Sharing in the Joys

This week has been one that has been full of happiness for me. I was able to be off on Fall Break with my kiddos {with the exception of Friday}, and we had a great time! We spent a lot of quality time together, went to the St. Louis zoo, got a hamster named Jax, went to the pumpkin patch, painted pumpkins, went to the park, etc… It was just one of those good weeks. I am always thankful for each and every memory I can make with my family, and this week was no exception. The weather is changing and beginning to get much cooler, and it is apparent that fall is soon to be here in full force. I truly am ready!

I had a little fall photo shoot with my babies this week too…so I thought I would share one of my favorites! Blaize got a hair cut that day, and they were having such a fun time laughing together!

This week has also been full of some amazing changes that will be taking place soon in my life. I had the opportunity to share those changes with several people this week, and the outpouring of encouragement and love that was shown to me has blown me away. It honestly made me take a step back and truly evaluate who I am and how I react to those that I am around in their joys and happiness. Am I truly happy for them when they are experiencing the joys of this life, or am I half hearted in my congratulations and never give a second thought to my reaction to their news? Do I take into full account their feelings? Do they leave feeling uplifted and encouraged by sharing with me, or do they leave feeling a little let down and like I didn’t even care? How hard is it to lift someone up? When people in your life show you so much love and encouragement, it truly makes you realize how important that is, and how much you want to be that for others. It did for me, anyway.

I am just so thankful for those in my life that have shown me endless love and support. There is no way I could make it through each day without that. I don’t find it ironic that today in church, our pastor spoke on the importance of friendships/relationships…and the importance of making sure that we live in such a way that others leave our presence feeling better, feeling uplifted. Are we making an impact? Are the people we come in contact with better when they leave our presence because of our actions? Wow. We are only given so much time here on this earth. None of us know the day or time, so make each second count. We are all in this together. Make the most of every encounter, and lift people up. Share in their victories, as well as their sorrows. Be present to those around. Show you care. I have been challenged by the actions of others in my own life this week, and I want to challenge you.

Last Updated on October 18, 2015