Image Credit: Ashley Rose/PhotopinCC
Annnd we have lift off!
Who doesn’t get goosebumps when they hear those words?
For some reason, Mondays make me think of rocket ships and astronauts. I suppose it’s because Mondays blast us into the work week. (Good or bad—takeoff arrives. And I try to focus on the good!)
Since it was Mother’s Day weekend (you can check out my brief bonus post), I relaxed a little and allowed my family to properly pamper me. They expressed their love and appreciation in a delightful way that most mothers understand: food.
My crew surprised me with a fabulous made-from-scratch dinner: salad, chicken carbonara, garlic cheese biscuits, and for dessert: zesty lemon bars. A meal loaded with butter and fit for a queen! Mmmm…
Yes, the meal was fattening and decadent, but my heart was touched because of the effort expended. I felt special—loved.
Though mothers should feel that way all the time, Mother’s Day is certainly THE day she should be the sole focus of esteem and attention.
The weekend caused me to think about things we so often take for granted. Specifically, relationships and how a little love transforms humdrum into extraordinary.
Sometimes, in the rat race of daily living we grow lax in our relationships.
Work, school, and appointments demand our attention. Even relationships get prioritized. It becomes a cycle, and one that’s not necessarily pleasant—but it happens.
While priorities are indeed part of life, it doesn’t always mean they’re a good thing. It means balance and good judgment must play key roles in our day-to-day interactions.
Naturally, we’ll always have priorities. That’s the ebb and flow of life. It’s when we begin to ignore one in favor of the other that our resolve may flounder.
That’s where a little love comes in.
Love is the thing that spurs us forward when life gets crazy and disappointment upends us.
When things don’t go as planned, love centers us.
And for this writer-mom especially, I’m so blessed to have a loving, supportive family.
The writing world is challenging. For many of us, our spouses and families are our biggest encouragers.
For example…
This little note I keep front and center on my desk (I wish I’d thought to take a picture to post here):
Momma… Don’t stress about your book and stuf. Everything will work out. I believe in you and I know you will succeed! Keep up the good work and do your best (just don’t work too hard). I know your book is going to be a big hit. I LOVE YOU!
Ahhh! Gotta love that! (I smile every time I read my daughter’s words.)
And then there are the countless positive texts from my son and husband throughout my work week.
Their faith in the bigger picture humbles me.
And their love spurs me forward.
***
What are stumbling blocks to strong, supportive relationships?
How do your loved ones encourage you?
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Blessings Always,
Comments 5
For most of my life, being loved was quite foreign to me.
The motivators that worked best then (and now) were duty and compassion. They didn’t depend on any externals, and they could be constantly refreshed from experience – the experience that duty and compassion, separately and together, where the only things that made life worthwhile.
It must be wonderful to feel that love and support around you, especially in your writing life. You’re truly blessed, Cindy.
Author
Andrew, you’re so right—I am blessed! It’s sad that many writers don’t have supportive, loving families to spur them on. To write without the support of my husband and children would cause me to rethink my career.
Obviously, you’ve broken the mold. I’ve always sensed that you’re a very honorable, compassionate person. Where you are now is something to be proud of!
People who do NOT want you to succeed can destroy your dream the moment you speak it. Or if you step outside their pre-set paramemters, they can and will ruin you. Why? Because the thought of someone “being better” is too much for them to handle. They are selfish and self-absorbed.
Then there are the people who make sure your wings fit, pack your snacks, give you a map and promise to hold down the nest while you go and fly to heights they never dreamed of, and are tickled that you did.
Foremost, my husband is a wing fitter. And makes sure I can go to wherever the wind takes me. He waves from the ground and points my achievements out to everyone around us.
I’m blessed.
Author
Jennifer, such a beautiful description of your biggest encourager! Sounds like your husband’s a keeper!
Cindy, thank you. I’m really honored.
A large part of the support I’ve had for trying to launch a writing career has come from the online community of Christian writers. There have been times when I’ve been discouraged enough to consider quitting, but it would be a slap in the face to those who have shown such kindness and encouragement.