Staying Encouraged in Everyday Life - AuthorCynthiaHerron.com

Photo Credit: Elias Roviello/Creative Commons

Mondays are challenging.

It might have something to do with getting back in our groove after a relaxing weekend.

At our house, we have a system. (For parents with school-age children I think routine is important. It lessens the stress when kids know what’s expected.)

Our Mondays (and other work/school days) look like this:

My husband and I rise early. He gets ready for work and I throw in a load of laundry. There are lunches to prepare and breakfast to cook. Recently, we added a new furry addition to our household, so there’s a pet to care for. We accomplish a myriad of tasks before waking our teenager for school.

We then eat breakfast as a family and discuss the day ahead. Generally, we allow about 30 minutes for this.

After kisses and hugs, hubby/Dad is off to work.

Daughter gets ready for school as I clean up the kitchen and transfer laundry to the dryer.

I chauffeur kiddo to school and then hustle back home to really begin my day. There’s the never-ending home front chores, outside commitments, and other time infringements. (And oh, yeah! I’m a writer so I write.)

Later, there’s after-school pick-up and supper to think about. (And I haven’t mentioned various school activities that get thrown in the mix. Moms and dads–you know what I’m talking about.)

Homework (if any) is completed.

We eat supper together. 95 % of the time. (Unless there’s a school event that interferes.) I’m guessing we’re in the minority of families who still do this.

At supper, we’ll discuss our day and read a scripture from our little box of memory verses. (I rescued this treasure from what someone described as “junk” ready for her throw-away pile.)

One of my favorite keepsakes is this treasured box of “memory verses.”

Family time. This may include some television, but we prefer board games or cards. (Friday nights are our “carpet picnic” and movie night.)

Showers

Dreamland!

Now, for you parents with babies and young children, I realize your day is much more involved. (I remember!)

I’m blessed to work from my home office (which is still in a state of re-do), but there was a time when I juggled an outside career, motherhood, family, home, school, and the whole nine yards.

Those who work from home understand that “work” doesn’t end just because your schedule differs from others. In fact, in some respects, it’s more difficult.

My point?

There will always be things to do, tasks to tackle, and time frames to work within. To measure whose life is hardest is like comparing apples to oranges.

But granted. I’m talking normal life. If there even is such a thing.

Obviously, to compare the life of a cancer patient to the busy socialite’s is ridiculous. It would be insulting to try.

Life is always a state of transition.

At times, we’ll need a kick-start to rev our engines.

That’s why I’ve listed some of my favorite posts to encourage you today.

Here’s to YOU! *clink*

******

What are your tips for staying encouraged in everyday life?

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Here it is–the BIGGEST encouragement-packed post you’ll read today! (Click to Tweet)

If life is complicated, here’s some encouragement: (Click to Tweet)

See you back on Wednesday, friends!

Blessings Always,

Comments 4

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
January 13, 2014 at 9:19 am

This is great! I love it!

Comparison is a terrible thing, and the handmaiden of envy, second cousin to resentment.

We hurt – sometimes for trivialities, sometimes for traumatic amputations.

The amputations are worse, but the trivialities still hurt, and not to recognize that, based on comparison, breeds irritation against those who have it worse. I’ve seen it happen – it’s as if one is stealing the right to weep over a sad trifle.

1. Post
  Author
  
  Cynthia Herron
  January 13, 2014 at 10:33 am
  
  Andrew, brilliant words!
  
  Our family lived a season of hardship as one of our children battled a life-threatening disease. At times, it was difficult to bite my tongue when other moms complained of their child’s head cold or clothing choice when we were dealing with blood transfusions and hospital stays. By way of only what I can describe as God’s grace, He helped me remember that everyone’s frame of reference is different. While I don’t understand folks’ limited comparisons, I think I get, to a degree, their mindset.
  
  For instance, to me what we endured was my worst nightmare. When I had a cousin who suddenly became a paraplegic overnight, that upped the ante. It made me realize that as bad as it is, things can always be worse.
  
  I’m so thankful God has given me a heart for the hurting, as He has you.
  
  Thank you for stopping by!
  
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
January 13, 2014 at 5:34 pm

Great post, Cindy!!

1. Post
  Author
  
  Cynthia Herron
  January 13, 2014 at 10:54 pm
  
  Jennifer, thanks! I tried leaving a comment at your cyber home today, but Blogger doesn’t like me. I pray you’re on the mend!

Our Mondays (and other work/school days) look like this:

My point?

That’s why I’ve listed some of my favorite posts to encourage you today.

Encouragement for Writers:

Perseverance for the Weary Heart:

Pick-Me-Ups When You’re Needing Affirmation:

Confidence Boosters:

Dealing with Negativity:

Friendship:

Christian Living and a Big Dose of Encouragement for Everyone:

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