Yes, I tried to make myself look like Einstein in this prompt… and no, it didn’t turn out the way I thought it might, but that is neither here nor there! It did make me giggle, though!

Why did I go to all the trouble of making a picture of someone resembling this Scientist, you might be asking yourself, when this is supposed to be a Note To Self day? It’s just my quirky side, thinking that we all have our own level of Einstein, being born with brains of similar shape and size. 

Sometimes life might make us feel like less than an Einstein, but I would wager to bet, if we all thought about it long enough, we could each come up with something very wise and knowledgeable to share with one another. I suppose that I could have made up a list of Note To Self sayings, by myself, but I talk to myself too much every day already, so I prefer to listen to the wise words of wisdom from others… within reason, of course. 

What is the first thing we usually do when someone gives us a bit of advice or encouragement? Do we not ask ourselves, how does this person know this to be right and true? Usually, we look at that person’s life to determine the value of their words. I know that I do! Take the words of Einstein, that I’ve selected for my Note To Self #23…

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

Everyone should be familiar with how brilliant and forward thinking this man was, so it needs no real explanation, as to the meaning behind his words. Knowing how much he contributed to science, as well as looking at his tireless efforts to learn and understand the world around him, adds weight and meaning to Einstein’s encouraging words.

You may not believe me, but I wrote this list of Note To Self cards, months ago, so I find it funny that this quote was before me this morning, after the last several weeks of Life Interruptus we’ve been living through. Talk about perfect timing for such needed encouragement!

Through all of this ugliness, there has also been beauty. From behind the caution cones of this current accident zone/road block, I see God’s progress, in and around us. With the plumbing inside this RV completely shattered, one might think it spelled the end of things for us, as we have no materials to completely repair the damages, currently. That means no hot water, no shower water, no toilet water… just one faucet that now feeds water to us, until the other half of the pipes get replaced. It has been several weeks now, without a fully working water system, and we just discovered that the only way to complete the repairs is to fully rip the entire shower out, cutting into the floor beneath it to access the heart of the damage. 

My first reaction to this news, was not one of my better reactions, probably making my husband feel even worse than before. Not my finest moment! Here is where the quote of encouragement came in handy! Our shower has been in need of work for some time, having come loose from its wall screws from time, as well as, from all the movement that occurs within an RV every time you drive it on the roads. While I could look at this as a nightmare, I’ve decided that it is, in truth, a good thing… my shower will get fixed!

There are other things God is actively doing within our lives, but I will wait until another time to share them. As I see things that might happen in the near future, I have learned not to jump the gun, as they say. It’s like that beautiful package sitting under the Christmas tree that you know is yours, but you have to wait til the right time before you can open it. The fun and excitement come from the waiting, hoping and dreaming that we do, in anticipation of our Christmas Morning surprise!

For now, Einstein will win the day with his meaningful words! While we may be in the heart of difficult experiences, I see God’s opportunities all around me… whenever I remember to Look Up! In every trial, every storm… there is an opportunity to find hope, joy and purpose, in all things!