A Big Life

 

Hello, friends!

I hope y’all are enjoying summer, or as we call it in Florida, daytime. Our family is taking in some much needed rest after a CRAZY year. As many of you know, I recently went back to work as a substitute teacher, and our lives got really busy. School will begin again in a few short weeks, so we’re making the most of Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and the Olympics. Rest is vital for me, for all of us really, and I don’t feel a bit guilty about it. Well, I am a mom, so maybe just a little guilty, right ladies? 🙄

While taking advantage of my newfound free time, I have been thinking a little, okay a lot, about life in general, but mine in particular. As a woman of forty something years, I’ve reached middle age, and that’s a great deal of life to look back on.

How do I feel about my life? 

Is it everything I’d hoped it’d be?

Am I satisfied?

My mom is probably reading this and thinking that I have too much time on my hands, but the question begs a reply. 

AM I SATISFIED?

How do I even begin to answer that question? Does Christianity play a role in my answer? Does my family? How could I possibly know?!?

Friends, I don’t know the answer, to be completely honest. As I’ve gone through this life, I’ve had so many different versions of what I thought success, happiness, and satisfaction would look like. I’m sure many of you are the same. But as I’ve grown and, ahem, matured, my goals in life have changed. The goalposts have moved, so to speak. 

The only thing I am absolutely sure about is that to many, I’ve lived a small life. No grandiose achievements like Olympic medals or multimillion dollar contracts. No fame. No fortune. Just living, loving my family, and loving God the best way I can. 

But, what is a big life anyway?!?

Fame? My kids, their friends, and many kids in the hallways, and consequently the grocery store, know my name. I suppose that’s fame enough.

Fortune? Well, we don’t have much, but we have enough, and just like Mary Poppins says, “Enough is as good as a feast.”

Faith? I love Jesus, and I believe what He says is true. Can’t ask for much more than that.

Family? I have the best family! I’m still madly in love with my hubby, and we have two teens we can stand to be around. 25 years of this has made me a lucky, lucky woman. Not to mention, my mama thinks I’m cool, so there! Ha!

And finally, fulfillment? Friends, my heart is so full every day. I might not always feel loved, but I know I am, and that I make a difference, if only to my small circle. Who could ask for more than that? Not only that, but my body gets challenged, my brain learns new things each day, I’m always meeting new people, I have time to recharge, and I get to cuddle two of the most adorable kitties ever. 

I’m blessed in my life, so I guess that makes it big to me. I hope y’all can say the same. And if you can’t, I hope you have the strength and courage to change it.

I’m wishing you all the best of days, the biggest of dreams, and the most fabulous lives.

Ami ❤️

The best photo of my sassy girl

Our Greatness

  

Today is January 20, 2021.

Today the United States of America is taking a deep, cleansing breath, then swearing in a new President. It’s a historic moment for many reasons.

This morning I watched as our sitting President, Donald Trump, left the White House for the last time. I have to tell you, it made my heart swell. Not only am I excited for this new season of change, but like most Americans, the sheer magnitude of Inauguration Day leaves me in awe. 

Our nation, though somewhat tarnished at present, has been a shining jewel of how to transfer power peacefully. No coups, no fighting, and none of the other nasty ways new regimes come into power. I’ll admit that last week had me a bit worried, but this morning looks so serene. 

Looks can be deceiving.

As our nation wearily stumbles into this day, there is so much division, so much pain. Our next President, Joe Biden, will have a full plate of complicated problems to contend with, made even worse by those actively hoping he will fail. He will be much like his predecessor in this way. 

As I sit and watch our nation prepare for this day, I am warily hopeful. Although I am comforted to see this day proceed with dignity, my Libertarian brain is concerned about the cost of our recent turmoil, both literally and figuratively. Our national debt is spiraling out of control, and with talks about more spending every day, I fear we are reaching a financial cliff. Added to that is the specter of looming “national security“ measures to protect our nation from domestic terror. Hopefully, these measures will be tempered in an attempt to heal the ever widening rift that has been festering like a boil for quite some time. 

But, even as I acknowledge our failures as a nation, I can still see our greatness. Whether we survive as a nation or not, our foundation was laid with great hope.

 Hope for a better life

Freedom from persecution, both political and religious 

Hope for the future

The promises of freedom and hope still bring people to America and stir the hearts of Americans already here. May we never forget the things that make us truly great while working hard to make it great for all people. We are abundantly blessed.

May God look kindly on America today and bless us into the future.