Calm the Child

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to go hear the Dalai Lama speak at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. For me, this was "bucket list level" cool. I greatly admire the Dalai Lama and his teachings of peace and cooperation.
Speaking of Christians, he said, "To think that you were created by God means that you also have a spark of God within you."
This is, of course, a teaching I know and have heard many times before. We believe we are created in His image, and we are His children.
These last few weeks have been hard. There have been trials, tests, gifts, and experiences I never anticipated, nor am I at liberty to share yet. But never before have those words meant so much to me. "you also have a spark of God within you."
It is when things are at their scariest and toughest that we must turn and remember these things.
And I know I need to remember it more often.

Little Orphan Erin Annie (with the really big family)

The past few weeks have been full of days where I had overwhelming urges to break out singing, "TOMORROW, TOMORROW, I LOVE YA, TOMORROW, YOU'RE ONLY A DAAAAAY- AAAAA-WAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!"

However, since most of the time I've been in a very quiet hospital room when those urges have hit me, I have yet to serenade anyone, except the voices in my head.

Can you say stress?

Here's a tiny glimpse of what's going on-

Spending a LOT of time at the hospital and/or nursing home with my sick grandmother.

The normal life stuff going on- clean the house, buy food, walk dogs, pay bills, etc. 

The never-ending job hunt. 

My mother getting medevac’d to London for a (please try not to laugh) cat bite. She’s getting treated for (again, please try not to laugh) rabies. I came *this* close to flying to London to assist her. Sadly, she's doing just fine there without me.

Moving from the current relative’s house to another relative’s house this week.

Getting screwed over big time by a so-called friend for $3,300. 
Finding out same so-called friend left my cat to die by itself. Completely breaking my heart! Who does that?!

Three job interviews over the next 5 days!

My unemployment coverage runs out in 10 days. And still no word on if I qualify for the extension.

I know you all think my life is one big walking family reunion here in Roanoke (because, well, it is). But believe it or not, we’re actually having a real family reunion this weekend. So that isn’t stress, but that will be 3 very busy (and totally fun) days! Sadly, I don’t think this one involves donkey rides. But I’ll betcha bottom dollar there are banjoes.