I tried to start a post on Wednesday and ran head-first into writers’ block. Nothing would gel at lunch on Thursday. Really Milly! Then, yesterday was one typically wild day for me in my realm. I knew it was going to be.

I started to work on a post I wanted to explore on Thursday night. I realized it was too convoluted to be one post. It had to be two and…Well…Now after this morning’s mediation with my Guy upstairs, three. Maybe a mini-series.

Yesterday I thought I would get an hour or so to polish up the first part. Hmmm. Not an hour to spare. Not a half an hour…

You know the drill. Life takes over and you have to go with the flow. Here’s an insight into Milly’s inner workings. I am a salmon. Out of all the majestic creatures in the world, I’m a fish! I hope I don’t get too smelly when I’m older than Methuselah. Ugh! Belay that thought!

I am salmon because I tend to fight my way upstream. I seem to get to where I am going with the greatest amount of fuss possible. I end up exhausted and spent. I should be proud of myself. Right? I’m a fighter! Well here’s the reality. I am tired! Hmm…I need to rethink some things.

I decided I needed to record a crazy day in review. I found a few little lessons during the day. I don’t want to lose the lessons as the memories fade. I woke early got some coffee. While savoring my elixir I read my novel. Then I went in search of my husband. I woke him and thoroughly wished him a happy 27^th anniversary. Yay us! He rewarded me with breakfast at our favorite dive (who by the way, makes the best biscuits and gravy in town!).

During our breakfast my dad calls my husband. I roll my eyes. Dad has decided he will visit today. I groan. We have a list of things to get done. Not all of it do I want to discuss with my father. Let me explain a bit about Dad. He is an extremely independent opinionated octogenarian curmudgeon (how’s that for adjectives Ack!). He will delve into everything crossing his mind in minute detail. Love the man! But he has the worst timing known to mankind. And on top of it all, he’s oblivious.

We are in the middle of kitchen renovations. My sainted husband takes this in stride. He’s like “okay, we have a few errands…Blah, Blah, Blah…We’ll see you in a little while.”

I look at him incredulous as he turns his phone off. “You are putting up the cabinets today! We have to get this done.”

Husband is starting to show his devilish side. He smiles as he shrugs, “He wants to see the new cabinets.”

I grimace then decide I better enjoy my breakfast and errands because this was promising to be a super long day. I dig into my biscuit with gravy and scrambled egg on top. Mmmmm…amazing how food makes me feel so much better (dangerous ground that). I indulged anyway.

After returning from our errands, the remodel work began in earnest. Dad arrived spending four hours talking and eating while we worked around him. It’s not hard to work with my Dad around. He’s a workaholic himself. It’s hard to pay attention and respond appropriately as he rambles. See he has never tempered his selfish streak. It is all about him. And he gets a little feisty, to be nice, if we are not listening.

About three hours in, I slipped away to the bathroom for a break. I did not want to leave the bathroom. My strength was flagging. I called out to Jesus to grant me endurance and energy. I was gently reminded my Father is in his eighties and I need to be thankful to have him here. At that point I asked Jesus for patience too.

After Dad left, I took small break to calm down the headache. I took a moment to read my devotional in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. A  portion of November 11th reads, “I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly…Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do. As your day, so shall your strength be.” The words reminded me that he was with me throughout the day. The strength I needed was supplied.

In the evening, we finished the cabinets, except for the one re-ordered because of damage. I was able to get some cleaning done, and restock cabinets. All in all, it was a good and exhausting day. I did notice I was a not at frenzied as I usually am at the end of a stressful day.

Was it perfect? Oh No! I still let my Father get under my skin. I was still resentful of his intrusion because it fit his schedule with no concern of mine. But I did not stay resentful which is a huge step for me. I realized sometime during the day I had forgiven his lack of concern and moved on. Not that long ago his behavior would have bothered me for days. Now I am keeping my hand on the wheel and eye on my savior. He is guiding my ship on this adventure.

Kitchen cabinets may not be a lot in the scope of my adventure. However, it is one of the tentative first steps towards being able to sell my house and move to my hometown (when I find it). The cabinets are part of the path to the dream.

Continue your journey,

Love Milly