If you're not what you'd call "tech savvy," then you probably haven't heard of the app Time Hop. (iOS version; Android version) It's a cute, little free app for your phone that will remind you what you were doing 1 year ago today. Depending on how long you've been using social media and which platforms you were posting to, it also has the ability to tell you what you were doing 2 years ago, 3 years ago and so on. Basically, you enter your Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram usernames and passwords and Time Hop pulls from those feeds in order to show you your very own "This Day in History." Now, if you've been reading my blog for any amount of time you know I've been struggling a lot lately. Death and cancer have tried to invade my life and my happiness. Some days are more difficult than others, but, usually, everyday some of my best moments come from looking back at my time hop feed and seeing what I was doing in years past at this time. 4 Reasons TimeHop Heals Me: 1. It reminds me of all that I've been given. There's nothing like having a low moment and scrolling through the day's time hop to see sweet faces of my kids when they were babies or being reminded of the love Jason and I share and all the times we've spent together. Time hop reminds me of God's miracles as I re-watch #superJace and his cancer journey each day. 2. It shows me what I believe. My favorite pastor always says "What you believe is more important than what anyone will ever tell you." I've been a "gratitude girl" for a very long time and faithful for a lot longer. No matter how many times I get knocked down it's always been my tendency to pop back up stronger and wiser. If I ever forget, time hop is always there to show me what I stand for and what I believe. 3. It teaches me that where I am now isn't where I'm going to stay. The last 2 years have been looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggg and even that is an understatement. There have been many days that I've felt stuck (like last blog post) and felt like this place is the only place I'll ever be. And yet, time hop sweetly teaches me that This Too Shall Pass is a life truth we shouldn't forget. 4. It prompts me to live in the moment. Life is short. We aren't promised tomorrow. Do the things you can and take on the opportunities given to you. As I look back on each day's feed, I see the legacy I'm leaving and living. I see the family I'm growing and the traditions we are forming. I see the faith and the values we are instilling. It's sort of like Time Hop has allowed me to see my own life in motion and reminds me of what I truly hold important.
Lord, piece me back together again with your unfailing love.
I'm struggling a lot with where God has me right now. I sometimes don't realize the crushing impact of all that's happened the past 2 years (or my whole life for that matter) until I, verbally, have to give some stranger the cliff note's version of my life:
"...cancer....2 years of treatment down....2 more to go.... ...lost my mom last month.....dad had to be put in a facility for Alzheimer's a few days later because he was missing for a short time... ....brother is living with a new guardian one state over....."
I see people that I knew, friends who were in this technology world of mine and see how they've grown in their profession and career. I see people that I know that are meeting so many of their writing goals, or goals to start up that non-profit dream of theirs.
And here I sit.
Still.
Just being here.
Because God's interruptions in my life have been above and beyond.
And all I see are pieces of my broken heart staring back at me from the floor.
No, I'm not trying to be strong for anyone. (Ask those closest to me.) No, I don't think I'm the only one who's gone through these things nor will I be the last. No, I don't have any regrets. No, I'm not always consumed by the pain and struggle.
I am needing A LOT more time alone to grieve, reflect, sort, and pray. I need more time than I ever expected. Right now, God is the only one who can speak to me or who can put up with me. Truth. I know everyone goes on auto pilot and says whatever cliche' phrase they have at that moment because they don't know what else to say: "I'm praying for you." "God loves you."
"He's working through you in this season." "Bigger things are in store." "Satan is just trying to throw you off." "You are strong." "This too shall pass." "Sorry for your loss."
"It's just a season." At this point, you know I've heard it ALL and I'm kind of done. I know all of that. I believe all of that. I just can't get there yet, you know? I'm still having difficulty even responding to text messages. I have at least 10 that are on my phone from sweet friends checking up on me, sending me love and prayers. This is definitely a test for them, too, I'm sure. It's not easy being my friend these days. I hope they aren't taking it personally because it really isn't. I just sort of have nothing to say.......at least not in my usual spunky sort of way. Thursday, I, truly, didn't think I'd be able to make it to work. The day before sort of crumbled on top of me in the middle of a long run. At the end of the day, no matter what, I'm still in charge of A LOT of people and A LOT of decisions. I'm still in the search for an attorney to help me with paperwork for our non-profit. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with certain properties and belongings and when to plan trips away from home to take care of all the things that need my attention. Then, on top of all of the decision-making for my dad, any small, daily life set-back just knocks me back to the ground. Last week it was potato soup. Yes, potato soup......that turned into mashed potatoes. It did not turn out well and let's be honest, it wasn't about the potato soup. *sigh* In between the "when-is-the-next-chemo-pill" and "thank-you-for-calling-to-update-me about-my-dad," I'm learning that I do better sitting with and talking with those who are IN the arena with me: those who've been down that cancer road; those who've lost a mom; those who are in the grief right now; those who are dealing with Alzheimer's; those who are doing all of those things and are young like me.
Granted, there are those friends that just flat out make me LAUGH and laugh HARD. They don't even know they are the ones pulling me along each day and getting me through.
All of the heavy "life" stuff didn't take away my humorous side. Yes, I'm still sad a lot of the time, but anytime I come across someone being snarky, it just makes me laugh-from-my-belly hard.
I know many of you read here and don't comment. So, I know I'm not just talking to myself. (I'm at least hoping so)
I'm learning that no matter what your relationship with a parent was/is once they are gone every stage of grief is fair game. I'm learning that it's very hard to concentrate on the gratitudes and joys even when you're aware of them, especially in the middle of the grief-fog. (we are on day 35 of the #40daysofthanks challenge) I'm learning that I have to be patient with myself and REALLY patient with others. I'm learning that you can be hard-pressed on every side, literally. I'm learning that grief is a part of life in so many ways and that just like all things in life you have no control over that process. I'm learning that stepping back from social media is good medicine for the soul. I'm learning that no matter what season I'm thrown into I can still be authentic about it all. I'm learning that my conversations with God aren't always rainbows and happiness and He doesn't expect them to be. I'm learning more about what He expects from me and, in the end, that is really all that matters because He has me exactly where He needs me.
If you're not what you'd call "tech savvy," then you probably haven't heard of the app Time Hop. (iOS version; Android version) 
