Stamina........

"The ability to maintain prolonged physical or mental effort"......and I would throw in their spiritual and emotional.......It is easy to see when you start to physically get into shape the fruits of your labor......that tasks become easier....you are able to do so much without getting fatigued.....and for longer periods......the difference marked and startling.......but it is a little trickier as that stamina is applied to showing up in our matters of the spirit......we need spiritual stamina as much as the rest.....and it has taken intention for me to find mine.....I had mentioned last week was challenging some......lots of moving pieces.....and lots of life showing up.....yikes! ......and so I intentionally chose to take us to the woods on Friday.....cleansing us.....I have worked out each day......meditated more...... food prepped, and ate nourishing food......had some pampering Saturday.....and went to church yesterday......listening to a beautiful sermon......that touched my heart......about the choice we get to climb in a hole when things get tough or walk through a door.....and what are we called to do with our gifts or when the rubber hits the road......and it was an intricate sermon that felt written for me yesterday........and Pastor Niel's sermons are always amazing.....he is so heartfelt, and genuine, and wise, and timely.....and his words and spirit always soothe me....and sustain me and help me maintain my stamina......and the beautiful weather supported all of it......so nurturing my stamina......bolstering it was the way.....and it brought me back to my peace......and I spoke with a friend, and it is the coping mechanisms we develop that help us when the rubber meets the road.....and having my new and steady coping skills to help when things get tough helps me feel safe....it is that simple....I know that I have the tools and power to make the best out of any situation....I just need to keep reminding myself and using them when things get a little rough.....and they allow me to surf through it back to my steady without letting it take me over......so this morning I head to work.....first day of school.....I send my boy off to his senior year......and it is well with my soul:)......no matter what......I will meditate.....workout......pack us healthy food, take our vitamins......and seek to slay the day.....seeking to make a great first impression on my 21st set of 4th graders:) Seeking to have them go home, and tell their parents that they love their new teacher, and conveying that I love to be there! Enjoy the day y'all:)