I have so many bad habits, I have no idea where to start. Least among my list is the fact that I tend to drive myself physically and emotionally to empty without even realizing it.
One of the things that God has been saying to me in the past few years is... "there is so much more.." It has renewed in me an extreme sense of searching for a higher purpose. As I continue to seek out this refreshed calling, the more that the universe-at-large tries to stop me.
Between subtle things like emotional stress and physical exhaustion come more obvious things like loss of friends or the passing of a loved one. But they all have one thing in common, they are all part of the test of life. They are all a question..... Will you praise God?
Last week, a dear family friend passed away. She was a grandmother figure for my sister and I. The best thing I can say about her is that it was obvious that she loved God and people. She was
wonderful role model and an amazing lady.
On Monday, I was blessed with a few moments of calm to regroup physically and emotionally.
My parents friends invited us out to their cabin on Paint Creek. I am not sure if it was the fresh fish, the cornhole or the good fellowship, but it left me feeling refreshed.
I am not sure what God has ahead, but I continue to be grateful for the "regroup" moments.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Getting It
I had the privilege of doing some traveling to Florida this past week. And, as usual, I took the opportunity to people watch. I often attribute this pesky habit to my observant-learner nature. I can't help it, people are interesting.
When I got on the plan and headed south, my riding companion was a guy named James. By the end of the flight, we had bonded so well that he was sharing photos from a recent trip to Vegas. The only thing I could think of was that people trust me, and yet, I don't typically trust them. James was great to meet and gave me excellent directions. But more importantly, he reminded me that trust is basic and that I could exhibit a little more.
When I got to Florida with "the team", we found our hotel and immediately left for a sunset cruise.
On the cruise, I had the pleasure of meeting Jo and Donna from Canada. The two told me about the joys of their friendship with each other: traveling, grandchildren, clubs, etc. It reminded me of my close friends, you know the ones who love you when no one else will. It also reminded me that my mom is my best traveling buddy.
Jo and I discovered we had a similiar history, and I was reminded that is God is right next to you...even when you don't know it.
On Friday, I received the burn of my life on a trip to the beach. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the power of reflection.
Saturday, I was feeling a little sorry for myself with my horrible burn. We went out to dinner at a Mexican dive and ran into a friend from home.
Jason, and his wife Krisi, have become great friends. It was wild to run into him, but it became a blessing in disguise. After all, there is strength in numbers. What was more exciting was the opportunity to catch up on the plane ride home on Sunday.
My life has changed since I started approaching life from a lesson-to=be-learned prospective and not from a wallowing perspective. When you finally begin to start "getting it", you realize that the people who cross your path everyday can make a huge difference in your viewpoint and focus. The only ting you have to do is sit back and people watch.
When I got on the plan and headed south, my riding companion was a guy named James. By the end of the flight, we had bonded so well that he was sharing photos from a recent trip to Vegas. The only thing I could think of was that people trust me, and yet, I don't typically trust them. James was great to meet and gave me excellent directions. But more importantly, he reminded me that trust is basic and that I could exhibit a little more.
When I got to Florida with "the team", we found our hotel and immediately left for a sunset cruise.
On the cruise, I had the pleasure of meeting Jo and Donna from Canada. The two told me about the joys of their friendship with each other: traveling, grandchildren, clubs, etc. It reminded me of my close friends, you know the ones who love you when no one else will. It also reminded me that my mom is my best traveling buddy.
Jo and I discovered we had a similiar history, and I was reminded that is God is right next to you...even when you don't know it.
On Friday, I received the burn of my life on a trip to the beach. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the power of reflection.
Saturday, I was feeling a little sorry for myself with my horrible burn. We went out to dinner at a Mexican dive and ran into a friend from home.
Jason, and his wife Krisi, have become great friends. It was wild to run into him, but it became a blessing in disguise. After all, there is strength in numbers. What was more exciting was the opportunity to catch up on the plane ride home on Sunday.
My life has changed since I started approaching life from a lesson-to=be-learned prospective and not from a wallowing perspective. When you finally begin to start "getting it", you realize that the people who cross your path everyday can make a huge difference in your viewpoint and focus. The only ting you have to do is sit back and people watch.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Missing-Pieces People Puzzles
When I first moved over to Blogger from MSN, I thought this will be a blog about forward progress or goal setting. But what I have begun to see in my life is that this is an opportunity to extend something that started over a year ago.
My first experiences with "Blogging" were at the encouragement of a friend. She pointed out that I had not written anything in years. And, since I was feeling "lost", writing might help me find myself again.
Through a year's worth of journaling, and some wonderful support from readers, I was able to find myself again. That sense of rediscovery has been both painful and glorious.
In October of 2005, I went through a tremendous series of losses. Professionally speaking, I was not happy in my job, nor in my work environment. Personally, I was choosing to give my love, time, loyalty and heart to people who had no ability to care for that gift. Needless to say, I was an emotional wreck.
In January of 06, I began writing.... and then things began happening. People began to pour worthwhile things into my life. Things like love, accountability, stability and trust. I know that God sent each of them to effect me in a very profound way.
As I start to really look at what work is in front of me personally, I am beginning to see that there are a lot of really wounded relationships in my life. Oddly enough, most of them are in my family.
This discussion about dysfuntional families is nothing new. If you ever lived with anyone, you've experienced dysfunction. People are flawed... we can't help it. I like to think we are puzzle that are missing half of the pieces.
So, how do we get the rest of the pieces put together? Self-help wants you to believe that if you read and study enough psychology that you can fix yourself. Pharmacists want us to believe we need pills. Therapists offer their talking time wares....and churches tell you that attendance will help you find the pieces.
Well, attendance and drugs and books and time will only work when the heart is actually searching for a way out. When the person sees that going deeper, going through it is the only way out.
Last Sunday, our pastor made an excellent point... it is all process, and no one achieves perfection.
I'll keep you posted.
My first experiences with "Blogging" were at the encouragement of a friend. She pointed out that I had not written anything in years. And, since I was feeling "lost", writing might help me find myself again.
Through a year's worth of journaling, and some wonderful support from readers, I was able to find myself again. That sense of rediscovery has been both painful and glorious.
In October of 2005, I went through a tremendous series of losses. Professionally speaking, I was not happy in my job, nor in my work environment. Personally, I was choosing to give my love, time, loyalty and heart to people who had no ability to care for that gift. Needless to say, I was an emotional wreck.
In January of 06, I began writing.... and then things began happening. People began to pour worthwhile things into my life. Things like love, accountability, stability and trust. I know that God sent each of them to effect me in a very profound way.
As I start to really look at what work is in front of me personally, I am beginning to see that there are a lot of really wounded relationships in my life. Oddly enough, most of them are in my family.
This discussion about dysfuntional families is nothing new. If you ever lived with anyone, you've experienced dysfunction. People are flawed... we can't help it. I like to think we are puzzle that are missing half of the pieces.
So, how do we get the rest of the pieces put together? Self-help wants you to believe that if you read and study enough psychology that you can fix yourself. Pharmacists want us to believe we need pills. Therapists offer their talking time wares....and churches tell you that attendance will help you find the pieces.
Well, attendance and drugs and books and time will only work when the heart is actually searching for a way out. When the person sees that going deeper, going through it is the only way out.
Last Sunday, our pastor made an excellent point... it is all process, and no one achieves perfection.
I'll keep you posted.
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