Back in 2011, I did a post about The Brag Table, based on a concept started by writer/speaker, Jon Acuff. It was simply an opportunity that Jon gave his readers to brag about themselves a little.
If you’re wondering if we have a new grand baby yet, these photos should answer your question.
The photo on the right is July 18, less than a week after the photo on the left. Baby has definitely dropped and is ready for his grand appearance. Meagan is beyond ready to have this baby; being nine months pregnant in the middle of a Floridian July is no one’s idea of fun!
Once she gives birth and they are all settled back in at home, we will drive down to meet the newest Sir Smith. I’ll keep you posted.
And by the way, today is Nathan and Meagan’s seventh anniversary. We love you guys!
And an additional by the way? Meagan’s mom, Sheri, celebrates her sixtieth birthday this Wednesday AND she just wrote one of her best blog posts yet. Be sure to read it; you’ll be glad you did.
Back in 2011, I did a post about The Brag Table, based on a concept started by writer/speaker, Jon Acuff. It was simply an opportunity that Jon gave his readers to brag about themselves a little.
It didn’t matter if someone said, “I run a multi-million dollar business” or “I just managed to bake my first edible loaf of bread,” every single brag was welcome. And I loved it. I loved reading words by people who took the chance to throw modesty to the wind (for a change) and mention something they were proud of.
It’s time, once again, for my wonderful Smithellaneous readers to share one (or two or three) things you’re proud of–whether a huge thing or a tiny thing. Even if you did this back in 2011, I guarantee there is something new that has cropped up in your life that you would love to brag about.
I’ve included a few comments from when I first posted about this in order to give you the basic idea and jump-start your thinking (and bragging) process.
So what are you proud of today? Your fellow Smithellaneous readers (and I) would sure love to hear about it.
I’ve been struggling to answer the last few days. I don’t have a lot of accomplishments or things that seem noteworthy compared to the dreams I once had (and still harbour somewhere deep in my spirit) and compared to a world that can do much more than me, especially physically.
I learned to use a cane last Friday when my physical therapist brought one to me. By Saturday I used it to go berry picking. Normally I am stuck picking Saskatoon berries right near the path that I can reach from my power wheelchair. This time I could get off the chair and take the cane 1-2 ft into the brush to pick berries. That made me so happy. By Sunday, my birthday, I was able to take the cane into a lake about 3 ft all by myself (mostly). After 30 months since I lost ability to walk this is huge for me but it’s not huge in a world where others can run marathons or bike 100 km or win races.
I figured out how to get my power chair onto the bus a few months ago. This has been life changing and now I can leave my home again for outings which after so long is such an amazing gift. I’ve been riding to the gym so I can get stronger. After a few months of slow but steady effort I was able to lift 5 lbs at the gym. Not much for most people but this is huge for me as I couldn’t do that for much of the past 18 years. This translated into last night at the supermarket being able to lift a 4 L jug of milk into the cart. I’m not sure this is much to brag about in a world where physical strength is valued— but it is just so special to me.
Because of my dedication to going to the gym along with watching what I eat combined with my increased ability to use a walker and now a cane (which impacts my metabolism). I lost 15 lbs since spring. I’d gained 10 lbs after I lost the ability to walk (not moving makes it hard to burn calories and I’d also turned to food for comfort in the situation). I’m not sure this is noteworthy but it makes a difference in my health.
I spent the past week really angry and frustrated with my young adult kids, both of whom are developmentally delayed due to cognitive disability. There is a huge amount of caregiving and constant effort for little reward and after another massive tantrum last week by one of them and just constant challenges in caring for the other I was burning out. I know my husband has felt the same way. But the last few days I felt like God encouraged me to be transformed by renewing my mind— in this case to change how I think about them and how I communicate about them to my husband. So starting today I made a point to text positive things to him a positive things I’d notice about them. And if I felt resentment building in me I’d challenging myself to notice things to specifically be grateful. I was shocked just how quickly this turned around my spirit. I felt much more positive about them and encouraged. Something like this is significant for me— but it’s not really something to brag about.
All these are small things compared with other people. But big for me. But I think maybe the one thing that matters most to me in my effort and things I’ve put my attention towards is that even n though sometimes things in my life are really challenging I haven’t given up and I’ve been able to focus on loving the people God has bright across my path.
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Jenna,
Accomplishments born out of such great struggle and challenge as you have faced are the greatest accommplishments of all.
Your list of things that you have accomplished, just in the past few months, absolutely blew me away. My hope for you is that when you read back through your comment and see the accomplishments all piled up in one place, you will see what you have done with fresh eyes and be as astounded as I am.
Sometimes when I get ready to complain or moan and groan about “not feeling like” taking a walk because I’m too tired or have too much to do, I think of you and your faithful, slow, steady, inexorable progress as you overcome enormous mountains of challenge. And then I tell myself to buck up, shut up and get out those walking shoes. So thank you for that.
I know beyond any doubt that your story has inspired dozens, if not hundreds of people who read your words on FB and on your blog. I am honored and so very thankful you took the time to share your story with us here today.
And as for you and your husband’s parenting of two developmentally delayed adult children, in addition to what you already face physically? It truly humbles and inspires me that you give and give and then give some more, making such an amazing difference in their lives. And I love what you wrote about the renewing of your mind in the middle of exhaustion and burnout, intentionally looking for good things to notice and share. What a great lesson for ALL of us.
So dear Jenna, I hope today is filled with the warmth of the knowledge that your life is being well-lived, not limited and not less than, but rising on the wings of great determination and great accomplishment. You are amazing!
Becky thank you for so deeply encouraging me. Your words really meant a great deal! ❤️
I am proud to have just finished my 30th year as a Home Daycare Provider. Still have a few more years to go before I can retire. The kids keep me young 🙂 Poor Meagan! I sympathize with her. I was pregnant with my 2nd one during the hottest summer we ever had here, but that was 34 years ago this summer.
Wendy,
Thirty years! As delightful as children are, your “patience muscle” must be very well-developed by this point in your life. 🙂
It must be very rewarding to run into people as adults that you provided care for as children. You are woven indelibly into the lives of so many–what a joy and what an honor.
Saaaalute – to all those and what they have accomplished. Loved the pictures of Meghan. My mother used to say that if a pregnant woman’s tummy looked like a basketball, she was going to have a boy. There you go Meghan.
Sharyn,
Basketball shapes signify boys? Makes good sense to me!
I am proud to say that I am a single mother to a 3 year old and we are both still living! Yikes! It’s been a very trying few months and I know it won’t end any time soon. But, my patience is hanging on…
Krista,
My hat is off to all single parents!
You can tell yourself every night before bed, “I am amazing” because you truly are. You and that sweet 3-year old of yours are going to be just fine.
Keep up the good work!!
I am very, very proud of my kids and their spouses. They are wonderful parents and are teaching their kids good morals and manners. We recently had all 4 with us on a mini vacation (no parents!) and got compliments on their good behavior and politeness. 🙂
However, the best part is that they are teaching them to know and to love Jesus. That makes this grandma’s heart SO happy!
Lee Anne,
That must have been quite the outing with just the two of you and FOUR grands! You are brave! 🙂
To elicit compliments from strangers about the kids’ good behavior must have warmed your heart. What a joy.
Looking to ‘meet ‘ the new Smith ?
Is it possible to do a throw back post to their wedding ? Would love to see wedding pictures . I remember when it was Wedding (Monday ?)
I am proud that I have made it 9 months without an overdose ?Yay for freedom
Katrina,
So proud of you for getting through these past nine months in a healthy way. I know it’s not been easy and you can truly be proud of yourself for the progress you have made. Next thing you know, another nine months will have passed and then another nine months. You are taking it a step at a time and you are doing great. Proud of you!
Here are a couple Wedding Wednesdays for you. If you’d like to read more, just go to Smithellaneousclassic.com and search for Wedding Wednesday. Enjoy! 🙂
http://www.smithellaneousclassic.com/search?q=wedding+wednesday
Way to go Katrina. Never ever ever give up! You can do it and are doing great!!
Thank you Jenna ?
Happy Anniversary to Nathan and Megan! It was also my son’s and daughter-in-law’s 7th anniversary yesterday! I am proud that I volunteered at my 4th Winshape Camp last week! I was there working with kids (nearly 500 at our camp this year!) from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm every day! Not bad for this 55-year old, although I’m still recovering! 🙂
Gayle,
Wow. I am VERY impressed by you working from from 7 to 5:30 at camp every day! I would have to recover for a YEAR. You’re amazing!
I know you must get a great sense of satisfaction getting to spend your time with those kids, knowing you are making a difference. Definitely something to be proud of.
Excited for the arrival of your grand boy! My 5th was born in September! Heat made life tough. But. Happy to say I carried that miracle for 40 weeks and was blessed with a beautiful, healthy boy. Tell Meagan to hang in there. Just a couple more weeks!!!!
Lauren,
Carrying a miracle. What a perfect way to put it.
And it made an EXTRA miracle to get through the summer carrying that baby, right? 🙂
Happy Happy Anniversary to Nate & Meagan!! And i sympathize with Meagan in the heat (Texas in in the middle of record heat – our “cold-front” is dropping our temps to 99 tomorrow). I’m proud to be finishing my 5th year of ESY (summer school for our special ed department). This year I was moved up from elementary to secondary, and while I was a little hesitant,our students have been awesome!
Sue Ellen,
Congratulations for being so diligent and faithful in teaching those wonderful special ed students; congrats, especially, for not shying away from change in being moved to a different age group.
Hmm.. Proud? I’m always proud of my students. They do amazing things, all the time, and I’m glad for whatever my part is in it. I’m glad that one of my students is now reunited with her husband and doesn’t have to do the rest of PhD school on her own. This will just be easier on the entire family.
I’m excited that on Friday I’m going to drive up to the Olympic Peninsula and go visit my old pastor & his wife for the weekend. He was in Logan, UT and now we’re both here in the Pacific Northwest and I’m just thrilled that we live a mere 5 hours apart. On the way to see them I’m going to drop a friend off to see her mom, who she hasn’t seen in 3 years(!).
Brooke,
It’s wonderful to hear you are proud of your students–it sounds like they reflect well your investment in them. That is one of the greatest joys of teaching, seeing your students do well.
I’ve never been to the Olympic Peninsula but it sounds like it would be lovely. Enjoy spending time with people who are special to you.
Happy anniversary to Meagan and Nathan! I can always remember their anniversary as it’s also my birthday. I feel for her this time of year in Florida. While I was never pregnant, I lived through 13 summers and hey are h-o-t HOT!
I am proud that after working for nearly 41 years, 20 of it being with my most recent company, that I was able to retire last month.
I am proud that both my nieces will be in college this year – one just starting her journey and the other in her second year but classified as a junior due to all her dual credit courses in high school.
Phyllis,
Happy birthday to YOU!
And retiring after working 41 years is such a great accomplishment to be proud of. It must be such a wonderful change of pace for you.
And I love to hear of a proud Aunt boasting about her nieces. They are blessed to have you in their lives.
I am proud to say I have completed our Pilot Club plans of work for the coming year. We did the plans together as a Club but I corrected, typed, made a personalized cover for each, printed and put the booklets together for 15 people. Gave out 7 last Tuesday, delivered 3 today, mailed 4 today and have one for a future new member. This was due to our NC Governor August 15 so I am really proud it is early. Hers is in the mail. Also proud to know the Smith family and waiting for the newest one. Was wondering about him this weekend.
Ann,
Wow. Just reading everything you did t accomplish the Pilot Club plans of work exhausted me. If I had accomplished of all of that, I would be doubly, triply, quadruply proud! I truly admire the way you do so much for other people in your volunteer work. No one would know by looking at your schedule that you have been diagnosed with cancer. You are an inspiration.
And we are proud to know you and Jim!
I am very proud to know the Smith family. You light up my life. 🙂
Fred,
The feelings are mutual. You and Lucy are a delight to know.