Originally posted 2017-09-04 23:51:54.
Hi!
Well! It is Countdown Day-8! Have you ever had fun doing something ordinary? That’s what happened Saturday. My grandson and I went to a park and walked on a trail. As we walked; two deer came out of the woods. Jordan said, “Oh crap! Gaga, I’m out of here!” It was too funny for me to fuss at him. That boy was scared. I laughed, and grabbed his hand.
A few hours later; my son; Justin, grandson, Jordan, and I spent time at a lake. The two of them got In the water, 
and splashed it on each other. I walked on the shore; and enjoyed the feel of the sand between my toes. It was great.
Justin rented a paddle board; and took Jordan out on the water. Of course, the life guard was with them. I prayed, pressed past my nervousness, and delightfully watched the two of them bond on the water. We had an ordinary day; but it was “Fun.”
People watching.
Two elderly Caucasian ladies were sitting on lawn chairs laughing at Justin and Jordan. They thought Justin was Jordan’s daddy. As I walked closer to the water with my phone; the ladies said, “Here comes mom to take pictures.” What a compliment. I smiled and told them, “I’m grandma.”
An Arab couple, in swimwear, sat at a table; talking in their native tongue. I really wanted to understand their language. But that was not the time to ask for a short tutorial; even though it would’ve been fun.
A young Indian lady with two small girls waded in the water. It was a melting pot of people at the lake. We had a ball. I especially enjoyed watching people.
Then the epiphany came.
I realized; I needed the time spent with Justin and Jordan. It brought my spirits up. Dealing with physical pain; and missing my daughter, Mika; 
has created a perpetual gloom in my life. Having fun at the lake; watching and talking to people of multiple ethnicities; did my heart well. AND, I love being near water.
As I walked on the sand along the shore, I remembered a time when my children were young. My mom had left; and the torment from not knowing where she was came daily. Some mornings; while my children were in school; I would drive to Belle Isle; and sit by the water. Reading the Bible, and praying, as I sat by the river’s shore; took my mind off life’s worries.
Being at the lake Saturday, brought memories of how sitting near the water calms me. Listening to the waves; 
while praying, reading, and writing is wonderful. I’m going to start spending time at the water again.
Sometimes you need to do something different.
Life can become so routine. Saturday, I realized; I need to do more than just sit home and go to church. I need to get out and interact with people in other environments. It’s good to not just be around those who have issues with who I am.
Don’t misunderstand. There are some wonderful, kind-hearted, loving people. Yet, in any environment, you will have some who just don’t like you.
Have you ever interacted with incognito haters who go around falsely accusing you 
of trying to sabotage them? It’s frustrating. More so, it’s funny. How can anyone think so highly of themselves; to have the audacity to think you would waste your time and energy trying to stop them. It’s perplexing! Especially when your accuser’s actions are the farthest things from your mind. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
I can relate; it has happened to me, recently. That’s why talking to strangers; people who aren’t intimidated; and are intellectually astute is wonderful. It’s even better, when God places people in your life; who love God and are spiritually mature. Gaining varied perspectives on different subjects is fun.
On a different note; here’s another epiphany.
If someone offers to pay your fare to an event; why would you become teary-eyed? Why frustration; and not glee?
Think about it. Shouldn’t you be glad when someone helps you? So what makes you feel bad? Why won’t you look at the help as favor?
Shame? But why? When your funds are low; shame interrupts your peace. Pride taunts you; when you have many financial obligations; and you lack enough money to cover them. Pride clouds your ration; and has you too busy focusing on your lack. Pride will have you overlooking God’s favor on your life. Why?
“Pride” twists you into thinking your lack identifies you.
“Pride” bombards you with the thought of being a failure. But what if God has you in a season of lack so you can learn to trust Him. Perhaps God is showing you how He is allowing His Word to manifest in your life. 
You just might be living out: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38 KJV
“Pride” will try to convince you to tell a fib about why you can’t go on a trip. Especially when you don’t want anyone to know your financial state. Why?
Fear of being ridiculed and talked about?
Have you ever been concerned about what people think of you? I’m sure we all have. Pride is a monster. Pride will have you skirt around the truth; and think of reasons to tell people why you can’t take part in a function. Personally, I am sick and tired of pride.
I guess you have concluded; today’s words are “Fun,” and “Pride.” It’s time to peel back all the layers of pride, and have some fun.
The “Fun” Justin, Jordan, and I had Saturday was long overdue. Justin buried Jordan in the sand; and we went to the Dairy Queen for ice cream. Justin and Jordan played Pac-Man; we took pictures; and Justin cleaned out my car. I delighted in watching Justin teach Jordan how to vacuum the car. My six-year-old grandson is no longer a baby. Watching him grow, learn and speak his mind exude “Fun.”
What we did Saturday was nothing out of the norm; yet it was spectacular to me. Our small immediate family has dealt with so much pain. Fun has always entailed, our spending time together. 
Being with each other, without dwelling on material things takes love. That’s us! It was, me, my daughter, and my sons. Now, it’s me and my sons!
My friends, before the aneurysm and brain surgeries; I didn’t want to ask anyone for anything. It was hard to accept hand-outs. I believe God is still tapping into the root of pride; and digging it out of me. How? Through me going through storms.
Life lessons are working. What about you?
Think about it. Are their areas in your life where “Pride” is dwelling? Is your life at a place where you need to have “Fun?” Remember: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 KJV
“Pride” didn’t stop me from accepting my son filling my gas tank up. Pride didn’t stop me from receiving help from a sister at church. Pride WILL NOT cause me to chase false accusers’ untruths; to clear my name with people. Nor will it push me into going into hiding, to avoid the aftermath of germ carriers’ venom. Pride will not cause me to tell an untruth; or stop enjoying ordinary days with my family. It’s time for “FUN!”
This journey is liberating. I’m looking forward to Countdown Day-7. More layers peeled. More experiencing God’s personal promises being fulfilled. More epiphanies. We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
