Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life only to look back at something and find a blessing? Perhaps it was in the middle of something difficult, perhaps it was just after it.
That’s what happened to me.
While on a visit to my grandparents for a few days over New Years, I came down with a nasty cold/cough. I felt pretty draggy. But I knew I had things I had to do as soon as we got home. We came home Thursday afternoon, and I tried to get some things done, but I was tired. Friday and Saturday were a little better, but I still wasn’t getting things done. I needed to prepare for the three writing classes I would be teaching on Tuesdays, but somehow my brain just wasn’t working. The cough was draining, and even trying to take a nap brought little rest as I kept coughing.
On Sunday I made the decision to stay home. I was feeling better, but I didn’t want to spend my entire time at church coughing, or trying not to cough. That’s when I decided to postpone writing classes until the 15th. That gave me . . .
An Extra Week!
The cough and cold that were wearing me out, and not allowing me to get much done, paved the way for an extra week. A week where I was on the mend, didn’t go anywhere, and no one came over. A week where I was able to get so many little things done! Like changing my “bookshelf” page from this boring thing that didn’t have all my books (left), to THIS.
And my Christmas Stories page from this page that doesn’t look very orderly (right), to THIS.
I was able to add new pages for books, even adding a page about my newest book.
I spend time getting back into my writing every day which has been so much fun! I even reached my goal of 5k words last week! (And almost reached 6k.)
I’ve cleaned out drawers, put things away, read, planned for writing classes, proof listened to Dylan’s Story on audio (hopefully that will be released before too many more weeks), created some new pages for my planner, redesigned the cover for The Lower Lights (though I haven’t republished it yet), and other things.
What I saw as another hardship and trial, God turned into a blessing. With all the extra things done, I don’t feel so overwhelmed. God knew I needed some more time, and He graciously gave me an extra week.
So remember to look for hidden blessing the next time you are facing a trial, or a cold and cough. 🙂
What blessing has come to you in disguise? Have you ever had an unexpected week in which to get things done? What are you thoughts on the new pages?
I am glad you were able to have that special blessing from God. He always knows just what we need. I have been experiencing blessings from God recently, and I am so thankful for them. I have been reminded that I don’t need to know God’s plan in order to know there is one. I used to try to plan out my life…that is so silly to do because God has a much better plan and even if I don’t see the good in it now, the end result will be worth it. 🙂
love in Christ,
Ashley
Indeed! God’s plans are so much better. 🙂 But sometimes we just don’t remember that.
Happy that you are feeling better. God does have a plan for us that he knows is best for the individual. God Bless You.
Marilyn
Thanks for commenting, Marilyn. 🙂
This is a very good tip; we all forget sometimes to look for that silver lining.
Indeed!
When we were on a trip to Alberta this year, there was a time I had to stay in the hotel laundry room to watch our laundry. I wasn’t happy at first, because I’m not the kind of person who likes stepping out of her comfort zone at all, but in the end I was able to have quiet time, catch up on blogs and Instagram, chat with friends, and watch videos. It was actually a very good evening. 🙂
I’m glad you were able to find the blessings even in watching laundry at a hotel. 🙂 They are so easy to overlook.