TUG OF WAR

Recently I stayed with one of the grands while his family camped for the weekend and he was involved in a school related competition (WHOOPEE--he received regional band recognition as a 7th grader! Proud Lulu moment).  While staying at his home, I also had his dog in my care.  Let's just say Rocket is aptly named.  My housemates were also gone for the weekend and I was in charge of their canine also.  I walked LOTS of miles that weekend between the three of them.

One morning I had the brilliant idea to walk the youngest dog in my pack (Rocket) with the oldest dog (Hero).  My good ideas regularly blow up in my face!  Especially this morning.  Our walk strongly resembled this

Rocket is off to the races as soon as we leave the house at day break.  Hero---being the stubborn old man he is--wants to smell the calling cards left by the neighborhood canine friends and is in no hurry.  I am pretty sure one arm might now be longer than the other.  It was a comedy of struggling wills.  I have witnessed many of my neighbors walking more than one dog.  Their walks look like this-

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???

Two dogs----out for a common mission, but with two distinct ideas about the manner in which it should be accomplished.  Instead of settling into the flow and working together it was a struggle from the get go.  We made it back--some of what we needed to happen was accomplished--but there was a startling awareness of a lack of co-operation between the two.  OH THE THINGS WE COULD HAVE DONE IF THEY HAD ONLY COMPROMISED AND WORKED TOGETHER!  Instead we ended up having to take separate walks a short time later to reach our complete goal.

A good lesson in life for any of us when working with others to accomplish like goals.  We have had some frustration with multi-generational living since our move and our expectations of how we accomplish settling in.  I have been alone for a long time and have gotten used to quickly accomplishing my goal of being settled.  My son's family has a two year old to think about.  He requires lots of attention and careful watching which consumes a great deal of their energy.   They also both work.   They have stuff for three people and I only have my things which have been drastically pared down with each move.  We are still not settled, but we are getting closer.  I have learned to lower my expectations, look past my frustrations, and remember it will get accomplished--just not on my timetable.   I have been reminded how God is teaching us the need for patience in the sanctification process.  Our ultimate sanctification will be accomplished on His timetable for His good reasons.  Patience is a virtue.  Patience comes with practice.  God's patience with each of us is abundantly evident in our lives.  A post for another day-  the striking evidence I have seen of His purpose in my move--even when I am extremely frustrated.  ALL IN HIS GOOD TIME!

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

ADULTING - UGH!

Well it has been a month since my last post, and I had to make myself stop to let you know I am still alive.  We ALL know Texans are proud of their state, but once again I have run into the buzz saw of trying to become a 100% resident.  It bears no weight that I am a prestigious "Daughter of the Texas Revolution" by the Gillespie/Phillips linage.  If you dared ever cross the state line and betray your roots, they are slow about letting you back into the fold.

Today I have been "Adulting".  I have put off these nagging  "to do's" to the point of driving me crazy.  SO TODAY--I hit them full speed ahead.  First one out of the block and I hit a brick wall.  ANNOYING!  To get my homestead exemption I have to have a TX Driver's License.  As I have discussed before I cannot get an "appointment" until January to get said license.  For now I am driving a car licensed in the state of TX with a Louisiana Driver's License.  Pity the poor policeman who dares to stop me--He will get an earful about the lack of efficiency in their state government.  You do remember my complaint that you had to produce every piece of official looking proof that you REALLY live in Texas, have insurance, have a TX registered vehicle, were born, and do have a social security number among other unrelated documentation .  Your passport will not do---OBVIOUSLY the state of TX knows more than our federal government about who should get their official forms.  (Maybe there is some truth in that statement)

This month has NOT been easy!  I have been homesick and stressed with trying to get settled.  It has not all been a bed or roses, BUT the daily contact with my grands has made it all worth while.  I have no intention of telling you we are all sitting over here singing "We are Family" 24/7.  I believe in shooting straight arrows and talking without a forked tongue.  The stress runs both ways---we are having to become accustomed to each other and we have not lived together in a long time.  We have differing priorities and things which set off our crazy buttons.  I did get a good laugh when my son told me he was giving his wife an earful of something I had done which did not sit right with him. She told him it sounded a great deal like something he would do.  Those apples and where they fall!

SO--we are surviving.  It is a good thing to be together.  We all still miss our former "homes".  We also think being physically close is important enough to learn to deal with that which might make us a little more crazy.  Multi generational households were once common.  Our American culture has drifted away from this idea.  We have become "Me" focused.  Could there be a lot to learn from living within common walls with more than one generation?  One of the certainties is our patience, flexibility, and tolerance (and I am certain more)  is being stretched.  Family connection is well worth the sacrifice of personal preferences.    Does God use "ALL THINGS"?  I think YES!