A crazy life…we’ve all got one!! Ever have one of “those” kind of days in your crazy life? It’s okay, you can admit it…..we all have “those” kind of days as well! I have been blessed with a couple of “those” days this week. You know what I found myself thinking about this evening when I finally got home from work around 10? Of course, I’m going to tell you!

I was thinking…….

It’s times like these that make me think…..man, I should really listen to my husband more often!! (Shhhh, that’s just between you and I!) Actually, I do listen to him quite a bit more than I used to. After 22 years of marriage I’ve learned a lot about him and his character and how he treats others. I’ve seen most of his best and his worst moments. I have no hazy romantic illusions about him. I have something better – a long marriage of shared experiences – some good and some bad. Because of all those years of sharing life and raising kids – I have a whole lot of trust with him.

So, he gets all my tough days and stressful situations dumped right in his lap. I respect him and value his opinion. He has some really good words sometimes and when I do listen to him…I am able to gain a little perspective. He has this crazy ability to see the best in every situation and every person. No matter how dire the circumstance or painful the situation he never really gets too excited. I know there have been moments in his life that were painful moments, I have been there for many of them and some of them I probably caused -I’m sure. He is one of the most resilient people I know – he forgives easily, he never really worries. I think what I’ve noticed the most over the last year is this amazingly strong faith he has. I really can’t even explain it and he never talks about it but I see it every day. I know just what you’re thinking right now, there is something that this woman wants her husband to buy her!! I promise that is not what’s going on. I’ve found flattery gets me nowhere…especially with Michael!!

But, I do have a point to all of this “flattery”…I promise!

I had a situation come up recently and I, of course, worried it to death. I know that may surprise some of you who know me really well!! I do find myself to be a little bit of an emotional over-thinker. (Those of you that are one will completely understand and the rest of you will think those of us that are probably need a little “extra” professional help.) In these life moments I get completely caught up in thinking the worst and then I get caught up in my emotional response. Michael’s a great friend to have in these moments because he will always challenge your thinking. If there is a spiritual gift for that then he definitely has it. Sometimes his “challenging” can be…extremely challenging! ….and in the past I’ve had a hard time being so challenged – in fact, I responded very appropriately by becoming very defensive! Lately, instead of becoming defensive I’m learning to calm down and really listen to what he has to say. If I go into stressful situations thinking about some of the things he challenges me with – things that ultimately have made me look outside of my “me” mentality and see someone else’s perspective – I’ve found these moments turn out much better than I had anticipated. He reminds me of how I do not want to come across. See – he knows my heart very well and even though sometimes my intentions are good, my mouth can get in the way and mess it all up.

If there is one person in my life that kicks my tail about learning from life’s most challenging moments…it’s my dear, sweet, funny, handsome husband. I came home tonight feeling like life is such a roller coaster….one second is horrible and the next is fantastic…AND I realized I am never going to get to know what’s coming next. No matter how hard I try to predict the outcome of situations I am mostly wrong. That just doesn’t seem quite fair… and aren’t surprises really overrated anyway. BUT all that being said…it goes back to the one thing Michael says to me all the time – the only control I have over any situation is how I act and react to what is happening. That’s it – really – pretty simple. So, I’m grateful for a husband that loves me enough to continue challenging me and who wants to see the best for me on this journey. It’s good to have a partner that’s “got your back” but it’s even better to have one that’s not going to leave you to wallow in your own bad behavior.

So…do you think about….who’s speaking truth in your life? Are you listening? Did God place someone there and you’re not having any part of it? Are you like me..a little stubborn and you think you’ve got it all under control? I’ve found trying to control everything in life can be very dangerous and will probably at some point backfire on you.

My prayer for you tonight is that you are hearing that person in your life that loves you and has your best interest at heart. God knows us and He also knows that sometimes changing our bad behavior takes a lot of effort on our part and we are going to need a lot of help. We have to be willing to participate and learn from our mistakes and grow in our spiritual life. However, I don’t think He expects us to do it all by ourselves….that’s why He puts certain people in our lives. You’ll know these people… by the way they love you and the way they invest in you and a lot by the example they set in their own…crazy life.

As I get ready to close I can’t help but be reminded of that tag line from the Jon & Kate Plus 8 episodes. You know the one…. “It may be a crazy life, but it’s our life!”

I realize that even though I’ve had a couple of “those” days this week…..I wouldn’t want to trade my crazy life for anyone else’s!! And..Michael just so you know – thanks for kicking my tail when I need it and don’t ever stop challenging me to see beyond my own little world.