55!

Today begins the countdown to my 55^th birthday. 

In 55 days, I turn 55. The double nickel!

When I started this blog, I mentioned I would be completing my 54^th book of life but I will actually be completing my 55^th book of life. On my actual birthday (September 27 aka Jantember 27 since I celebrate my birthday month), I will actually begin working on my next book of life.

I would like to think my life is more than half over but I know we are not promised tomorrow. I am thankful for all of the days I have lived so far. I will be grateful for each day after today, as well.

Life really is a vapor. It is fragile. Yet, I abuse it and take it for granted, like I am in charge.

This summer break has had a profound effect on me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

I love unscheduled days. I love being able to just focus on the important things of each day and take care of my family without worrying about other responsibilities. I love the slower pace of my life in the summer … no rhythm of rush!

However, I love my work as a teacher more than I can say. Unfortunately, during the school year, my life seems to go at break-neck speed and I am holding on for dear life while I am keeping all of the plates spinning in the air: my health, my home, my husband, my children, my grandson, my students, my responsibilities to my employer and my colleagues, my friendships, my family, my responsibilities as an Elder’s wife, but most importantly, my service to God.

I have improved in so many areas on this summer break.

I am calmer, kinder, healthier, more intentional, happier, more appreciative, and more capable of serving God.

I allow the daily dodge balls (I do work in a middle school) of life to smack me in the face more often than I can count during the school year. I come home bruised, battered, and exhausted, leaving nothing for my family or for my service to God.

I have decided my work as a teacher supports my summer break habit. #ILoveSummerBreak

This past summer is the first summer in several years in which I have actually rested and rejuvenated my soul. The past several summers were filled with continuing education classes, licensures for my work, the loss of my mother, health issues, and externships. Although, I enjoyed down time over the last several summers in the midst of everything else, this summer I ONLY had down time. 

I am thankful! 

I have tried to be more carefree and spontaneous with my family and friends. My temperament usually keeps a tight leash on unstructured plans. Even though I have enjoyed a summer of rest, it has taken me out of my comfort zone and taught me to just trust God. I have been purposely more reflective.

So, as this summer break winds down and I prepare to return to work on Monday, I pray I remember these days vividly. I want to remind myself of how wonderful it felt to get up early and thankfully smile because I had another day to just enjoy.

I want to remember having wonderful ladies over for a dinner and a devotional. 

I want to remember having friends over for a dinner and fun conversation. 

I want to remember how my home stayed clean and my laundry was in control.

I want to remember reading books just for fun. 

I want to remember how I finished the Harry Potter series (books and movies) with one son. 

I want to remember how I completed the Marvel adventure (a 6-month adventure) with another son. 

I want to remember how I watched the World Cup (on loop) with yet another son. 

I want to remember laughing with my grandson (via Face Time and Face to Face). 

I want to remember giving my older son and his wife time to go on dates - alone. 

I want to remember jumping in the car with my husband for an impromptu date or road trip. 

I want to remember having time to check on friends and family with a written note or a quick text. 

I want to remember and keep my richer, fuller prayer life.

My youngest son begins his senior year next week. I want to be able to savor each moment of his last year with him, as it will be my last year as a mom of a K-12 child (after 29 years). No more youth group activities, no more high school sports, etc. He has enjoyed wonderful adventures over the last few months (New York, church camp, Dominican Republic mission trip) and has taught me a lot through his experiences.

My third son is engaged to be married. I want to be able to help him plan for his big day and his future life with his princess without stressors of the work week overwhelming me. I also want to support him as he coaches young adolescents and studies to become a teacher himself. He has found his passion and I love watching him pursue it.

My second son begins a new teaching journey in a new grade level. I want to be able to hear him talk about his adventures in this new realm without being muddled down with other responsibilities. He has enjoyed a full summer as a camp counselor and seems to feed off of the energy of working with young minds. I am thankful he shares his enthusiasm with me, as my reminder.

It is especially important for me to be able to model a balanced life as a teacher to those two who are on this journey and studying to begin this journey. Teaching really is a wonderful career. 

Unfortunately, our society has forgotten that, here of late, and teachers now feel the loss of respect from society weighing on our shoulders daily. I want to be able to carry myself with pride again and be happy about it.

I want to be able to share in the happenings of our oldest son and his family as our grandson turns 2 without feeling too busy. They have created a wonderful life together in the south and I miss so much by being so far away. When I do have the opportunity to share in their daily goings-on, I want to be in the moment and not worried about something else.

I want to be able to go on date nights or road trips “just because” with my husband without feeling tied down. He has the sweetest spirit, and the kindest soul, and melts my heart each day. I don’t want to miss a moment with him.

Life really is too short to fret. I need to let go and let God handle everything.

Our family vacation sealed the deal for me on these thoughts and feelings. Nine of us spent a week together on Hilton Head Island. We were prepared for stormy weather and vowed to embrace the rain. God was gracious. Each day was beautiful. It rained off and on in the evenings. There was not a day of bad weather at all. On one afternoon, a cool rain shower made the perfect playground for our grandson. It was truly the best reminder for me to not just “wait for the storm to pass but to dance in the rain.” I am thankful our sweet boy has a mommy who provides this environment for him.

The beach and the ocean are powerful to me. Walking on the beach - especially as the sun rises -and watching the waves roll in, brings me closer to God. I find a certain peace and calmness there. I am beyond thankful for those memories we made there this summer.

Those memories included lots of seafood, board games, hilarious laughter, naps, putt-putt golf, lighthouses, pizza, jumping the waves, movies, snacks, falling out of cars, leaving someone behind at the gate, bike riding, flip-flops, swimming in the pool, shopping, fresh peaches, sunscreen, countless hours in the car, selfies, but most of all, enjoying life together.

I am blessed more than I deserve. I want to remember this daily as I strive to help and encourage others who are struggling with serious health issues, family problems, disappointments of life, or life, in general.

So as I continue An Eddy Adventure in this blog and in real time, I want to remember my goals I set for this year:

1. Reflect Jesus
2. Be thankful
3. Laugh more
4. Show kindness
5. Pray continually
6. Be generous
7. Exercise more
8. Be positive
9. Live in the moment
10. Be intentional
11. Read more
12. Be helpful
13. Keep a journal
14. Be an encourager
15. Drink more water
16. Be joyful
17. Love more
18. Be a better listener
19. Talk less
20. Choose happy
21. Write more
22. Be a noticer
23. Dream big
24. Be forgiving
25. Chase after God 

~ Jan 💓