Can you believe that the year is half gone? Have you gotten behind on the goals and vision you set for this year?
Seems like it is flying by and I am still working on my first quarter goals. How did that happen and how did I not achieve what I expected during the time set for them to happen? I will tell you how, life's distractions!
For the last several months I have been looking over the goals and life vision I had in my heart for this year. As I went down the list, I noticed minor things were getting done, but the focus areas were not where they should be.
I thought about what was stealing my time and taking me away from what I really needed or wanted to be doing. It was easy to see what was happening.
Distraction #1 - The County Fair
Normally springtime is when I prepare my garden so that I have entries for the County Fair along with things we want to grow for our own enjoyment. For around fifteen years now the fair has been a highlight and favored event for me, plus winning brings in an income that keeps me on budget in planning the garden for the following year. It also contributes to pet rescue needs during the summer months when donations are low.
With careful planning and a lot of studying I have gained knowledge in the joy of gardening and crafting fields specifically in the interest of competition in county or state fairs. I compete not only in herb and vegetable gardening, but also in home economics such as baking, crafting, flower arrangements and centerpieces using live or dried materials. In the end there are on average one hundred plus entries, which is not unusual for many people in these competitions.
With my thumb in a brace since October, it may have limited what I could do, but I was not about to let that stop me. Some things may take longer to do in getting ready and perhaps there were not going to be as many categories I would enter, but nonetheless, in my heart I was entering.
We were well on our way when the second severe storm of the year happened on May 7th, cutting my hopes for the fair in half, because there realistically was not enough time to get things growing again in such a short time. The harsh winter took out three-fourths of my bushes, so the selection was extremely slim and the late frost finished off pretty much of what I wintered over in my shed.
I gathered what was left and got to work on my flower arrangements and single entries. Although I lost all my large rose bushes and the mini roses were mostly gone as well, I still managed to make some descent displays. The only thing they needed to do was get larger and stay nice until the fair later in the summer.
Feeling pretty good that I was back on track, the next morning when I went to work on more entries I was greeted with flowerless plants! ALL the flowers were gone! My "friend" was back ... the eager groundhog decided to make my garden his midnight buffet. Now what am I going to do?
I finished a ribbon wreath I had been working on for six months (which normally would have taken me a few hours at the most, but the thumb thing you know ...) for another entry in the fair. It looked nice, but I did not like how it turned out and already decided to skip that category because I had others to enter. Well, there went that plan!
Distraction #2 - Weekly Lawn Care
In the past we had no problem keeping up with the yard when hubby was on top of things. However, since the two brain bleeds things are not quite as easy for him as some might think, especially in doing "regular" tasks.
Do not get me wrong, I am not using my husband as an excuse for not achieving my goals, but I do have to consider things in my life currently that did not exist before in our lives. Weekly yard care was one of those "things" that hubby usually took care of and I did not even think about it.
When we had more acreage, I did the tractor mowing in the pastures while he maintained the yard closer to the house. Together we got things done and never tripped over each other in knowing who was to do what each week. He mowed, weed whacked, fertilized the large gardens and yard, etc. while I did the fun stuff (for me anyway).
Riding the Kubota and mowing the fields gave me time with the Lord and I absolutely loved it. This property is quite a bit smaller and does not require the use of a tractor. Regardless to the size of the land, things have changed dramatically.
Re-visiting the Vision
For those who are parents (especialy single), you know how difficult it is to keep track of a toddler, let alone get something else done. You try to give them freedom in making some decisions, but for the most part, you are their constant care giver and guardian angel so to speak in making sure they are always safe during their development. Well, caring for an adult who has experienced two brain bleeds along with over twenty surgical procedures in eight years is along the lines of caring for that toddler.
Many of you are familiar with my husband's miracle health journey over the past years, but you may not comprehend the extent of how our lives have changed. The responsibilities I once had have doubled, and the way he used to easily do things no longer happens. With that in mind I need to figure these considerations into my schedule and yes, "vision" and life goals without getting angry, discouraged, or placing blame.
My extended educational background and training permit me to help my husband in areas that many would have to pay for in care giving. I am thankful God gave me a vision to become a teacher in this area back when I was a teenager, and I was able to see it fulfilled in my life. Who knew it would be for "such a time as this"? God did. Everything that happens in our life is for a purpose, God's and for His Kingdom, we just do not realize it.
Let me give you an example of how things changed for us. Mowing the lawn is relatively a "simple" task most would agree with when it comes to regular responsibilities for an adult with a piece of land, regardless the size of the property. Lawn and mower care fall in line with those things as well. For someone who experienced brain trauma such as bleeds or injuries, these simple tasks often overwhelm them.
Hubby can see the lawn and not have a clue how to start the mower, use a weed whacker or how to mow. Once he figures it out, he may be confused over what and where to mow. He may fall due to balance or mow in an area outside where he has been told. Like a toddler, I can get him started, go back into the house to do something quickly, but in a few minutes need to go check on him to see if he has fallen, gotten hurt or done something else. He may be standing in the middle of the yard and not doing anything because he needs someone to tell him what to do next.
A task of mowing the lawn used to take around thirty minutes for the entire property. It now takes him several days because of health restrictions. If he mows, he does not weed whack because he cannot do both on the same day as in the past. However, it is important that he tries in order to regain skills he once had and relearn using other parts of his brain.
When it comes to using other equipment such as a chain saw or weed whacker, I am out of my league! I can use them, but the main reason I do not is that they are too big for me to use safely and properly. We have a mini chainsaw, but I bought it for my husband several years ago and have no clue how to operate it without him showing me what to do. The roles have since been reversed!
Distraction #3: Errands
One of the benefits of having an amazing spouse is that he (in my case) does not mind running errands. No matter what it is, hubby has always done those things for me so I could teach, write, work on writing courses, taking courses, blog, or do a million other things I have my hands in at the time. He helps me in many of those interests, but they are not something he does on a regular basis - as in gardening or entering fairs. Helping hands are offered and they are so appreciated, but going solo on some things is not happening at this current time. Everywhere I go he goes; everywhere he goes, I go ... 24/7.
This is where I can relate to those single parents trying to make everything work. Picture your day and all the things you need to do and then add in the "want to do " list as well. On top of that add your errands, paying bills, meals, dishes, laundry, pets, yard, etc.
Next on the "must do" list for the day is handling medications, doctor appointments, following your toddler or child around for the entire day to make every single decision, while teaching the individual to do these things on their own. That is the typical day of a person living with a brain injured adult, only they have a stubborn will because they have a life time of experience doing things their way and they do not realize why it is no longer working.
While you are out with your "toddler" trying to get everything done for that day, someone says to you, "Having a good day?" How do you react? The truth is you may want to yell back and shout, "Good day ... how do you think my day is going?" ... but instead, you smile and say, "Good, yes, thanks." because that sweet man is trying his best to regain the life he once knew and does not have any idea how hard it is for you or he would change it right then and there.
All of a sudden your vision does not seem as important as helping him with his. Two visions are becoming more like one ... but both are still there and part of God's vision and overall plan.
Scripture teaches that we are not to grow weary in doing good, because at the proper time of God, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up on doing what is right in God's eyes. Sometimes we do not see things the way He does and that often turns into distractions or what we think may be a distraction.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please God the Spirit, from the Spirit God will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (from Galatians 6 NIV)
With understanding what had been stealing or consuming the precious time I had scheduled for my dreams becoming a reality, what did I do to get back on track to my vision and goals?
Until next time, Favored Blessings
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified. Image
Welcome, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels, Distractions, Goal Setting, Goals, Vision
