Keep Your Chin Up

So, today was rough. I felt completely stressed to the point of tears. A lot of major things seemed to fall on one day- today. I have to say in the moment it's hard for me to just take a deep breath and put things in perspective. To realize that it's not the end of my life(let's be honest, girls can get pretty dramatic sometimes and believe just exactly that), and that I will make it through the rest of the week.
Does that feeling of complete emptiness ever hit you when you go through those rough days? Like every effort you make is to no avail? Oh, and that popular lie that sneaks it's way into your mind saying "you're the only one going through this."
Let me encourage you a little:Keep your chin up.
Remember it's just a day, and that it's not going to determine the rest of your life. Take comfort in knowing that you, along with everyone else, is going through or has gone through the same exact thing.
To add to today, I was really discouraged today with something I was looking forward to. I was very disappointed with what I thought was going to be the bomb. It wasn't that big of a deal, but it was to me. My expectations weren't met, and when that happens it tends to effect me quite a bit. All that to say: It was a very frustrating and stressful filled day.
At about dinner time, I pulled into the driveway, and made my way up the freshly snowed on steps, and stepped in the entry way of our house. Because our home is a split level, I made my way up yet another flight of stairs. As I reached our main floor my senses were filled with the aroma of a burning vanilla candle. I looked to my right where the gas fireplace was ablaze, and the flames quietly going about their business. I looked straight ahead, and my Mom was there to greet me with a warm hug. I was instantly filled with such a sense of contentment. In that moment, I was focused on what I did have, and all those horrible feelings I felt prior seemed to dissipate. What was one bad day after all?
God has blessed me beyond belief, and yes, some moments I don't see it, or I don't  feel it one iota, but that doesn't negate that fact that He is for me. He uses everything for a reason...the good and the bad days. It's in whether you allow Him to do the work in you that determines everything.

So, having a bad day? Focus on that comforting vanilla candle, or that inviting warm fire or yes, even that warm hug from your Momma. It's amazing how a little change in your thinking can go a long way.