Turning over some new leaves...

I know it's not yet the new year...but fall has always seemed like a time of new beginnings to me. Maybe it's the result of the anticipation of starting a new grade in the fall, new classes, new activities, new programs for the "school year", etc. Whatever it is...that's how I feel. So, I'm turning over some new leaves...

As some of you may know, our daughter will be born this week. Thursday, the 30th, if not before. That event is going to change our lives...forever! I've had a lot of time to do some thinking over the last 12+ weeks, and reflect on what really matters in life. I hope that when the pace of my life quickens again, that I will remember some things that I learned.

First, what's really important? Is it more important that the house is spotless, the laundry is done, I have a home-cooked meal on the table by 6:00 every night, and that I spend countless hours after my full-time job seeing that these things happen? Or that I take time to enjoy life and have fun and make memories with my husband and daughter? Now, I know that responsibility is not something any of us can escape completely, and all of those things need to be done, but I don't want the pressure to rule my life anymore like it has in the past. I want to do what I can with the time I've got, and be satisfied in that.

Second, I want to be more reflective. During this time I read Dr. John Bowling's (president of Olivet Nazarene University) book, "Making the Climb". It's an account of his spiritual and physical journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. His book inspired me to be alone more with God, and spend more time in quiet reflection, instead of daily giving in to all of the things that clamor for my attention every waking hour.

Third, I want to be more greatful and appreciative of the things I have, and less consumed with what I don't have. God has provided for us time and again, and I can trust Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." I want to live Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." I don't want to compare myself to everyone else, but to be satisfied in my own skin, in my own situation.

Finally, I want to find happiness and joy in small things. I feel like I used to be better about this, but somehow got bogged down in life, and forgot to enjoy things I enjoy! A hot cup of something to drink on a cold day, beautiful trees in the fall, wearing turtlenecks, you get the idea (that would be the fall version of what I enjoy :-)). Jon is good about enjoying life, and I could learn a lot from him.

And, on a rather shallow note...I want to be better about updating this blog! I want our friends and family to see our baby (name, TBA) grow up, and enjoy her from afar as much as possible. So - I'm not making any promises, but I will try...

So - those are some of my reflections from bedrest. As this rather unpleasant period of my life comes to a close, I hope that I will take from it something that will help me in the future.

Next post...the one we've all been waiting for...BABY GIRL LIVENGOOD!!!

Until then...