You Have to Make the Choice

"I don't know how you do it."

Words I hear all the time. Anytime I tell someone about my life it's their automatic response.

Yes, I have had a tough time of things. Still have a tough time of things.

Yes, my life is pretty hectic.

I work a full time job. I am a single mom to two boys that keep me on my toes. And they take karate lessons. And I volunteer every other week at church. And I make time to exercise.

Looking from the outside in I'm sure my life looks like a harried, stressful mess.

It isn't.

In fact, I'm happy. Grounded. And completely sane.

"So what's your secret?"

You have to make the choice.

I make a choice to go to work everyday and do a good job.

I make a choice to pack a lunch so I know I'm eating healthy.

I make a choice to take my boys to karate lessons twice a week. And stay and watch. I take a book or my cross stitch.

I make a choice to exercise at least three times a week. I want to be around for a long time AND be able to keep up with my boys.

I make a choice to spend quality time with my sons. Quantity isn't much of an option.

I make a choice to serve at my church. I make the choice to attend services each week.

I make a choice to put God at the center of my life. With God at the center, the rest really falls into place.

And I make a choice to be happy.

Sure, I could focus on my empty bank account, the dark circles under my eyes, the piles of laundry, the never ending list of places to be, the temper tantrums. I could give up and we just save money and eat the cheaper, unhealthy food – save time by giving up after school activities – save energy by living a work home work home lifestyle.

But where is the fun in that?

You see what you look for. If you are looking for negatives, you will see them everywhere. If you look for the easy way out, you will find it.

But at what price.

I choose to look for the positive. I choose to view my exhaustion as a sign of a day lived to the fullest. Each one of our activities has a purpose and a place in our lives. We are happy. We have fun. We even make time to lay around and relax. We work together as a team.

And I believe me and my kids are better for it.