By Alisha Nord-Donnelly, NDFB Southeast Field Representative
Can you believe we are already 60 days into 2023? For me personally, November seems to drag out, and then before I know it, we are flying through another year. This year, I am making it a priority to live life. To most, that sounds simple. Get up, go to work, participate in all the activities or extracurricular meetings, chores, eat, sleep, repeat. But over the last couple of years, I have found that is stripping away my happiness. The constant running has me exhausted and wondering, will I ever not be tired. The Lord says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We are all responsible for the happiness in our own lives, and sometimes that can be a hard pill to swallow. It’s easy to place blame on why we don’t have enough money, why our jobs aren’t fun and exciting, why the neighbor has a nicer car than us, etc. But until we start to look inward, and are willing to make adjustments, it’s easy to keep that circle of unhappiness spinning. I once heard if it doesn’t fulfill your faith, the better being of yourself, your bank account or your business, let it go. That has really stuck with me that last few months.
Two things that make my days sunny: My nephew Behr and horses!
I have been more selective about who I spend my time with, less social media and more books and podcasts. I started taking reining lessons, something I have always wanted to do, but made the never-ending excuses for YEARS of why I couldn’t. Those lessons fill my cup.
I originally went to college thinking I would be a history teacher. Those teachers really make an impact on you, stay with you for years. Although I ended up taking the agricultural route, I always said I would become a substitute teacher for whatever small community I ended up being a part of. I put off the application process for years, always on the check list, but never completed. This past week I finally completed the paperwork. I found gratification in doing something my heart has wanted me to do.
When you do things that bring joy to your soul, you will realize you are a better person to those around you.
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35).
myndfblife 