You can lead them to the mountain

I feel I am at the top of the mountain but I'm blinded by the clouds.  My stress level is extremely high.  I can see the positives but can't quite get to happiness. The thoughts are overwhelmingly circular.  I want to be more active but can't get there.  I want to work more but I'm overwhelmed by the responsibility of taking care of someone with mental illness.  I look for jobs but can't commit to pursueing the application.  The part time work I do now seems to be all I can handle.

I recently took a trip to Orlando, Florida and while it took about 4 days to be able to enjoy the trip without crying, I did finally accept the happiness and enjoy the trip.

• I'm thankful for my son who showed us a great time in the Disney parks.
• I'm thankful for a safe trip there and back.
• I'm thankful for a beautiful condo we stayed in while we were there.
• I'm thankful for a loving mother who shows compassion for the trials I go through.
• I'm thankful for a wonderful husband to come home to and all the love he shows daily.
• I'm thankful for the unconditional love I receive from my children and husband.

May I enjoy the mountain-top experience and learn to be joyful in all circumstances.

...the shiny side of things

Draw me into your heart...
dear Father,
until I cannot separate
my soul from Yours.
An honesty comes to me,
when I am close to You
in prayer.

It visits me in solitude.
It comforts me in loss.
It balances the rushing days
that I must address.
It sheds new light
on doubtful things
that I  must clearly see...
so gently it releases
the hold I often need.

I'm made to see
the simple;
the shiny side of things...
there isn't very much
I need
to make my spirit sing!
But to pursue
Your purpose,
Your vision and design...
and dearly
to treasure it
and slowly make it mine.

Allow Your grace,
dear Father,
to make its home in me,
and help me stay connected
to Your reality.
So often, it escapes me,
when plans fall apart....
and yet, these very
disappointments
grow a willing heart!

Life is the seed;
the promise.
It has a need within.
It has to die
to selfish gain
and then,
You're welcomed in!
So raise such havoc
in me...
dear Father, I implore...'
until I quietly
listen to You
and my attitude
is restored.

by Ruth Cronin