I’m a party girl…not the cliché rootin’ tootin’ dance on a table top, swing from a chandelier "girl gone wild" type. I’m more of the games, themed decorations, cutesy door prizes type of soirée socialite. What I enjoy even more than attending parties is planning them. In the past ten years I helped organize seven weddings, more than thirty business events, twelve bridal showers, six baby showers, and at least twenty birthday bashes.
This morning I decided to throw a party of the pity variety and deemed myself the worthy honoree. After all, Pickle and Pumpkindoodle greeted me before the sun rose. I had been playing nurse aid to the Professor who is recuperating from back surgery, and legions of irritants dumped straw piles on this old camel’s back for three solid hours. I buckled. I snapped. I stomped. I pouted. I cried. I morphed into the toastmaster of my personal woe-filled hullabaloo. I’ll save you from the gloomy itinerary except to say it included me ceremoniously proclaiming myself as a second class citizen in my own home. Yes, I can be that pathetic.
I invited a few friends to the festivities, but with their God-given discernment they not only declined the subtle invitation, but helped steady me before I fell into the martyr’s pit I dug. I wish I could write that I prayed a scripture-inspired prayer laced with eloquence. But I didn’t. Instead, I whined to God. If King David got away with some venting why can’t I? My lament went something like this, “God, I love my family and I want to take good care of them, but you know as well as I do that if I get sick no one will be able to take such good care of me! And I am tired. I am so tired and I’m hormonal too.” Again, pathetic, this I know. After my whine, my spirit softened, I took off my party hat and prepared for clean up. “Lord, please help me get through this day. I’ve messed up so badly this morning. Help me make it right and please... please help me cling to your joy.”
A scripture song that I learned in college more than 15 years ago ambushed my mind “The joy of the Lord will be my strength, I will not falter, I will not faint. He will be strong to deliver me safe. The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I thanked the Lord for coming to my rescue, took several deep breaths, and readied myself for the rest of the day.
Though the afternoon held a few mishaps of its own, blessings were immeasurable: a new friend presented me with a lovely and unexpected gift that completely eradicated an earlier disappointment; another friend who lives close by invited Pumpkindoodle to her home for a playdate; my darling girl’s energy and exuberance during her gymnastic class rewarded me a second wind; The Professor showered me with words of appreciation; and precious Pickle clapped his hands and said “Mama” when I entered his room after nap time. I’m thankful that in my life’s current windy season God sees fit to douse me with sunshine and calm the winds long enough to turn my pity party into a praise party.
16 comments:
I needed to hear this today. The boys have already started out the day in a rare mood, the humidity threatens to wreak havoc with tempers and emotions (mostly mine), and I've a load of cleaning to catch up on.
The hardest of trials? Thankfully, no. But still I need a little perseverence today, thanks for the reminder.
The scripture you used in this post has become my life blood through the trials of the past couple of years.
Just yesterday I quoted it at church as I was introduced as the new Women's Ministries Director.
Using God's word is our best defense as we journey the ups and downs of this road called life.
You are a blessing,
Cindy
I have those kinds of parties too, but the Lord is healing me in that area as well!
Amen!
I know those pity parties! And what a great way to overcome them! (I remember when you published this the first time!! A good refresher!)
Hope your Monday is full of God's wonderful and awesome "party" presence. That he blesses you and lets you dance your way through your party this morning!
Thanks for posting this turnaround. He is soooo merciful, no?
xxxooogretchen
Thank you for sharing! My mood was not so great this morning but thanks to my wonderful Father He has helped me (painfully) turn it around! Wonderful post!
Thanks for sharing this, so many times I wake up with the same feelings and say the same sort of prayer only to be answered in the same sort of way. God is amazing isn't he.
xx
Oh my goodness your prose today brought such a smile to my face. Both about the hardships and the blessings. And, who doesn't want to be the honoree of their very own party? Even if it is a pity one? :)
Visiting your site today...and it was such a treat!
I love your writing style, it is pakced full of humor, energy and love.
May your day be filled with lots of good stuff!
This is a wonderful article. I am so glad you decided to post it again. Some things need to repeated again and again. I have the tendency at times to be hard-headed. :) I know that is so hard to believe. haha. Blessings to you today.
Isn't it good to have friends who lift us up instead of joining us in the soggy mire that we get ourselves into!?
Glad to hear that your day went better, and that you were able to get a better perspective!
Xandra
Love that song, and scripture. We all have days like that. I loved your perspective and how you ended up looking at it.
I love the way you describe the pity party - I need to look more carefully to discern the ones I organize . . .
Amen! Awesome post!
Kelsey
mysweetlife.org
Your humility is so encouraging...I only hope I can look in the face of discouragement and sing His praises.
God bless-
Amanda
http://iammommy.typepad.com
I have been in your shoes many times, we all have. Don't be too hard on yourself. The Lord knows we are emotional, hormonal creatures. It is good that your friends steadies you and you repented and turned your eyes to the Lord. Good for you. God is good and his love is unswerving, even when we whine, a good lesson for us as moms!
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