Joy in the Journey Take 1
Bless my heart! And those of everyone around me!
Have you ever had the admonitions you gave your kids be spouted back to you by those very same children? Don’t know how they think telling me to put on my big girl panties is sage advice! I’ve been putting on my big girl panties so long they are plum wore out!
Our pastor has been giving sermons on Biblical wilderness journeys. I’ve always been super critical of the Israelites and their grumbling. And by golly! Guess what? I am finding myself moaning and groaning worse than they did!
So … Despite the fact that this process to overcome has yet to make a difference, (though I believe I have many legitimate reasons to complain) I’m changing my wicked ways. I am determined to ignore every irritation and inconvenience brought on by this transition. Yes, I am squishing this grumpy butt into my big girl panties, straightening up and flying right (one of Mama’s pet phrases), and accepting that life ain’t fair but God is.
I like a phrase accredited to Winston Churchill. ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going.’ Yeah, I know I’m not nearly going through something like other people’s troubles, but dang it! This is my Katharses page, and I am going to katharsize!
One more famous quote by a famous guy … ‘All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.’ Ol’ Charles M. Shultz knew what he was talkin’ about! I’d give a quarter to gorge on a DQ peanut buster parfait, but since I am trying to lower my A1C, I’ll let just thinking on it be enough. Yeah, life ain’t fair!
Anyway.
Here’s a step to a more joyful journey … listing things I am thankful for.
Though I miss my little man from Griffin we don’t see so often, he and his parents do stop by occasionally.
Our oldest grandson comes over when he’s not too tired from working his midnight shifts.
We get to see our middle granddaughter Wednesday since she is close enough to visit if we meet half way from her school.
Our oldest granddaughter lives close enough we are planning occasional trips together to a very dangerous place for us both – Hobby Lobby! 
And of course, there are ‘the littles!’ We get to go on special excursions with Dylan and Josie and babysit them. We go out to eat with Missy and Jeremy, and Missy and the kids come over to swim. How fun!
Whether it is crowding together in our little living room or going out for special events, I should find joy in remembering the good times. 
Our middle son-in-law is close enough to visit when on business trips to the main BI office in Duluth. I tried to post a video of him playing and singing during his last visit to show everyone who prayed for him how well God healed him from the kick in the throat. I’ll figure that out another day.
The Louisville troops are closer so we can meet them in Chattanooga for a day trip. How fun is that?!
We can run up to Louisville without going through Atlanta traffic and trying to avoid the NASCAR wannabes. I will post pics of the Clark’s upcoming concert with lots of pictures later.
Sorry for the photo dump, but again, this is my katharses (remember this is an alternative spelling).
Proverbs 17:6 – ‘Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.’
Isaiah 54.13 ‘All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.’
Those are worth losing my grumps over!
Blessings
Kara Beth
