I just got back from a two day retreat to "Harrison Hot Springs Resort" B.C.. It was a lovely time with a great friend, shopping, eating, relaxation massage,eating again, soaking in the wonderful "Hot springs", pool, jacuzzi and sauna...ahhhhhhhhhhhh and yes eating some more, I had an awesome time, to say the least 
I needed this time to get away as I felt more depressed and agitated than I had in a LONNNGG time. It was frightening to see myself spiral down after being "on top of the mountain" for some time. I know now just how important it is for us to "get away" once in awhile. Take that needed break from all the stresses of life. Come on guys, even God rested! He is the creator and he knows how important it is to sit back and admire all of our hard work! REST REST REST! No wonder there are so many ailments..our bodies and minds are just worn out!
So, As I so anticipated this trip, I also felt anxious about leaving my husband with the children over night. I wrote about my delimma in the "general" forum. Well, all went smooth and hubby didn't seem to mind a bit! He did say that he missed me and the kids did ask for me a couple times
ahhhhhhhhh they need me...I LOVE IT!Now, to get to the "meat" of this post. I THOUGHT I was going to relax my mind, destress, etc. And for the most part, I DID..HOWEVER, GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN FOR ME!!!!!! Folks, I spent a day and a half with my GOOD friend who just lost her husband just four short months ago
. I spent a day and a half being reminded of how LUCKY I am to have a warm body to sleep next to each night(even if he is a bed hog) I have someone that will help me with anything(even if I have to ask more than once), I am a stay at home mom that is able to go anywhere, do anything, no time limit, etc.(while hubby works his tail end off providing for us) I DON'T have to work to make ends meet! I have someone to talk to(even if that means I have to compete with the T.V. while do so) Yes, I get overwhelmed with the responsibilites of being a Mother, wife, homemaker, but I HAVE a husband to share this adventure with! I realize that I don't really have a reason for anxiety and depression, do I? I have been blessed beyond measure and I spend TOO much time complaining about the responsibilites they come with(marriage, children, a beautiful home to live in, two car garage, etc. etc. etc.) A thought that comes to mind is: " God gives and he taketh away" and...I've been HUMBLED! Back to square one..."is this cup half empty or half full?"...The negative thoughts and feelings came creeping back in..however, I now have the tools to change it. Life is short people!!! God wants us to enjoy it. YES, there may be real issues that your facing..perhaps a death like my dear friend is going through..perhaps a divorce, unemployment, children issues...etc..BUT we DO NOT have to allow these circumstances to control us. I asked my friend how she deals with this great loss of her husband..guess what her answer was??? "I have my good days and my bad days, but what am I going to do??? crawl under a rock and die????? NO, I have a life and I will make the BEST of it. I have three small children that NEED me and I will give them a good life. I will not be "depressed", where will that get me?" I also asked her if she ever gave up on God(she is spiritual) guess how she answered my question?? "No NEVER! I may not know all the reasons why God does what he does, But I will continue to believe that he has something GREAT planned for me". Yes, you guys...this is coming from someone who just lost her bestfriend...her lover, her companion her husband...All I kept thinking was..."Robin...what the hell do you have to be depressed about???" All I know at this point, is that God wanted me to spend some time with her...as I have been praying for some time for God to make himself more REAL to me...and this weekend was a big eye opener for me!!!!
So, as I come to the end of this post, I challange you to reflect. Even in the midst of your storm, can you still see happiness in your future? Can you still believe in the God that is leading you through these trials...to finally get you OUT of your trials???? If you still cannot understand just what I am trying to convey here, Go spend some time with a friend or family member that has lost someone dear to them...Just one day, putting yourself in their shoes...Trying to understand just how they must feel at that particular moment.. Are our problems REALLY that large...or perhaps we just need to work on our attitudes..and learn to enjoy the blessings in our lives. Appreciating LIFE..as we all know, it can be taken away like THAT(snap)!!!!
I hope I don't come across as being insensitive..I'm just being REAL. If my friend can figure out ways to remain hopeful(under her circumstances)..SO CAN I!!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. God bless ALL OF YOU! And peace be with you!
Love, In Christ
Robin