Flip the Script

 

I've decided there are just some things that come with caregiving. Things that are frustrating... like able-bodied people taking handicap parking spots. It's also frustrating to see everyone use the access buttoned door to go in and out of a building that has two other doors... but they want to use the button - lol. Does it really make it that much easier for them to get in and out? I think not.

Just frustrating.

Today, when I got home from Chris's workout at the 34 Project, the delivery driver had set his supplies on the ramp. Now, there is a whole patio there, but they had to put it on the ramp - I'm sure somehow it was easier for them than using just a little common sense and putting it to one side. 

First, I got so mad. I just don't get it! Then I decided to flip the script. I made a purposeful choice. I will not think about their stupidity or carelessness (however you want to classify that!); instead, I will be thankful that all of his supplies for this month have been delivered. I don't have to buy them. This is a blessing. 

It was funny how quickly my attitude shifted from frustration to thankfulness. It was a huge game-changer. I opened the door and tossed the boxes inside before I unloaded Chris. He was none the wiser. LOL. But I was. Maybe a little. :-)

It's amazing how quickly choosing thankfulness can flip the script. Our emotions can't really multitask. We can be anxious. Or, we can be thankful. Stopping to give thanks (even if we have to look and think about it for a while) really does change our attitudes. It's a great shift, and I've been trying to practice it more of late.

No matter how rough it gets - and it really is rough all the time, we can always find something to be thankful for. When I am having difficulty finding something, I just go back to the basics:

• God saved me.
• He loves me!
• He will never leave me.
• He made me righteous (even when I don't feel like it!).
• He won't take back His peace.

That's a great starter list. What do you think?

Today, I will remind myself to be thankful no matter what. Even if I have to sit down for a little while and think really hard, there is something to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is the way to flip the script. It will really change our attitudes. We can even be thankful for that. LOL. I will stay nestled up close to His heart today, and I'll be thankful that He is still in my here. He didn't leave when it got dark. He didn't leave when I acted a fool. He didn't leave when my world fell apart. He remains. For that, I am thankful. I believe I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

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Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.