Wedding Rings, Fat Fingers and Simmering on The Back Burner

Hi,

Life has been crazy around here! About a month ago, we found out that we have to move. Our landlords are selling this house that we have been renting for almost 2 years. YIKES! My planning and organizing nature does not handle surprises well, so I have been a bit frazzled lately. No fear, we have things in order and have been house hunting (That is a blog post all of it's own!!). I will let you know when it's moving day 'cause I KNOW you will want to come and help out! hee hee

I had an interesting experience last week that I thought I would share. I had to have my wedding rings CUT OFF of my finger! I hadn't been able to take them off for some time and it wasn't a problem until I got a bite on my finger, UNDER my rings. Not being a "REAL housewife" (just for you, Gwyn!), I didn't have a jeweler, let alone their number on speed dial in my fancy cell phone! haha So, we went to a jeweler that was recommended by a friend. I was a little nervous about some "detached" stranger cutting away on my rings. I told him what I needed and he, without blinking, said, "Oh sure, I can take care of that for you." He walked to his little jewelers desk and grabbed a tool that looked a lot like a can opener. Now I had serious butterflies in my tummy and asked him if it was going to hurt. He gave me instructions to just relax and hold still. After just a few minutes, he had cut through the rings. No big deal, until he grabbed his pliers and pulled the rings apart so I could slip my fat little finger out. That's when the tears came!!! I was sad for my rings, fearful that my hubby was disappointed and mad at myself for letting it go so far. Let me tell you, it was a HUGE eye opener for me. How crazy is it to let yourself go like that? I have no excuses. So, what did I learn from this? I must take better care of myself! You know what I'm talking about, right? You spend all of your time taking care of others that you move yourself to the back burner, turn the heat way down and let yourself just sit there simmering....waiting. I haven't had a haircut since August!! How crazy is that? Now, don't get me wrong, my hubby is very supportive and often gets upset with me because I neglect myself. This is all self inflicted!! If I received a new car, I would take care of it: wash it, keep the inside clean, take it in for regular oil changes, and fill it up with the proper fuel, right? Why is it so hard to do that for myself? God gave me this wonderfully healthy body and I take better care of my car? How crazy is that? So, this is my prayer for myself and any other Mom who is simmering on the back burner.

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for not taking care of this perfectly healthy body that you have trusted me with. I have been neglectful and unappreciative and I am sorry. Help me to see that taking care of myself is worship. Give me the strength, courage, and foresight to nourish and nurture MYSELF! Help me to teach my children that caring for others doesn't have to mean NOT caring for yourself. Thank you for all of the wonderful ways you speak to me! And, thank you for my wedding rings! In the name of my ultimate Bridegroom, Jesus. Amen.

In His Love,

Lisa