Stuck in the Middle…

Have you ever felt stuck? Caught between a rock and a hard place? Sinking in housework, homework, or just work in general? Maybe you feel as if nothing is happening for you–you want to see the finish line or end result, but is the end in sight?

I was reminded of an article that I read from Relevant magazine about “the middle.” Here’s something that struck me:

“Somewhere we got the idea that the only things that really matter in life are the “big” things: finding a college, finding a career, finding a spouse, moving to a new city. Many points in our lives are speckled with significant events. But in between them lies a long, airport-like stretch of ordinary days: work, coffee with a friend, eating meals, time with the family. In fact, sometimes the ordinary seems to drain the real sense of life right out of us.”

Man…did you need to read that?

I think we all have significant events in our lives that have shaped us and made us–maybe got us to where we are today…and because of those, we have had small events, little events…that may drain us…but friends, those events are the best! Small moments…time around the table with family, spending time with friends, helping the kids with homework, having lunch with co-worker…those little things can be so big, even if you don’t see it or notice it at the time.

Just because you are comfortable or content in your daily routine does not mean it can’t be a blessing to you. I sometimes get frustrated with the chaotic mornings at our house, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way—and I know that one day both of the kids will be grown, gone, and out of our house. So I enjoy the chaos and cherish the crazy mornings.

Can you be grateful for something that you have? Even if it is the roof over your head, the air you breathe, we need to take more time to notice what is around us, and especially those around us. Use the time you have to appreciate what you have, those relationships around you, and you won’t regret them.

For some of our Veterans, the routine might be necessary for the day–a change or slight disturbance could throw the whole day or week off for them. The routine might be key, but we also have to remember to find the joy and the blessing in that routine…day in and day out.

Small moments like coffee with a friend (or your husband…which is a “thing,” we have coffee dates), lunch with a co-worker, chatting with a long-distance friend (and not by text, but maybe the phone!), game night with your kids…those little moments can be big moments. Listening to someone, having a meaningful conversation (try it with a Veteran–they have some amazing stories)…those things can make those “blah” days, or the days where you feel “stuck,” seem so much better.

Our journey is special to each and every one of us. We all have different moments that have shaped us, helped us, or taught us a lesson. Big and small moments, that matters. Routine matters–we just have to learn how to enjoy them.

I just can’t imagine my life without Sam and the kids (furry kids, too). While it may be crazy, busy, and hectic at times, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We have our routines, and we have our way of navigating life…we just have to remember to enjoy that…every day!