Incoming Shoes!

I would say by nature I am very much a Type A personality, and thus a huge worrier. This is something I’m trying to work on not doing, but my life does not make this an easy lesson. Probably even under ideal circumstances, I would still worry. I’ve always envied those relaxed people that seem to be able to just let life happen without concern. I do believe becoming a parent makes even the most relaxed people a little more prone to worry, but some of us could make a career out of it. I often wonder if I would still feel like that if I had a more “normal” life. I guess we will never know. I wouldn’t call myself a pessimist, on the contrary I think I’m pretty optimistic and can usually find some good in any situation. I believe God is in control and has a perfect plan. But life has taught me, things are going to happen, and it is best to try to be prepared for any situation. Even when things are going well, I tend to be “waiting for the other shoe to fall”. The shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are prettier and/or more comfortable than others. Some of the shoes that fall are like slippers or baby shoes – they are soft and small and don’t do any damage. They are just annoying – like a child making a huge mess in the kitchen you just cleaned. Other shoes are like sandals, a little harder, but not too concerning. I would put a small unexpected expense or the television breaking in this category. Then you have the every day shoes that are heavier and a little more unpleasant, but can be handled. In our house that would be a sudden trip out of town to a doctor or the talker breaking. It is going to be costly, inconvenient, and stressful for the next few days, but won’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. The next level would be the high heels, if they hit you wrong it is going to hurt. This category includes an injury or accident that sends us to the emergency room, long periods of crisis behavior, sleep issues, or other problems with the kids. They are exhausting and stressful, but will eventually end. Last is the downpour of heavy work shoes. I would put major life events – severe illness, divorce, and death – in this category. Our house tends to have a constant drizzle of shoes from all the categories – enough to keep us constantly looking for them and ducking. I guess God knows I’m pretty impatient, so he doesn’t ever make me wait too long for the next shoe to fall! Originally posted June 2011