November.... Seriously??!

So Im convinced.....I will never, ever earn the blogger award. Its been a very long time since I have posted something, anything......but I'm not sure I have anything. I've been in a bit of transition I guess. Well, I know I have, and writing or sharing or whatever you choose to call this just hasn't been important. What has been? Trying to survive as a 'single mom' for starters. That has been interesting to say the least. I guess I didn't really have any expectations of how that would go.(and no i'm not a single mom, i'm just a wife who has a husband on short term assignment overseas). Duane's been gone since October 10th and it feels like its been a year. To beat it all he may not be home at Thanksgiving. I don't think him not home on a holiday is really the issue,  but the fact that it will be 9 weeks since we've seen him by the time he does make it home, thats different. Honestly, I am not upset about the possibility but its just that when you have a date in mind for someone to return and you have literally been on a countdown for that day; it tries to get to you. or shall I say it will try and get to ME. I don't want it to though. Here's the thought for the day. Can we really mentally make our minds up to not be sad/mad/discouraged/etc. and be successful? Is that all it takes? Mind over matter? Is it that simple? Can I really "just decide" that I'm not going to let this get to me along with all the other frustrations of a given day? I hope to God I can. I hope that I can continue to move through life as I know it and take it a day at a time and face whatever I have to face and stay encouraged. And that no matter what, have the strength  to get up and do it again the next day. I don't even want to do a countdown this time. In a way it will make it harder. And here's another thought. What is God trying to say to me? What does He want me to learn? There is purpose for this time, I do know that. I'm sure there's work for me to do somewhere and if I really want to , there are plenty of needs out there to meet. This time won't be in vain. I have 2 children to spend time with and to try and cherish. I have quiet time with Jesus to tend to and studying of the word that I am SUPER behind on. Oh and I have a house to keep clean and laundry.  Then there's taking care of myself. I  have to walk every day, try and pay attention to what I eat AND in a week or so I REALLY need to add something to my walking. Then there's the element of rest. I am not one to be proud of all the "down time" I've had or the hours that I actually sleep at night. For some reason it's like I expect to be superwoman and just sleep a little and keep going like Im battery operated. However, I know that I have to rest! I laugh because since Duane isn't here to chat with or watch TV with, I'm usually asleep by 9-10pm. I GET in bed sometimes at 8!! SO sad......but its working for me. Thats what we all have to do. Find what works. And it changes. Sometimes we are in seasons of barely any rest or sleep (which I don't recommend) and other times we feel like if we don't get more busy , we are just going to be lazy. Honestly though, we just never know what we are going to need or whats coming next in life. God does.  Try to appreciate where you are. I can remember thinking my life was just blah and I was in such a LULL, nothing going on and I felt as though I had no purpose at all. But then, I had to realize as someone told me: " enjoy the tranquility you are in". I took that advice, and I have passed it on to others. Now, when I feel that way I just figure that it's the calm before the storm. Like I am right where God wants me because God's getting me ready for the next task. The next season may be what I call a "working season" and I'd better rest while I can. Speaking of seasons, I am still learning that concept. But I do think I'm making progress. I surely hope! I don't know how to end this and I think there probably should be a sequel. Maybe some more talk about "seasons". For now, though I must go.....it's time to tend to the sheep. My little lambs anyway. God Bless!!!