Thanks to the flexibility of homeschooling, our family just arrived from an impromptu trip to Litchfield Beach in Pawleys Island, SC yesterday. Our original trip to Hilton Head abruptly changed thanks to Matthew. Hurricane Matthew that is. However, we were still thankful for a few days in the warm Carolina sun.
We had waited three days for some news before changing our trip. After reading a Twitter post about no guests would be returning to Hilton Head on Wednesday, we decided to find another option. We researched and booked 4 nights at the Litchfield Golf and Beach Resort. After frantically gathering suitcases and food, we headed to our alternative vacation spot. Thankfully, the weather was great, mostly warm sunshine with a nice, cool breeze. The Resort condo we stayed in was clean, fresh and airy. The pool was just delightful. It had fancy water sprayers, and the water was clear and well maintained. We watched the kids play in the lazy river as we relaxed in the hot tub. The shops surrounding the resort were dazzling, quaint and full of enticing trinkets. We couldn’t ask for a better solution to our “problem”!!!
However, as always, the week quickly passed. We were forced to say goodbye to loved ones on Sunday. Heading home in our fancy SUV, we gazed out of the window longingly to return as we pass the overflowing lakes and abundant sunshine.
Later that evening, we finally pull up into the driveway of our house. The decades-old house looks old, unkept and dark compared to the beautifully maintained resort still etched in our mind from only a few hours ago. Brown paint is peeling off of the wood facade of the house. The 30-year-old garage doors paint is also peeling with splashes of dirt and broken leaves. The shed built before the kids were born now looks dilapidated and in need of major repair. The grass looks too long and unmanicured. The negativity is creeping in slowly.
As I walk into the house with my bag of clothes, it smells musty and stale. I climb up the stairs to find the same old laminate countertop that I left seven days ago. Depression sets in. Our vacation was just a teaser I thought to myself. Now it’s time to back to the old life. It’s cleaning, cooking and teaching crabby, sleepy kids time. I slowly walk back downstairs to return our beautiful rental SUV and drive our ugly, rusty 12-year-old van. I’m not looking forward to our short trip.
Then, as swiftly as the negative thoughts come pouring in. I remind myself as I’m turning the key in our dirty, old van that life is good, I am alive! Many people died due to Hurricane Matthew! I have a roof over my head. Some residents have no roof tonight. So, here I am…a blessed woman.
What are you grumbling about tonight that you can turn around into a positive? Stop comparing circumstances, kids, material things etc. Instead, count your blessings. Write 10 things that are blessings and post them on your refrigerator. Post some scripture verses where you will see them every day….the bathroom!
Do you have a roof over your head? You’re blessed. Are you alive? You’re blessed. You’re welcome.
