Yesterday morning, Tom and I were out the door by 6:05 a.m.! Not our usual M.O., for sure. But when you are invited to your first grandchild’s awards assembly in which he is receiving his first award—for COURAGE—you must attend!
We made the nearly two-hour drive north and arrived in time to skirt around the parent drop-off line and find a parking place. We signed in at the office—our names immediately recognizable as part of Oliver’s and Maddie’s family.
I was impressed that his school (also where my DIL teaches) has one “moral focus” each month, as kids learn about Wisdom, Respect, Gratitude, Self-Control, Perseverance, Courage, Encouragement, and Compassion. It’s never too early to start, considering that after 63 years, I’m still working on those same virtues!
Ollie’s COURAGE award was “for always reminding himself that he can do new and hard things.” Again, I often need the same reminder.
Have you been asked to do any “new and hard things” lately?
Things like:
taking on a new role at work, church, or in your community.
seeing your doctor for a problem you’ve been trying to ignore.
confronting your parent about their failing memory or concerns for their safety.
preparing to send your child off to college, bringing you one step closer (or into) your empty nest season.
Whatever you are facing, remember you, too, can do new and hard things!
It just takes a little courage, and a lot of faith.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9).
Speaking of new and hard things…I stepped out of my comfort zone (i.e. the keyboard and page where I like to express myself), and once again was a podcast guest. I still get nervous every time, and afterward am far too critical of myself. But hey, I’m reminding myself to do new and hard things anyway.
I hope you’ll listen to my conversation with Jay Ramsden on “This Empty Nest Life.” You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify (video), YouTube (video), and other podcast apps.
Jay is a midlife coach who shares his wisdom on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. He’s also a friendly and gracious podcast host. I really enjoyed our chat, and I think you will too. (Here’s a little snippet.).
At Ollie’s age, doing new and hard things can earn you an award certificate, get your name called out at an assembly, or bring your grandparents into town. But the older we get, the greater the rewards!
About ten years ago, my new, hard thing was building a website and sharing my written thoughts more widely, starting with a handful of friends and family. This past week, I hit the big milestone of 500 subscribers! I am so thankful for each and every one of my readers, and am continually blown away by your support.
To show my appreciation, I’ve been running a “Love & Lent” Book Bundle Special during February, but haven’t had a chance to share it with you yet. And here it is—the end of the month already! So, I’m extending the sale through March 15. You can get BOTH Empty-Nest Joyride AND Lent Through the Little Things for 10% off, plus FREE shipping. (Signed copies available upon request.)
Thanks again for your support!
I have both books and enjoy picking up my Lenten book for the third lent now! I always get someone new from it. Thank you, Linda