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The Facts Of Life

I wasn't a 1980s kid, but I sure do love that show.  Anyone else?  Here's a little side story before we get into the post.  I once interview Lisa Welchel who played Blaire.  I wasn't a fan of her, and that's all I have to say about that.

So, LIFE.  It's hard.  I'm not talking the deep stuff either.  I'm talking to daily grind.  You know, alarms that sound way too early, work, laundry, workouts, house cleaning, finances, schedules...life.  I once read a quote that said something along the lines of "any idiot can handle a crisis, it's the day to day living that kills us."  Again, paraphrasing, but you get it.

Anyway, life lately has been draining.  It shouldn't be, really.  I have everything I've ever wanted -a  career in television, a loving husband whom I adore, two precious children, a home, a minivan.  I'm living the American dream.  Heck, I'm living my dream, it's just not exactly how I planned it.

In my head, I would wake up every morning and drive to the station in my red Mustang convertible.  I would then dazzle all my viewers with my incredible poise and professionalism.  I would interview star athletes, celebrities, and politicians.  I would have a strong fan base and never work a holiday or overtime in my life.

HA!  In reality roll out of bed and try to find something clean and slightly less wrinkled than what's on the floor.  Then I climb into the minivan praying that I don't sit on a sucker or spill the spoiled sippy cup of milk that I forget to take in the house the night before.  Then I head to work and pray that I don't make of fool of myself by saying something stupid on air since I'm so tired I can't think straight from being up all night with babies.

Then there are those romantic dates I envisioned with my husband.  Evening dinners made from scratch that I whipped up while the kids quietly played together in my well manicured lawn.  Of course family time would shortly follow with board games and tickle fights.  Baths would go down without drama and would lead into a blissful bedtime routine where we read stories, had Bible time and said a quiet prayer before kisses and hugs were administered.  Then my hubby and I would sneak to the family room where we would lie on the couch engaged in a wholesome family television show while our children drifted off to dreamland.

Yeah...not so much!

 In reality evening dinners consist of a one dish meal made while I play referee between Eli and whatever meltdown he's having due to low blood sugar since I tend to forget snack time.  That backyard isn't in use because, well, we live in the modern world where any creepo could totally steal my child, so they must be supervised.  Besides, the back porch is a mess and makes me glad that we don't have a neighborhood committee that could fine us.   Of course someone has to clean up those dirty dishes, so family time neither consists of board games nor tickle fights.  It's more like parental trade off.  One parent works on a chore while the other tries to keep the kids alive.  Then there's bath time.  That's pretty smooth, unless it's hair-washing night.  If there's even a sign of shampoo, there will be a major, horrible, meltdown.  As for bedtime.  Ha!  Snuggles and kisses is more like World War Three.  I usually end up falling asleep in bed with Eli while Eric trades that wholesome family show for something sports related.

It's just how we role, and you know what?  I'm ok with it....most of the time.  Then there are times when I look at my life and I want more, or less, or something, anything different. There are times when I'm just not content, and I hate that. Empty Promises, that's what our big, bad, ugly, sin hearts offer.

Well, my friend Sabrina loaned me a book by that title, Empty Promises.  I picked it up yesterday, and I can't put it down.  In case you're wondering, I'm not usually that way when it comes to "devotions."  Anyway, each page is convicting and uncomfortable in the most wonderful way.

I'm sure I'll be sharing more in the days and weeks ahead, but I just wanted to encourage  you today (in case you are where I have been...discontent)  Nobody's world in perfect.  If it were, there would be no need for a Savior.  Take heart my friend, this beautiful mess has a purpose!!

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