Hooray for Small Group

I just joined a group of fabulous women for Bible study and fellowship (which often turns into five women sharing the stressors of our lives as it relates to what we are studying) on Monday nights and I love it! Hagie and I were members of a small group for couples but that doesn't work too well for us considering my other half isn't home during the week to participate. Soooo, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and joined a group of women that I didn't know, only knowing one of them and just barely at that, and its been great. I am really focusing on self care these days and deliberately trying to do things to enrich my life and keep me focused on the "big" picture. The "big" picture for me is my family, my spirituality, my friends and how to keep all crew members afloat during a stressful time at the Cook household, and continue to enjoy my job which I love!

My small group is studying the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" and boy does it hit home. Last night we reviewed a chapter dedicated to anxiety/fear vs. concerns. For those who know and love me definitely understand why while reading this I felt like the author was speaking directly to me. One of the exercises related to the reading encouraged us to recognize the difference between a worry (something we have no control over) and a concern (a legit worry that we can take steps to feel more comfortable about.) I admit, this was tough for me. I am a definite worrier, I'm convinced it is a "Chisolm" gene....handed straight down from my precious Memaw. Boy I miss her! Anyhew, here's my list of concerns and worries. I share them because I am still struggling with which ones belong in what column and I continuously struggle with giving up control...helllooooo anxiety!

Concerns: Need a bigger house within the City of Decatur preferably, my need and desire to return to part-time work, my husband's travel schedule and wondering when will it slow down a bit, and Connor's continued poor eating habits.

Worries: Having a second baby and the timing associated with this (and the space to put a little one), my high level of anxiety, being able to handle an additional crew member with a husband who is on the road more than he is home and the health of my family, both immediate and extended.

There are plenty more that could be added to this list but the above are the big ones for me. So I am practicing what we are learning in small group which is to do what I can about my concerns and hand over my worries...easier said than done...but I continue to be a work in progress. I am trying.