We are now 4 weeks into the school year and it feels like we haven't had time to breathe. Since school started.....we've been to 3 varsity football games (2 of them were out of town); we've only done 1 volleyball game because we quit volleyball in favor of marching band (coach wanted her to make a choice and she did); we've visited the counselor to have a schedule changed; we've celebrated grandparent's day at school; I've served three meals to the band students and attended several meetings for the band boosters, Kids Hope USA, PTO and Missions Committee; attended an open house; watched and prayed as a member of our church family lost his battle with liver cancer; celebrated as another church family member received a liver transplant; and the list goes on and on.
I sometimes wonder how we find the time to breathe. But we do and life keeps moving right along. When I reflect and look back over a period time, I think....Wow!! Then my very next thought is...Thank You God!! Our lives are full and happy, even though at times we get frustrated and tired. It's funny but you don't really remember too much of the frustrating times....mostly you remember the happy times. I've learned that you don't get one without the other. It's a package deal because we are human. And humans aren't perfect. Yes, even Christian humans aren't perfect. We do make mistakes.....we often say things the wrong way without thinking about the effect our words might have on another person. We do things, often with the best intentions, that offend others.
In spite of our imperfections, our association with others is what makes our lives complete. Whether it's being a member of the marching band or singing in the choir, these groups of people that sometimes frustrate us also fill our lives with joy and celebration. It's the grueling band practices in 90 degree Houston, Texas heat and humidity that make the awards won at the UIL marching competition that much greater. The heat, close contact and fatigue often adds to the irritability and frustration that we experience with others. But if we can get past these hurdles and work through our differences, the rewards are that much sweeter. So when we find ourselves in the middle of an argument, we have to remember to.....breathe.
