To everything there is a season...

I was hoping 2020 would ring in with the idiom "everything is coming up roses" which became popular after the musical 'Gypsy', but things are not ideal or turning out well at present.

Just before Christmas I took over the care of 2 family members who can no longer take care of themselves or make logical decisions.

I will not share the details for their privacy, but honestly I did not know how difficult this would be not only for the extra time taken out of my day and the extra chores, but because their mental attitudes are so different from mine.

It is so stressful being around people on a daily basis who do not share a positive mindset not only about their health, but basically how they see life in general.

My blood pressure which was going down is now going back up and my resting heart rate which was very low for my age is 10 points higher. I'm trying not to lose focus on my needs for I must come first. You can't help others if you need help yourself. Adjustments need to be made and I am working on this.

However, spiritually this has been such a learning experience and a refining process. I have always found ways of cutting unpleasant situations & people out of my life that I did not want to deal with so that I could be happy, but what fruitfulness is there if you can only be calm, happy & peaceful in idyllic situations or alone?

God shows us our blessings if we listen. Is there stress - yes, but my inner peace, joy and love has not vanished because of my adverse external conditions.

I wanted to share this for those who feel oppressed, depressed, or who think their life isn't running smoothly right now and perhaps have little hope. Just because adversity comes in many forms doesn't mean a blessing isn't attached to it.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV