Lessons Learned

Last week was one of the worst weeks I have had in a long while. I have always heard that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. So, I decided to make a list of lessons learned from last week in hopes that since I've learned them, some of these things won't happen again. Or at least if they do, I can come back and read these words and it might just help.

> Give your child tylenol immediately following the 1 yr. old shots and don't stop until a week has passed. Either that, or you should take drugs so that you don't "feel" it either. 

> When you are sick and doubled over in stomach pain, don't schedule any plans that you have to walk blocks for without help. And, when you go to the doctor, be prepared to discuss every bodily function, including texture and color. Oh, and don't forget to thank your husband and bow down in worship that he stayed home to take care of you and your daughter so you could just rest. 

> Don't take a 1 yr. old to the cell phone store when exchanging your phone. It may seem simple, but it will most assuredly take over an hour to do anything. 

> When you have downloaded all of your pictures into one place on your computer, be sure to download them often so that you don't lose everything you have captured for the last year if your computer decides to crash. 

> When your child is clinging to your leg with screams coming out of his or her mouth every few minutes. Don't run away. You can get through this stage. You will survive. 

> Even though you have a car that someone has let you borrow, don't force an outing with a child who has just had her 1 yr. old shots. Chances are you'll be rushing home half way through holding a child who has just thrown up on you and is running 101 degree fever. 

> When your child is getting his or her molars, just know you will only average a few hours of sleep a night. If you expect it, then maybe it won't be as painful for multiple nights in a row. Just pray nothing else is going on at the same time. 

> If you have to miss church because of your sick child,  plan a mother's day out that afternoon, so that you still get to be an adult and get dressed and actually put on make-up. 

> On your mother's day out, do something fun and different and put a dress on. Go to brunch at the Boat House or any favorite spot and then to see a girl movie. You'll feel better that you did. You may even feel pretty in your dress and after a really bad week, it might just help. If it doesn't, make homemade banana pudding and I'm sure you'll be back to normal in no time. 

> When your husband says he has had a very bad day at work. Stop what you are doing. Sit down and listen. Then pray to God asking Him how you can be a better "helper" as a wife. It's not something you can do on your own, but it is something we are called to do.

> Turn the TV off. Don't use technology. Talk to your husband. Then listen. You might hear something you haven't heard before. Sit. Sit in quiet meditation. Engage your husband. Play with your child. Go outside. Stare at a flower.  Read. You just might finish that great book you've been reading for quite some time.  

>Pray. Pray on your knees. Pray out loud. Pray with fervor for Satan to have no foothold in your marriage, in your family, and in your life. Pray with confidence because you know that God is already victorious. Pray with passion, for you know that you will most definitely fail without it. Pray often.

> Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh out loud. Otherwise, you might just cry. If you cry, that's OK. Crying with your husband can be even more therapeutic. 

> Get excited that new mercies come every morning and there is always another week. Thank God continually for His provision and His patience with you during your week where you really just want to escape, but know you are here for a reason and it's because of this reason that it makes you feel so thankful and full and blessed. 

> Then call some of your best girlfriends and let them remind you that you are not alone. 

 

Here's to a NEW week!