Dancing in the Rain

                                                                                                                                                             

"Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain"

Have you ever had one of "those" weeks?? Of course you have...what a silly question! Well, my week this week was one of "those". It was so much one of "those" that I am ashamed to say that I really couldn't bring myself to do a "Thankful Thursday" post yesterday as I normally do. Wednesday and Thursday were so negative and full of ugliness that I was grasping for anything positive just to help me endure the day!

The week really started out OK, but there was certainly a series of unfortunate (maybe fortunate in the long run) events. I say that because now that it is Friday, I can look back and see that many lessons were learned and as painful as they were, it was necessary for me to learn them...all of them...AGAIN!

I learned that there are people in this world who can't help but lie! Yes, they have a choice, but they choose to lie and for some reason can't, or won't, help themselves by telling the truth and more importantly, they don't live in truth! Maybe they just don't know how to do that so my judgments of them are futile and wrong.

I learned that I am WAY too naive about trusting certain relationships. I have found out that talk is sometimes the cheapest thing around! It means absolutely nothing if it is not backed up by action! I learned that there are people who are so selfish that they actually exploit relationships to only benefit themselves. So sad, but so true. Betrayal is painful and sometimes irreparable. Forgiveness is ALWAYS necessary, but that same forgiveness doesn't always require the continuation of those very relationships...sometimes cutting ties is the ONLY way to heal...

I learned that when one door closes (even by choice) that God always leads you to another door which can be opened if we trust in Him with all of our heart. I also learned that "exercising" faith is called exercise for a reason!

I learned that time is sometimes the greatest blessing...and that making big decisions during the heat of high emotions is the worst decision you can possibly make. For me this is sometimes difficult because I like to resolve things quickly...in MY time...I often ignore GOD'S time...BIG mistake! Being still and patient is not my strong suit but I'm working on it and remembering to give myself a break...I'm a work in progress.

And finally, I learned that life is beyond PRECIOUS and can be cut short in an instant! One of our "Beatles" friends was taken from us very unexpectedly early yesterday morning and left behind a devastated, but strong wife. He touched the hearts of so many of us through his gift of music...even those who didn't know him personally. His passing has reminded me to live each moment as if it's my last and look forward to future moments as if they are the first and to never leave things undone. Express love and kindness often and liberally...remember to compliment, hug, smile and say "I love you often...

I have seen a lot of ugliness this week from so many people...From total strangers to people who are supposed to love us. I have shed many tears and ached as I have realized that we live in a world where we have become a selfish society and don't care if we hurt each other. Good old fashioned manners have become obsolete...they have disappeared..it breaks my heart!

Today, on this Friday, I am thankful for LIFE LESSONS...They are painful to learn. They usually beat us up. Sometimes they bring out ugliness is us. But when the storm passes and the winds calm, we become stronger, more vibrant, we heal and ultimately become happier. I am so thankful for the people in my life who really do love me and who aren't selfish in showing it...I'm thankful for a husband who loves me and allows me to have one of "those" weeks without judgment and instead, encourages, uplifts and supports me no matter what!

So, Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to give me one of "those" weeks...I survived and I promise to remember to Dance in the Rain!