I totally forgot it was check in day! LOL.
I only wrote a little over 700 words on Monday because I was trying to figure out locations and riddles. I was doing RESEARCH. 🙂
Yesterday, I didn’t write at all. I came home all ready to make a nice dinner and dessert for hubby and me since he was actually working first shift this week (he’s usually on thirds). I got a text from a friend of mine saying one of her friend’s house had burned down and she needed clothing. I’m one of the few people who has a key to the church building and she needed access to our clothing room where we keep donated clothes that we give away. My first reaction was aggravation. I admit that. Hubby had to eat dinner alone, and I had to warm mine up later. And I knew I would be there awhile and probably wouldn’t get writing done. But then I started looking at things differently and was ashamed of my initial reaction. There would be other dinners with my husband. There would be other days to write. But here was someone whose house had burned down and was in need. What’s more important? My petty little aggravations or someone who needed my help? I’m almost in tears writing this. The gratitude shown by this lady in need was worth every minute I lost. And what did I lose, really? What’s important in life? The things you do or the things you DO? Does that make sense? I sit here feeling humble and blessed. I sit here annoyed at my “almost” selfishness. I sit here thankful that I did the right thing. I couldn’t have asked for a better night.
That is all.
lauralynnelliott.com 
I don’t think you need to feel bad about your initial reaction which was just a feeling reaction, something we don’t really have control over. It’s natural to be upset when your plans get spoiled, especially those that mean something to you. It’s not like it’s about being annoyed with a person in need; it’s about being annoyed at the circumstance, that this has to happen right now, that you have to be the one that gets called on, etc. What we do have control over is recognizing that, stifling it, changing directions, acting rightly and adjusting attitude. Which you did.
Thanks, Susan. It’s hard not to feel guilty over that gut reaction, but you’re right, it was something I had no control over. After meeting the person and talking with her, I was so glad things happened the way they did last night. Even if my husband was left at home with the cats in the house with him. LOL
Sorry you felt bad about your reaction. I agree with Susan though, it’s just an initial reaction. You could have been bitter about it the whole time but you saw it for what it was and fixed your outlook on it. That’s what matters.
Can’t wait to see what you research brings about. Dad has a couple ideas for your “riddles” that I will get from him to see if you can use any of it.
Yeah, I know I couldn’t help that initial reaction. It’s natural for us to feel a moment of selfishness. I guess it’s part of the self-preservation instinct.
I’m looking forward to seeing what your dad came up with.
You shouldn’t feel guilty and no one’s judging you for your initial gut reaction. I’m sure most of us would have felt the same way at first. The bright side is, you helped someone in need!
Thanks for the encouragement, Claudia!
What an inspirational post. Thanks for sharing. I have initial reactions like you did, so I know how easy it is to feel that kind of aggravation. The important thing is you shoved it aside and helped the woman out. 😀
I wanted to share with all of you. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives we forget there are others that need our help and have many problems we don’t have to face. I don’t want to forget that.
You helped that lady out. Feel good about that.
Emma, what’s really bad is that this was the second time in her life she had lost everything to a fire. It happened when she was a kid, too. So sad.
I have found myself reacting just as you first did…and it’s shameful to me as well. I get so wrapped up in my plans, my wants, my special dinner with hubby …my..my – see, I forget to think first of others. Sigh. I think I will never fully defeat this inner battle – the inner self is, well….selfish! – but I’m glad that
G-d has seen fit to nudge me so I will act in the way that puts others first. There’s peace in that.
I think it’s just a human reaction. We are selfish creatures by nature, I guess, but sometimes we take the higher road. 🙂
I agree that God is there to nudge us to better things.
Aww, Lauralynn, anyone would have had that initial reaction. I think the fact that you realize it and choose to put someone else first is what makes you unselfish. How hard is it really to do something nice if you weren’t giving up what you wanted to begin with? I’m glad you helped you her – how awful to have that happen twice in one lifetime. Hope you get a nice dinner with hubby soon 😀
I’ve about stopped feeling guilty. Especially after all the kind words from my friends. And you’re right…it’s not hard to do something nice if you’re not making a sacrifice. I think giving up our time (and other things) for other people makes us stronger and better. And it really was awful that she had to endure this twice.
The dinner will happen soon. 🙂
Thanks for being so honest and human in your initial reaction but how lucky for all of us that you wrote a post about it. Who knows how much good you sent into the universe with your thought, deed and action. Truly, thanks.
Best to you in this round.
Karen
Thank you so much for your kind words! When I blog, I usually write what I feel. I’m a very open person…sometimes I tell too much. LOL
I hope you’re having a great round, too!