People Make It Work

Sometimes I wonder how I make it through this crazy life that I love without completely losing my mind.  The truth is, I am on the verge of losing my mind quite often, but somehow I manage to hold it together.  Not only do I manage, but there are some days that I actually feel like I thrive in this endeavor.  As one who pushes myself far harder than is necessary, it is always my goal and my hope not just to survive, but to really thrive in all of the areas of my life that God has so beautifully woven together for me.  On those days when my emotions are particularly stable, my reactions are full of grace, and the daily tasks of life don't seem quite so trying, I am quickly reminded that thriving is nothing that I am ever able to do on my own.  God's sure and steady presence makes my life work.  People make it work.

I was reminded of this truth today.  It was my first official day at the new job and I really needed for the pieces of my life to fall into place in order to get off to a good start.  All of the people that I encountered all throughout the day made it work.  

After getting through the rush of the morning of trying to take care of myself and then getting the kids ready for the day, we were out the door.  As I walked my precious children through the door of the babysitter's home, I was immediately grateful.  They walked into Christy's home and I felt assured that they feel the same sense of security in her presence as they do with family.  I know that I can trust Christy to love and care for my children, to do the work of teaching them right from wrong, and to ensure that they not only get through the day, but that they have fun and learn and grow and laugh while they are away from me.  Christy makes it work.

As I walked into my new office suite, I was immediately welcomed by the friendly excitement of my co-workers, people who are already becoming friends.  The conversations throughout the day were uplifting and helpful.  As I visited various offices on campus to fill out paperwork and troubleshoot issues getting all my technology needs met, I was greeted with a smile and I was given patient help and treated with familiarity.  My new boss called me while on his vacation simply to exuberantly express his excitement that I am finally in the office and getting started and to see if there were any questions I needed answered.  There was laughter and small talk and good information shared.  Colleagues make it work.

My dad called and asked if I wanted to have to lunch.  This has become a weekly occurrence for us that I treasure.  We usually go to the Mexican restaurant with the best salsa in town.  Sometimes we just relax and enjoy conversation that rests on the surface of life and other times there are hard questions, deep reflections, and tears.  We enjoyed being together as I rambled on about my day and he told me that I was happy.  He is right.  He came to my office and helped me hang up pictures.  The final touches on my beautifully decorated new space.  This was a day that Matt gets home late from work and Mom, the kids, and I go to Zumba.  Thursday has quickly become waffle night.  We roll in from our workout sweaty and tired and Dad is ready and waiting for us with waffles and sausage.  Dad makes it work.

I am one who is thankful for some of the benefits that social media provides.  I received encouraging texts throughout the day through the group messaging app I have set up with my grad school friends.  I was assured of their prayers and support.  I felt joy as I read the responses from my Facebook status and tweet about embarking on my first day.  Some of these came from friends I haven't heard from in years and others from people that I do life with right now.  My sisters texted and called.  I am blessed beyond measure.  Friends and family make it work.

When I got to Zumba after picking up my kids I was thankful that my mom waited for me to arrive before going in so she could help me drag Keira and Judah in along with all of my other Zumba gear.  She took them to the child care room while I changed my clothes, got things set up, and chatted it up with the ladies.  She picked them up afterwards and took them home while I was wrapping things up so that they could enjoy some Nana time.  Mom makes it work.

When Keira and Judah woke up this morning, they both ran to me with big smiles and hugs.  Although breakfast was full of orders such as, "Keep eating!", "Throw your trash away!", and "We have to leave in 5 minutes!", they also laughed and talked and brought me much joy.  Judah requested to listen to "We are Young" on the way to Miss Christy's house and they sang at the top of their lungs while wearing their super cool sunglasses.  When I arrived to pick them up, Judah ran and jumped in my arms and Keira thrust the picture that she had made for me into my hand.  They fought over who could sit closest to me as we read the Bible story before bed, sang songs about Jesus, and they both prayed simple and beautiful prayers.  My sweet children make it work.

When Matt arrived home, we greeted each other with a quick kiss and then we immediately bombarded each other with the happenings of our day.  We shared and processed and reflected.  We took turns making Judah get back in bed and responding to Keira's cries for yet another drink of water.  He watered the plants while I folded the laundry.  He started another load of laundry while I took a shower.  We talked some more while I made cookie dough.  My fantastic husband makes it work.

My life is not perfect.  I do absolutely, completely lose it sometimes, but people make it work.  Relationships make it work.

Did I mention that I am blessed?