~The Danger of Indulgence~

 

“We cannot indulge ourselves the luxury of self-pity”

( A. Theodore Tuttle )

 

Hopefully it is not a negative self reflection to admit that I have been stuck on this very concept for the last little while.  With every fiber that makes up my being, I know that the bummer times in our lives actually teach us and make us stronger. Yet even with this knowledge, I still find myself thinking...why can't this just work out....for ONCE can life just go my way?

 

Yep, I indulge in the luxury of self pity!

 

My relationship with pity is much like my relationship with beans. Always tastes good going down, but once it settles I am always left feeling worse than when I started.

(True story.....beans and I do not get on)

 

Let me share with you a little tale of why I even bring this up.

 

An event was to be hosted at my house that I was beyond excited for. Being so far from home and family, I have come to love and depend on my "me" time. Basically, it is once a month that I get away and unwind.

In reflection, it is tooooo much  energy focused on one thing.

 

Well, last minute the plans fell through.

The event was not going to happen. 

I was crushed.

I cried.

I thought.....seriously, can I not catch a break?

Then my husband gave me the sweetest hug

...and...

My whole energy shifted!

It was like a light bulb beaming me in the face first thing in the morning.

So I put on my big girl panties

and

I decided the show can and will go on!

 

 

So instead of eating fruit dip and cake with a group of ladies ...

 

 

.....

 

...I ate with the family!

 

Instead of sharing stories....

 

 

We dined with fancy toothpicks

(Jaxsons favorite part of the night)

 

 

and

 

 

 played a rousing game of Monopoly!

 

 

(He never gets tired of being the banker!)

 

 

 

 Instead of making my own memories...

 

 

we all now have a memory of this night.

 

 

Would you believe Jaxson ended the night by saying

 

"Mom, this was the best night ever!"

 

 

To think my little pity party could have robbed me from these precious memories!

 

Now I get the danger of indulgence!

 

 

“Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery” (Spencer W. Kimball)