Ambition. I used to have lots of it. To accompany my ambition I had plans and lots of those too. And then not all at once, but over time, life happened. Life, the demanding teacher she is, forced me to react. Thrown back on my heels, it feels a bit as if I’ve been trying to gain my footing ever since.
Last week all four Hucke’s traveled back to State College PA where most of my family still lives. The picture I include is from my niece Skyler’s wedding this past summer. Everyone is pictured, except the Patriarch, Larry. Larry and Rita (my Mother and Daddy) had 4 children. And each of those children had children totaling fourteen grandkids. Remarkably, in addition to lots of time with mom and dad, we caught up with each of my siblings and their spouses and 13 of the 14 grandkids. Devon, we missed you.
Since I don’t live in their midst, I claim a more objective perspective. And from my view, it’s easy to see the imprint of my parents influence on each of us. Hard working from day 1, my entrepreneurial parents, modeled an accomplished life. It’s almost as if ambition is a genetic part of the Roeshot DNA.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
I used to have this little book that sat on the back of our toilet. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s all Small Stuff” Maybe you know the book I’m referring to. It was innocuous, non demanding bathroom reading. But especially helpful advice for ambitious planners like me.
When visiting with my mother this time, I observed something. She seems to have mastered the advice of the book. Little ruffles her. Perhaps my memory is cloudy, but this is not the same mother I remember growing up. The mother I grew up with pushed and encouraged me to strive. I credit her with my zeal to achieve and squeeze the most out of life.
My mother seems different to me. Better. More Content. While Parkinsons’ has ravaged her body, it’s her gracious demeanor I want to have when I grow up. Behind the perspective of her 80+ years, she seems to have learned what matters. And it’s not the small stuff.
Skewed Perspective
Isn’t it funny how sixty seems ancient when you’re twenty. But then when you’re 58, sixty seems quite young. That’s perspective. Our vision gets skewed depending on where we are in life.
Older and Wiser
I don’t believe that just because you’re older, you’re automatically wiser. But I do believe given more years on this planet has advantages. Life teaches us lessons. Lessons we can accept or reject. If you’ve lived more life, it’s possible to learn more lessons. And if you’re like me and have lived with and through some unenviable circumstances, the life lessons you have the opportunity to learn, increase exponentially.
SO WHAT
Flying home to Albuquerque I reflected on our Pennsylvania visit. Since ambitious planners often like to write lists, I decided to give it a try. At the top of the page I wrote ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Immediately I felt stuck. What exactly have I accomplished? I couldn’t think of what to write. Somehow writing down that I covered my dining room chairs felt hollow. As if to say, so what. Besides that was over a year ago.
WITH HIS GRACE, ACCOMPLISHING
After some time passed, I changed the heading. Instead of accomplishments, I wrote WITH HIS GRACE, ACCOMPLISHING. Yes. I’m in process. And since I’m completely and utterly helpless without Him, I’m not singly responsible. We’re accomplishing together. Here’s my revised list.
- Surviving
- Still laughing
- Still married
- Still loving
- Still forgiving
- Still hoping
- Still learning
- Still Praying
- Still Getting better at Yielding
- Still Listening to Him
- Still enjoying tennis
- Attempting to write
I can see it now. With my skewed perspective, a gift of my 58 years and challenging circumstances, He is at work in me, and that is all that matters. This task oriented, Type A, control freak, ambitious planner is ever so slowly being transformed.
Don’t sweat the small stuff… And it’s all small stuff. Ironically it takes grace to not sweat the small stuff. It takes grace to know what is the small stuff. And since there are no solo act Christians, I’m leaving the big stuff up to Him.
After all he promises in Philippians 1:6, my life verse says….
Philippians 1:6 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
In the end, it’s not what I accomplish that matters anyway. It’s what He accomplishes in me. Thank God for that.
#GodsGotThis
Debbie Hucke
You can also add
Still blessing others with your inspirational
Writing and reflections.
Thanks Friend.
I enjoy reading all of your posts. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Kay. Good to hear from you. Please encourage your friends to subscribe. 🙂
Hi Debbie, This is another insightful article that speaks to me especially this week since I am recovering from the adverse complicated side affects of some new meds prescribed on 11/16. I still have to recognize that I’m not in control and God is teaching me something good through this unsettling experience. I am also thankful for your transparency in sharing your encouraging words and Godly Wisdom.
Much love. Glenda
Glenda, I love knowing that in spite of our very different situations, you can relate. Prayers for your adjustment. Debbie
Debbie,
Through the years, my mom and I talked on the phone (and/or in person) most every day and the conversation would always begin with her asking what did you accomplish today. Since her death in 2010, not one person has asked me that question. But I’ve always felt compelled to think about accomplishments and still do today at my advanced age. All of your writings speak to me, but I thank you especially for this one! And I thank God for continuing to accomplish His work through you! Love and hugs!
I knew the day I met you Marj that we were cut from the same cloth! You get me. Thanks for sharing how this spoke to you. From my view…you’re growing in grace more than ever! And I suspect your mom is so very proud.
I loved this and you are obviously an excellent writer, to be able to put these ideas in words that bring tears, laughter and evoke a sense in me to become closer to God. My sister and I often talk that becoming gracious and spiritually mature doesn’t simply happen with age-it’s over time spent with Jesus, in prayer, yielding to Him, that we become beautiful inside with age. We have all seen older people who have become bitter with life. I think that can be a natural path without a relationship with God. Thank you Debbie!
I agree Tonya. It’s not just time… it time at His feet. Enjoy your advent season.
Thanks Debbie. How true this is as time goes on we do realize what is important in our lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. So glad you were able to spend time with your family in State College. Have a wonderful Thursday hugs.
Thanks Mitzie, Enjoy this advent season relishing that truth.
Hi Debbie, Being ‘ahem’ 80+, I’m afraid at times still ‘sweat the small stuff’. I’m encouraged by your article and will put Phil.1.6 on my fridge to remind me daily who’s in charge!
LOVED seeing you last week. Truly a highlight. You inspire me Gma Joan. Put an Albuquerque visit on your calendar. 🙂
Debbie,
Another wonderful lesson–Thank You! I am aware of the book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. It’s a wonderful little book that has words of wisdom to offer. I used to be a perfectionist, but as I have aged and grown in the Lord, I have thankfully given that up. What freedom! Please continue writing. Your writing touches my heart. To God be the Glory!!! In Christ, Paula
Well said, Paula. Freedom is a gift. Thanks for weighing in. Debbie
It’s no accident I happened to read this today. My devotional verse this morning was Phil 1:6! I love how God works weaving moments together in my life to work a truth into my heart that I really need to heed. Thank you for being willing to write, my friend! It blesses me.
Woohoo. I love knowing that God showed off for you today. And pleased to be an instrument. So thankful how God knitted us together. It was no accident. 🙂
I wish we could teach this to our young adult children somehow, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. When I was younger there were many crossroads that I had come to and some I took the wrong turn (bad decisions), I was a cursed worrier about everything. But, now with all my life experiences whether good or bad, I feel so much more relaxed as an older woman. Taking deep breaths, literally…and much prayer/faith.. After all of those times of sweating the small stuff and ready to fall apart, I don’t remember a darn thing that happened after a few days of of those small stuff issues happening, but yet I let it take me to a lower place at the time. WHY?
Love your writings Deb ! You truly are gifted!
Liz, I’m with you! I’ve heard others say how delighted they would be to turn back the clock. NOT ME. And give up all those hard learned lessons. No thanks. Thanks for your kind encouragement. I am blessed to have randomly met you way back when. And today I’d consider you a friend.
Dear Debbie: I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I also love how you always you always point us to God.
Thanks, friend. Enjoy your advent. Debbie
I had to chuckle as I read this as I so resemble many of your comments and observations. But God has not given up on us and yes, we are always learning. Thanks for sharing. I admire your mother. It’s easy to see that you mirror her. Blessings.
Thank you Deb. Amen to being works in process! Enjoy your advent season. Debbie