Summer is finally here…and we’ve never been busier! haha! I was so excited for summer to start in hopes of life slowing down. But, the jokes on me! No slowing down this week. The boys are taking part in a basketball camp which is a 7 hour camp for four days. We’ve got VBS (vacation bible school) from 6-8pm for four days AND I realized Kyrie still has baseball games till next week! Which are from 6-7 on Tuesday and Thursday this week. He will miss two of the four VBS days. But, Kashmir can go all four. You win some you lose some. I’ve had a hard time keeping track of it all and staying on top of timing for everything.
But, I am working on going with the flow. Doing what I can and doing my best. Doesn’t always play out that I am doing my best. Patience gets lost and I ask for forgiveness from my boys. They always give grace and accept my apology. Thank goodness! Because let’s face it…I do lose my temper here and there. My patience thins. Nick works a ton and I don’t keep my cool as much as I’d like. I am always working on this aspect of me. A weakness of letting overwhelm take over my emotions.
A constant prayer is for me to see what my triggers are and find ways to be proactive in remedying them. How do I change the narrative. What is in my power to help me be more patient. I always look at prayer as a way to connect and verbalize my thoughts with God. Ask him to shine light on the ways I can be better. Nudge me to act! Because God doesn’t do it for us. He does give us the opportunity though. He gives us people, places, things, experiences to guide us and provide what we need to grow, heal, feel joy. It’s our job to act on it and take the steps to make it happen. It won’t just fall in our lap because we prayed for it. That’s at least how I look at it and how I choose to connect with our Lord and savior.
For example, Nick and I have been talking a lot about pain and suffering. Ever since our initial conversation the concept of pain being inevitable but to suffer is a choice has continually presented itself. It came up in a podcast, a movie, and something else. I can’t remember but, I was enlightened to the topic and ever since God has been revealing more to me. It’s been beautiful and eye opening to the things I have willingly let myself suffer over instead of feeling the pain and letting go so that I do not need to suffer.
I was listening to the podcast, Whine Down with Jana Kramer. She was interviewing an author who shared how she feels sad for people who expect to feel no pain in life. That in fact a life without pain and hardship is dull and void of depth. I was mowing the lawn and this notion exploded in my mind! I have spent my entire life assuming life will get easier when…this that or the other. But, to want a life that goes through the ups and downs because it creates a beautiful story. It’s true living! WOAH!! I’m not sure if I would have been willing to hear this idea had I listened a few years ago. But, this past weekend I was flooded with joy in accepting that hardship is good. Struggle should be welcomed. We wouldn’t know true joy and gratitude if we only felt good things. There would be no comparison. What a boring life! I think being able to accept that allows us to experience the pain of life without having to suffer. Without putting ourselves through constant misery knowing life is beautiful through all of it! The ups and the downs. That is what joy truly is. Joy doesn’t have to come and go. Happiness comes and goes. But, we can feel lasting joy if we practice the belief that pain will always exist and it can coexist with joy.
That was a lot! If you’re still with me what are your thoughts? What feelings arise when you think about joy, pain, suffering, prayer? All the things! I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
As always feel free to comment or email! I am here to connect and be vulnerable together!
Until next time,
Macca Rose
A classic athleisure look:
You can never go wrong with a good pair of high waisted black leggings, a heather grey pullover, jean jacket, and slides. It’s the making of a comfy, casual, and put together outfit. Always a winner in my book.
the jean jacket
This jean jacket is a FAVORITE! It’s affordable and the perfect classic fit. Not oversized and not cropped. Just a classic fit. One of those that is timeless…even though I do think a fitted option is great and an oversized option. The classic fit is definitely the most important to have in your closet. The color is divine! I feel it’s the perfect medium wash denim. Not too distressed or too light/dark. Perfect middle of the road jacket. One you can wear for years to come!
The pullover sweatshirt
Grey is always a good idea. I personally, love grey. One of those oh so cozy colors. But, this one in particular is a slim fit. It fits so well under the jean jacket. No tugging or bunching. Hate that! It fits on the small side. I am wearing my true size small. The sleeves just fit. But, I like it that way. Layering it under a jacket makes it the perfect fit. It’s also a short pullover. Not a true crop but, hits right at the waistline making it lay perfectly with the jacket hem.
The leggings
These leggings are the pure luxe line from Fabletics and they’re so good! I have been living in them. They’re super smooth and great high waist. Love the stitching on the leg for long lean lines.
The slides
These slides are from last summer and I am still living in them. I actually have them in nude too! The perfect sandal to dress up an otherwise athletic outfit and super affordable. So, glad Target brought them back this season.
Shop the look:
Shop the grey pullover: Click this link >>>>>grey pullover sweatshirt <<<<<
