It’s like an itch that I have to scratch…..and it lingers inside of me all day long….waiting…waiting…waiting to be fulfilled. WRITE, Steph, Write!?
Why do I do this? It helps me process my thoughts, allows me to remember the details, and memorializes a process of my thinking or doing. It’s a MUST, yet it gets pushed to the wayside so often because…well, life gets in the way.
And sadly, for almost 4 years, my life has been used up by dealing with my G.U.T…and I AM SO DONE!
But let’s take a look at the power of reflection: In education, they call it “building background knowledge..or activating it.” Why? We do this to prompt our memories to inspire our nows and plans. It gives us the ability to take the knowledges or wisdom we acquired and USE IT to aid in what we are experiencing now and the of course add to it!
The beauty of this summer, however, has been an opportunity to reflect. Tatum started it, you see, by pulling out the blog books from her babyhood and on. We started from DAY 1. Gosh, I forgot so very much, and it’s been hard to see my old self as I mourn the energy and silliness I had in me. HOWEVER, God has given me perspective on how the fruit on Tatum’s tree has blossomed (not in spite of but BECAUSE of being down for a while). Also, I see how I was BEFORE Doug and now WITH Doug. I’m so much better and stronger and even more grateful than ever.
Having these books, and keeping such detailed memories has allowed me to see the process of sanctification AND for Tatum to see each and every day how much she is truly loved. We will read, “I will never let a day go by where I don’t tell her she is a GIFT and a BLESSING.” Well, fast forward 10 years, and guess what? I have kept my promise. I continue to fight the GREAT fight of parenting with an INTENSE amount of love and dedication to discipling her.
Thank you, Father, for the GIFT of being able to love on Tatum, Doug, and now, myself as I heal and grow into my best self.
I LOVE YOU BEYOND MEASURE!
