Today, Heather and I sang at a wedding. It really is an honor to be a part of someone’s big day. Before we got there though, Heather was having a bit of the female “getting dressed up” anxiety that it seems most women deal with. You know- hair’s not right, clothes don’t fit properly, etc, etc. Meanwhile, I think she looks fabulous. Around this point, Madelyn starts acting up a bit. Right when it about get’s to the point of “Madelyn, yo’ butt about to be spanked!” I said, let’s try a gratitude exercise.
“Remember when she was first born, how happy we were to see her and to have her?” We both kinda’ smiled because even though it didn’t change her behavior, it definitely changed how we reacted to it. Earlier this week, I had a mean, blow-out “conversation” with Heather. I’ll admit it, I wasn’t being cool. I said things in the moment that were hurtful, and I knew it. Fortunately, after an hour or so, I calmed down and apologized. She was gracious to accept. That next day I was again thinking about what I’m grateful for. I remembered when Heather and I first met. I was head over heels. From day 1. (Hour 1 actually) I remember thinking “If I just had her, my life would be perfect!”. We will be married 20 years in May. It’s safe to say I got what I wanted. Since when was that not enough? When I was thinking of that, I also thought of the times I’ve been disrespectful, unloving, disregarding vows (I thought of this at the wedding today- it’s vows not a contract), and any other random “not cool” things couples fall into after a while. When did my dream girl become anything less than my dream girl? Right now, I love my wife more than ever. We are a perfect fit. I am thankful that she has stood by me through some dark times. I am grateful that God opened my eyes to things as early as the past year..and continues to teach and reveal Himself to me.
Ever start writing something then look back and say “how’d I get here?”..that just happened to me. :-)
I watched a documentary on Pearl Jam last night where Eddie Vedder said that being so open and honest in his lyrics actually caused real world security issues for him. He had to build a wall around his house and thankfully did it before a guy ran his truck into it at 50 mph. I’m always been pretty transparent on my blog, video blogs, Twitter, etc. I live my life in the open for the most part. So when I write these things, It’s good for me and I always hope it connects with someone else who may be feeling the same things. It’s quite odd, I tend to have trust issues with people but have no trouble vomiting up my emotions on my blog.Haha!
I’m going to bed in a bit..here’s some gratitude for the day:
- I’m grateful that Heather and I got to sing at the weddding today.
- I’m grateful that Kaitlyn got to compete at semi-state for Marching Band and made it to State next week.
- I’m grateful that all 3 of my school kids made honor roll. MADELYN EVEN MADE DISTINGUISHED!
- I’m grateful that I’m recovering from the financial strain after my previous work situation’s sudden end.
- I’m grateful to friends like Steve, Brian and Kev who I can text throughout the week just to encourage or be encouraged.
- I’m grateful for getting the chance to go back to South America in December. - This was a big one..I remember when I was stoked just to play in front of any audience, let alone large audiences in other countries.
You can’t control what happens to you..but you can control how you react to what happens to you. That determines outcome more often than not. I challenge everyone reading right now to think of 5 things you are grateful for and speak them out loud. I think you’ll be surprised. It’s hard to be hateful when you’re grateful (A cheesy but true phrase)
Holla!
jamie