Step by step

I had a good talk with my dear friend Cindy yesterday about the art of taking one minute, one hour at a time. For different reasons this has been a challenge to us both and escaping the accusations of the devil in being tempted to think about tomorrow is a mental work out. If only we both could focus on what is good now and remember to do that consistently then............we wouldn't cling so tightly to Christ. So cling we do. Duh, this not considered a bad thing. :o) We have made a goal to walk more together to remind each other to do this. We have different struggles but they are amazingly similar in effect. I've debated whether to blog at all about any of this. Most likely I will stick to vague blogging but the effect of struggling on, each minute, might be helpful to somebody.

Several conclusions to yesterday's chat were that denying the effect of our struggles will just injure us further and devising strategies to get through this day are helpful. Jesus holds our hands whether we are having a good laugh or failing to cope well. This is comforting. Avoiding focusing on the struggles does not always work well but it is a good idea.

Cindy has been practicing her lap harp quite a bit lately. She is contemplating joining a music therapy group to help other people in different settings. She encouraged me to dust off my dulcimer. I think I will. Music is therapeutic for sure. We laughed a bit about avoiding hymns in minor keys right now. I laughed a bit this morning thinking about how our church's hymn of the week is of course in a minor key. It is Lent. Are there Lenten hymns which are NOT in a minor key? Will have to investigate. Perhaps if we both persevere in our playing we could join forces.

We hope to keep after each other in scheduling regular walking times. Right now the deal is to walk every day which is possible in our schedules. Walking is good. Sunlight, if there is any, fresh air, finding things to laugh about, and checking up on each other a bit and allowing the other person to process this week or this days struggle is a good plan.

I marvel at how Christ has brought the two of us together at this time to hold each others hand. I didn't dare to share my own struggles till earlier this week and it is SUCH a comfort to receive empathy and not the fear I had of her feeling that my struggles do not compare. Sigh. Different struggles but much the same as I said in effect on our minds and bodies. She has called me her therapist in the recent past. I guess she can return the favor. I appreciate her insight. I appreciate her humor and encouragement to look up the joke applications for my new phone toy.

Evan, our 8 month old is her Godchild. This I find amazing too as of course I did not even think about the possibilities of her struggle occurring when she and her husband became his Godparents. She loves to play with him and I bought a jogging stroller yesterday just so he could accompany us on our walks. I LOVE the stroller. Took me nine kids to get an agreeable stroller. Hmmmm......I am not giving IT away as it will stay here in hopes of some grandkids someday and saving parents some luggage space. I'll try to keep it clean.............

So this is long, but I will try to keep y'all vaguely up to date on the process. Now time to conquer the hour.