Welcome to my first blog attempt! This is something I've thought about for a few years now and just decided to go for it. I love to read, write and enjoy the online world. My hope is to share my life stories with others who may not be able to find this kind of content anywhere else.
My blog content is going to focus on living life with mental illness. Throughout my families' struggles and achievements I've often wondered if we would get to a place where we could start ministering to others from the experiences we've had. I'm not sure my husband, Eric, is ready but I am and so my blog begins.
My first story I'd like to share will explain the title and URL of my blog. At first glance my title Filling the Ice Cube Trays and mental health doesn't seem to connect. Here's how it does for me. At a difficult time in my husbands depression, I got resentful about several things. You see when someone is battling depression they cannot function. Getting up and taking a shower is a major accomplishment. I'm not mocking whatsoever. One thing that really irritated me was the six empty ice cube trays that were perpetually on the kitchen counter. I would fill them up and sure enough after the water had turned to ice, there they were again ready for refilling.
I believe in the Holy Spirit and how it can move me unexpectedly. One random ice cube filling moment it dawned on me. If Eric's only one good thing in his day is his large (one of those gas station 60 ouncers) mug of ice tea with extra ice, it's not too much of me to fill up the ice cube trays a few times a day. When I looked at the task through different lenses, it didn't feel resentful. I felt helpful. Whenever Eric said "there's no ice" it was my cue to do something to help my husband.
If you are looking for a blogspot that is a forum for complaining and disrespecting, you've come to the wrong place. I love my husband and family more than life and will represent them with honor and repsect. I know all things happen to be a blessing somehow. My dream is to share things that help us, lessons learned, and also find the humor in life.
To my husband Eric. I love you more than you will ever understand. You've helped shape me these past 10 years. I hope now to help others find hope and strength.
Shawna
