It’s All a Struggle

It’s Friendship Friday! This is the day to focus on giving back or paying it forward.

I am so grateful for those that have poured in to me. I love being able to learn from those that are older in me both in age and experience.

My Auntie Leah passed away a few years ago at the age of 102 (I think). And the stories she had. She had made it through World War II with her husband flying a fighter plane. And then, after the war, my uncle joined Sears Roebuck’s team and he quickly became an executive. They were the first of the family to move away from everyone in Los Angeles. She lived in places like Philadelphia, Chicago, and eventually settled down in Atlanta.

One day that I was visiting, in between moves probably, and she asked if I was okay. I said yes, but that I was tired. This would be the third move out of state in less than three years. Tara was little and it was just exhausting. And she sympathized with me because she knew what it was to move and be jostled time and time again. But she said something profound in that moment that stuck with me.

I made the statement “that I am just waiting until things slow down”. She quickly corrected me and explained that things don’t get easier, we just get better through experience. I asked her when does it stop being such a struggle? And here is what stuck. “Enjoy the struggle. This is life. Without the struggle you don’t get stronger. The only time it gets easier is when you die. Don’t expect easy, expect good. Good times and good people make for a good life.”

That stopped me in my tracks. I knew she was right. That has stuck with me probably for life.

So when someone younger (in age or experience) comes alongside of you be careful what you say. Mean what you say. You never know when it will stick.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂