Challenges are Opportunities!

With about a week to go before we are graced with the joy that is Christmas morning, I must say that we've had a challenging few weeks around here.  Now, challenges are sometimes looked at negatively, but I say challenges in a positive way.  A challenge is more like an opportunity to learn, adjust, grow, and maybe even seek action on something important.

It's all in how you look at it.  We've been adjusting to the blessing that is my new part-time job.  It is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to ensure that all is taken care of and I'm finding it quite a smooth transition.  I think my little man is easing into it well, too.  I know that it will all fall into place according to what is meant to be.  All I have to do is show up and do my absolute best and the rest is taken care of, in the loving control of my Creator.

The last couple of weeks we've also had what I thought was a bad cold, but is actually considered the flu.  By 'we' I mean the whole family.  It's not a terrible one by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a lingering one.  The daily grind of it all is what's challenging, but the opportunity that's come out of this challenge is that we now know that Morgan has migraines.  Migraines are why he's been having recurrent tummy troubles this year.  Even if it's not super duper news, it is what it is and I have a lot of knowledge about migraines as I've had them since I was a young child too.  What a great thing it is that I know what to do for him, to help him.  Although it's not something we can forsee the outcome of, it is something we can treat and that's worth it's weight in gold!!!

Another part of this silly little virus has been that my coughing has now delivered me with the gift of laryngitis.  Most people wouldn't consider laryngitis a gift, but as someone who is presented with it regularly (atleast every year, but usually more)  I can say, "Hi, oh...I'm not allowed to talk right now? Oh, well okay.  I guess I'll rest then and choose my communications more carefully."  The gift that is laryngitis forces me to take a bit of time out for myself and take care of my throat.  Talking is one of my favourite things and so is singing, so if refraining from speaking is what I need to do so I can do the things I love later, I say "Okay, whatever I need then!"

Through all of this, my dear, sweet husband has been a little sicky too, but it hasn't slowed him down in the least.  He's a busy guy taking care of everyone and resting in between.  He's been super supportive while we, as a family adjust to Mom working a few days a week.  My wonderful husband's challenge this week has graced me with the opportunity to see how wonderful he is and just how fortunate I am to have him.   I see how fortunate I am to have him even more, since we lost a very good friend last week to pancreatic cancer.  The example that our friend and his wife showed, throughout his illness was nothing less than inspiring.  The challenge that grief presents has opened me to seeing, again, just how amazing it is that I get to have this love!  I'm very lucky!

I hope that you will find the opportunities inside your challenges.  I promise you, they are there even if they're hidden.  The challenge is worth it all, when we see the opportunity and do whatever it is we need to do to tip our hat to the blessing that is that challenge.