthday party, did God know He would have me do it at Dad's funeral fourteen years later? When I felt sick about my parents' divorce, did He see the comfort I would give my friend going through the same thing shortly after?

And what about now? When I stress about writing projects, does He see the completed work? When I worry about the future of my kids, does He see who they are at 40? Does He shake His head and say, "Just hang on, Tam. The trial will be worth it"?

When we worry about what is, does He see the big picture? Does He see what WILL be, the end result to His perfect plan?

The thought comforts me somehow and encourages me to be patient. When I think about painful times and imagine Him knowing, in the precise moment of our pain, how it turns out for our best, I wonder why I ever worry or fear anything. There is a plan for each of us. Every day is part of it. He sees each tear, each victory, each burden, each celebration as one unit, one beautiful tapestry He constantly creates with our name on it, weaved together specifically and purposefully. Gently. Lovingly. Completely good.

Does this help you accept and cope with your difficulties?



Photo Credt: mararie

I Can't Get No Satisfaction

I tend to downplay any accomplishments or victories in my life. It seems arrogant, you know, to give myself credit, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:3) I can't do anything without His touch in my life.

But when a friend of mine talked about wanting to celebrate two of her recent milestones, it hit me that I never celebrate anything. A few years ago I achieved something I'd always dreamed of, but didn't celebrate for fear it may make others feel bad. I didn't talk about it except with those closest to me. I reasoned that God was the one who turned the light switch on and I couldn't take any credit for it. In my life it was a big deal, but I looked around and realized in the scope of life in general it really wasn't. It should have been something I achieved a long time ago anyway, so what was to get all excited about?

In my thinking, if anyone can top what I've done then there's nothing to write home about. I may touch a few people on this blog, but I don't get thousands of hits a day or make a living from it, so mine is really nothing. I may have written over 1000 posts, but it's only a middle-aged woman's blather that no one cares about, so what's the point of celebrating it? And really, can any one person take credit for progress? The Bible studies I'm a part of may be growing and beautiful bonding and learning may be taking place, but that's not because of me. Everyone is doing their own part. I may write scripts, but they would have no life at all without the input of talented actors and singers and directors. My body becomes more fit not because of what I do, but through the encouragement of the people I work out with who compel me to push harder.

You see what I do to myself? I can't get no satisfaction. I don't let myself be happy about anything I do. Would I enjoy life more if I did? If I marked important events with little celebrations would I find myself less worn out and more joyful?

Is it wrong to be proud of ourselves, to be excited about what we've accomplished, to want to celebrate? I've always told myself it is, but what is wrong with celebrating what GOD has done? Wouldn't it be wrong to dismiss what He's accomplished in and with and through us? Does God want us trudging along getting no satisfaction in life? I don't think so.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

Finding satisfaction in my work is a pleasure from the hand of God. Why am I not accepting it? In the Old Testament, one of the prescribed festivals was the Festival of the Harvest. Isn't this celebrating what God provided through the work of His people?

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done and won't need to compare yourself with anyone else.

Galatians 6:4

And here is the gist of the matter for me. I downplay my work because I look around. I compare and see I am not all that, which leaves me wondering why I bother trying. I get discouraged and believe my efforts don't count. Do I not give God credit then either? But if I pay attention to my own work, I'll find the satisfaction of a job well done. Which is a gift from God. And worth celebrating.

I'm not going to go so far as to say I'm proud of myself. I know "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10) and the influence of His spirit and the people He's put into my life enable me to do what I do. But I CAN celebrate Him and the work He does in and with and through me. I can celebrate His presence, His inspiration, His work. In doing so, I just may find the satisfaction I've been missing.

Do you have trouble finding satisfaction?