God knows us more than we know ourselves and God’s plan is the best. He loves us more than anyone we know. I tell my children as much as I can possibly love them until my heart explodes, God loves them more. Are you feeling down? I hope these tips help you.
I wish I could remember how much God actually loves and cares for me. We can easily remember when life is going well that God loves us, but when life is hard, we forget how much we are loved. As life often doesn’t go the way we want, but then, you suddenly see a glimpse of God’s plan. Perhaps not everything in the plan will make sense, but perhaps some clarity will come seeing things through God’s eyes.
Wanting something so much and not obtaining it can shake your faith. Being a special education teacher has been my goal since I was five years old. I am a Catholic fourth grade teacher on Sundays and a substitute teacher, but I would prefer a permanent position. For some reason, it seems as if God doesn’t want me to be hired permanently. Or, for whatever reason, it’s not meant to be right now. I know it hurts, however, I need to count my blessings. God did lead me to an amazing long term substitute position twice and teaching ESY. I also need to remember that a career is important, but being a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend is not replaceable like a career.
God’s Plan Is The Best
I felt amazed when my then ten-year-old son did something that most people fear. He gave a speech at the end of Mass to speak about the importance of Catholic School for Catholic School Week. Laura and I helped him write and practice the speech. I encouraged him to be brave and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide him. Jason seems to have a close relationship with God in how he cares for others.
I watch my children altar serve. Laura taught 4th-grade religion basically by herself. They accomplished so many amazing things. Both of them perform in plays and many activities. They help and kind to others. I own a front-row ticket to their life. I absolutely love being a mother even during the hard time understanding the child. God’s plan is apparent even through the stress of motherhood.
Self Pity
Self pity sure is annoying. Sometimes when I feel down, I just need a good cry to feel better. I don’t know why I’m caught up in what I can’t help or have. I tell myself to refocus and start praying. For the last 3 months, I’ve been helping out in the life skills class. Basically, it’s been amazing, but this is my last week since they hired someone else to start next Monday permanently. My mind tries to keep me up wondering and searching for what I’m doing wrong. I’m sure my vocal cord paralysis and cerebral palsy has not helped. I will probably always try to figure out what I can do better, but I need to remember that I still have a job despite severe cerebral palsy and a whisper of a voice. In March, I have vocal cord paralysis surgery and I really am hoping it works! Having a voice will help me so much. (Update – The vocal cord surgery did work wonderfully. I’m still a substitute teacher.) God’s plan is here.
Focus on The Positive
Life has a way to bring you down instead of up. Do not feel bad if you feel like in a loop of negative thoughts. All of these feelings are completely normal and overwhelming. Start a gratitude journal to see all of the positives. Begin small and add to it each day or week. When you see the beautiful life you do have, the sad parts of life seem to fade into the background.
Pray to God and the Blessed Mother. They are there to support you and lift you up when you are feeling down. Give thanks to God, praise God and also asked for His help. Set aside a time where you can dedicate the space to God. I like to have my time in prayer during the morning. It feels like a quiet time and a peaceful beginning to the morning. Praying also sets a tone for the day. God has your back.
I am trying to remember to keep the positives and Jesus loves me. A higher plan is preset as long as I do not fight it and keep positive. Priorities as well – my children, husband, parents, sister, brother, friends! In the end, how we love and care for others plus respect God are what matters.
God’s Plan
Remember the surrender prayer and give everything to God. Let Him know that you trust in Him and His plan for you.
