Do You Have a Tool Box?
Carpenters have tool boxes. They keep all the tools of their trade inside that box. There are hammers, squares, levels, nails, screw drivers, plyers. Without those tools, they would be unable to perform their job. Those tool boxes full of essentials mean they are prepared. It would be impossible for them to repair or build without those essential tools. When a new tool hits the market, they are all over it. If it makes their job easier, it finds its way into that treasure chest.
Teachers have tool boxes, too. Unlike a carpenter's tool box, many of the tools a teacher uses are stored in their memory. Certainly there are books written on all the ways to involve students in the learning process. Student teaching and teacher observations give them ideas to use when they are the one in charge in a classroom. Teachers are always searching for creative ways to engage students. The more tools a teacher has, the better for the students. Unlike a carpenter who works with objects, a teacher works with questioning, searching, sometimes difficult humans. The best teachers know that one set of tools will not work for every class or situation. They change tools often.
I could name many professions and the tools that are required to perform the job successfully. Every profession requires a set of tools. Often people are judged by the way they use the tools of their particular trade.
My question is this. Do everyday people need a tool box? Do all of us need tools to navigate through life? Do we know which tools to use in specific situations? Or do we use the same tools over and over whether they work or not?
We may not be aware that we are making tool selections everyday, but we are. Speaking to a child requires a different set of tools from talking with an adult. Dealing with a co-worker is quite different from dealing with the bank teller. We reach into our tool box many times during a day.
It is obvious that we speak differently to a grieving person than to a person celebrating a birthday. We even self talk all day long. Sometimes we change our minds due to those inner conversations. We reach into our tool box and make selections based on the need as we see it. It is a good thing if that tool box is huge and overflowing with ways to meet this world. We learn the best tools to use by observation, reading, listening, sharing, being quiet and thinking. We are aware that sometimes we pull the wrong tool out of our box. At those times we are so happy that the box is not locked. We are relieved that the top can be opened as many times as is required until we find the right tool for the job at hand. It is locked only if we decide to lock it.
Could it be possible that we overuse some of the tools we own? Might we get better results if we selected a different tool? If we say the same things over and over and believe we are not heard, maybe it is time to select a different tool. Maybe it is time to rethink the situation. If we find ourselves being impatient about the simplest things, could it be that we have lost the ability to be creative? Can we turn a command into a request? Could the missing tool be a smile? Or maybe an apology? Would it be possible to relearn how to laugh? When a carpenter misses the nail and hits the finger, it hurts. When we are cross much of the time, it hurts. Yes, life can hurt. But it doesn't have to remain that way. The carpenter will not make the same mistake. The lesson has been learned. We can learn, too.
So, how is your tool box? Is it full of tools for all the situations in life? Is love the foundation? Is forgiveness close at hand? Is compassion ready at all times? Do you trust that you have filled your own personal tool box with all the necessary items to ensure a happy life? Is judgement hard to find in that space?
Have fun digging into that box. There is always time to add a shiny new tool or to pitch one that never worked in the first place.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
When a Doctor Smiles--Beware!
When a Doctor Smiles--Beware!
In the past I have listened to folks talk about sinus infections. Have had a few myself. Nothing to worry about. Well, this time it has been quite different. I will be more empathetic to others when they share they have one of those infections.
Two weeks ago it began. Headache. Horrid cough. Head felt like it was as big as a blown up balloon. Since it is cold season, I diagnosed it as the first cold of the season. Green tea, rest and an aspirin or two was my medicine of choice. Drank barrels of green tea. While I love it, it didn't seem to make any difference in the level of the "cold." Rest was lovely, but it didn't seem to take the edge off, either. Maybe I had forgotten how to treat a cold.
About a week went by, and things got worse. As a last resort and following a directive from a friend, I visited a doctor. My diagnosis was incorrect. It always is. I try to save money and time and pain by deciding what is wrong with me. The correct diagnosis was a major sinus infection.
An antibiotic and nasal spray would do the trick. Happy to know what the real challenge was, I drove through the drive-through window at the pharmacy, picked up my meds and headed home. This was going to be a piece of cake. Take the meds and use the spray, and I would be healed soon.
A week later I was back at the doctor's office. Things weren't going well. Cough was limiting my sleep to about two hours a night. Now the cough med was added, and the antibiotic was changed. But what, I wondered, would restore the hearing to my right ear?
A week later another visit but this visit was to an ear/nose/throat doctor. Sinus infection was now under control. However, if anyone wishes me to hear what they are saying, they have to stand on my left side. The doctor and I talked about what was happening in my head. He did a few tests and then came the one that was new to me.
He sprayed something that tasted awful. He told me that he was going to take a look. Take a look? Where? My palms were beginning to get sweaty. I knew whatever was about to happen would not be pleasant. He left me in the room while the numbing process did its thing. During that time alone, I knew I was in trouble. Maybe I could sneak out of the room. Probably not as the nurses station was just to the left of the door. So, I tried to gather all the courage in my body in preparation for what was to come.
Eventually, he returned. He was a friendly fellow. He walked to the table that has all the instruments of torture laying side by side. He didn't take one of those. Instead, he opened a drawer and withdrew a long--and I mean long--instrument. It was flexible. Looked kinda like a small hose. I think there was a light on the end of it. The end that would be inserted into my nose. Oh my gosh. This was not going to be a party. As he turned to face me with that thing, I told him I have no courage. That I am flat out a coward. He smiled and said he understood. He said there should be no pain as it was deadened.
I didn't believe him. I know what doctors say. Once a doctor told me that the shot he was about to give me in my shoulder would not hurt. If I could have smacked him, I would have. But, the needle was deep in my shoulder so I simply told him that he had lied to me. He smiled. What is with that smile?
I closed my eyes as he walked towards me. Then it began. He said it would feel strange, but there should be no pain. After a bit, he hit sensitive places, and I started to wiggle. I told him it was hurting. Maybe by telling him this, he would call the whole thing off. But, no. In another room there was a smaller one with my name on it. After pulling it out of my nose, he left to retrieve the smaller one. Joy!
We did the procedure all over. When it was finished, he said my ear drum is red. Really? I could have told him that! End result is this: I am to continue to use the spray for a month. After a month, if the ear still has no hearing, they will insert a tube. Or if the day comes when I can no longer deal with the deafness and the side of my head feeling like it is swollen, they will do the tubes earlier.
As I write this, I can not hear much. But it is not life threatening. It is simply an eardrum that has fluid behind it. Actually, I maybe able to use this condition to my advantage. When my husband asks me to do something I would rather not do, I can simply "not hear." Wonder how long I can get by with that?:)
If you are out there suffering with a sinus infection, you have my deepest sympathy.
In the past I have listened to folks talk about sinus infections. Have had a few myself. Nothing to worry about. Well, this time it has been quite different. I will be more empathetic to others when they share they have one of those infections.
Two weeks ago it began. Headache. Horrid cough. Head felt like it was as big as a blown up balloon. Since it is cold season, I diagnosed it as the first cold of the season. Green tea, rest and an aspirin or two was my medicine of choice. Drank barrels of green tea. While I love it, it didn't seem to make any difference in the level of the "cold." Rest was lovely, but it didn't seem to take the edge off, either. Maybe I had forgotten how to treat a cold.
About a week went by, and things got worse. As a last resort and following a directive from a friend, I visited a doctor. My diagnosis was incorrect. It always is. I try to save money and time and pain by deciding what is wrong with me. The correct diagnosis was a major sinus infection.
An antibiotic and nasal spray would do the trick. Happy to know what the real challenge was, I drove through the drive-through window at the pharmacy, picked up my meds and headed home. This was going to be a piece of cake. Take the meds and use the spray, and I would be healed soon.
A week later I was back at the doctor's office. Things weren't going well. Cough was limiting my sleep to about two hours a night. Now the cough med was added, and the antibiotic was changed. But what, I wondered, would restore the hearing to my right ear?
A week later another visit but this visit was to an ear/nose/throat doctor. Sinus infection was now under control. However, if anyone wishes me to hear what they are saying, they have to stand on my left side. The doctor and I talked about what was happening in my head. He did a few tests and then came the one that was new to me.
He sprayed something that tasted awful. He told me that he was going to take a look. Take a look? Where? My palms were beginning to get sweaty. I knew whatever was about to happen would not be pleasant. He left me in the room while the numbing process did its thing. During that time alone, I knew I was in trouble. Maybe I could sneak out of the room. Probably not as the nurses station was just to the left of the door. So, I tried to gather all the courage in my body in preparation for what was to come.
Eventually, he returned. He was a friendly fellow. He walked to the table that has all the instruments of torture laying side by side. He didn't take one of those. Instead, he opened a drawer and withdrew a long--and I mean long--instrument. It was flexible. Looked kinda like a small hose. I think there was a light on the end of it. The end that would be inserted into my nose. Oh my gosh. This was not going to be a party. As he turned to face me with that thing, I told him I have no courage. That I am flat out a coward. He smiled and said he understood. He said there should be no pain as it was deadened.
I didn't believe him. I know what doctors say. Once a doctor told me that the shot he was about to give me in my shoulder would not hurt. If I could have smacked him, I would have. But, the needle was deep in my shoulder so I simply told him that he had lied to me. He smiled. What is with that smile?
I closed my eyes as he walked towards me. Then it began. He said it would feel strange, but there should be no pain. After a bit, he hit sensitive places, and I started to wiggle. I told him it was hurting. Maybe by telling him this, he would call the whole thing off. But, no. In another room there was a smaller one with my name on it. After pulling it out of my nose, he left to retrieve the smaller one. Joy!
We did the procedure all over. When it was finished, he said my ear drum is red. Really? I could have told him that! End result is this: I am to continue to use the spray for a month. After a month, if the ear still has no hearing, they will insert a tube. Or if the day comes when I can no longer deal with the deafness and the side of my head feeling like it is swollen, they will do the tubes earlier.
As I write this, I can not hear much. But it is not life threatening. It is simply an eardrum that has fluid behind it. Actually, I maybe able to use this condition to my advantage. When my husband asks me to do something I would rather not do, I can simply "not hear." Wonder how long I can get by with that?:)
If you are out there suffering with a sinus infection, you have my deepest sympathy.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Everything Has to be Right to Exercise
Everything Has to be Right to Exercise--
You know how it is--once you begin to actually work, strange things happen. The mind shows other areas of the house that could use a little attention. It's as if once the cycle has begun, there is no stopping it. This drawer needs cleaning, that magazine pile needs to be recycled, those shoes need to be sorted. And what about the trunk of the car? Why oh why did I ever think cleaning the closet would be the day's big event? So, I moved to the basement to tidy things.
Several years ago we purchased a treadmill. Of course, I had the best intentions of using it everyday. Well, there were issues. It is big and clunky. It requires a large area of floor space. After trying it in the basement family room, I decided it ruined the look. He graciously moved it to the unfinished part of the basement where we have shelves for storage, two hot water heaters, a furnace, a water softner, his short wave radio and other very important items. Once in that room, it seemed so dark and dreary. There is plenty of light, but the views are not the best. There is nothing particularly appealing about walking along at a good pace while watching the hot water heater. We tried area rugs thinking that would give it a more homey look.
Short answer is this. I couldn't make myself walk down the stairs and into that area to exercise. By this time you are probably thinking it has nothing to do with the environment, but everything to do with my aversion to exercise. You think? What was your first clue? He even put a tv in the room with a vcr so I could watch movies while I walked. I really did try.
There is a word to think about. Try. It means you will give something a chance, but if it doesn't work out, oh well. You tried. There is really no commitment at all associated with that word. It signals a way out. I like that word. I need that word.
Every other week I would trudge down the stairs wearing a cute outfit, matching tennis shoes, and socks with every intention of walking myself into perfect shape and health. However, once I turned the corner and walked into the room where the treadmill waited patiently and silently, my intentions disappeared.
All of this to share what happened today. I decided that if we (notice the pronoun) moved the beast back into the family room, I would actually use it. Once again he got his tools and his quiet resolve and began to take it apart. I stayed out of the way. I'm not stupid. Once it was in the family room, I laced on my tennis shoes, turned on the machine and took a walk. A favorite tv program kept me focused until I looked around the room. And then I realized something that has the power to change my very best intentions.
The treadmill is in the wrong place. It is on the wrong side of the room. If this is going to work, it has to be moved. The room is off balance. That will bother me everytime I come downstairs to exercise. Really? To make room for it on the opposite side of the room, I began to move furniture. At this moment the place it will rest is ready for the move. I haven't had the nerve to call up the stairs for help. I am thinking he needs a little rest.
Cleaning that closet was the beginning of a new me. Now I will be able to find my walking clothes, grab my shoes and head to the basement. Everything is in balance.
Oh dear. I think the lamp table is on the wrong side of the chair.....
You know how it is--once you begin to actually work, strange things happen. The mind shows other areas of the house that could use a little attention. It's as if once the cycle has begun, there is no stopping it. This drawer needs cleaning, that magazine pile needs to be recycled, those shoes need to be sorted. And what about the trunk of the car? Why oh why did I ever think cleaning the closet would be the day's big event? So, I moved to the basement to tidy things.
Several years ago we purchased a treadmill. Of course, I had the best intentions of using it everyday. Well, there were issues. It is big and clunky. It requires a large area of floor space. After trying it in the basement family room, I decided it ruined the look. He graciously moved it to the unfinished part of the basement where we have shelves for storage, two hot water heaters, a furnace, a water softner, his short wave radio and other very important items. Once in that room, it seemed so dark and dreary. There is plenty of light, but the views are not the best. There is nothing particularly appealing about walking along at a good pace while watching the hot water heater. We tried area rugs thinking that would give it a more homey look.
Short answer is this. I couldn't make myself walk down the stairs and into that area to exercise. By this time you are probably thinking it has nothing to do with the environment, but everything to do with my aversion to exercise. You think? What was your first clue? He even put a tv in the room with a vcr so I could watch movies while I walked. I really did try.
There is a word to think about. Try. It means you will give something a chance, but if it doesn't work out, oh well. You tried. There is really no commitment at all associated with that word. It signals a way out. I like that word. I need that word.
Every other week I would trudge down the stairs wearing a cute outfit, matching tennis shoes, and socks with every intention of walking myself into perfect shape and health. However, once I turned the corner and walked into the room where the treadmill waited patiently and silently, my intentions disappeared.
All of this to share what happened today. I decided that if we (notice the pronoun) moved the beast back into the family room, I would actually use it. Once again he got his tools and his quiet resolve and began to take it apart. I stayed out of the way. I'm not stupid. Once it was in the family room, I laced on my tennis shoes, turned on the machine and took a walk. A favorite tv program kept me focused until I looked around the room. And then I realized something that has the power to change my very best intentions.
The treadmill is in the wrong place. It is on the wrong side of the room. If this is going to work, it has to be moved. The room is off balance. That will bother me everytime I come downstairs to exercise. Really? To make room for it on the opposite side of the room, I began to move furniture. At this moment the place it will rest is ready for the move. I haven't had the nerve to call up the stairs for help. I am thinking he needs a little rest.
Cleaning that closet was the beginning of a new me. Now I will be able to find my walking clothes, grab my shoes and head to the basement. Everything is in balance.
Oh dear. I think the lamp table is on the wrong side of the chair.....
Fitting a Size Fourteen into a Size Ten? I Don't Think So!
Fitting a Size Fourteen into a Size Ten? I Don't Think So!
Who am I trying to fool? Do I really think I am fooling anyone?
Those are the questions I asked myself as I stood looking at the hangers of clothes that seem to have shrunk. I swear those clothes were a perfect fit--five years ago?? Maybe ten years ago? Do I honestly believe that I will ever squeeze this pudgy body into those slim tops and pants again in this life?
As I ran my fingers across the material of garments hanging in my closet, my mind wandered to the times I wore some of them. Mostly, though, I have no clue where I wore anything--even what I wore yesterday! Clothes have lost their significance in my life.
When I was a working girl, clothes were very important. I enjoyed shopping in unique places for outfits that were a little different from the regular. When we were on trips, one of my favorite things to do was search for cute little out- of- the way shops and find the perfect thing. I have clothes from everywhere hanging in my closet. A few of the items will not leave this house. They hold special memories. However, it is way past time for me to clear out the clutter.
Don't you wonder where all the clutter originates? I believe it hangs over our houses waiting for the right moment to drop in. We hardly notice. Until one day when the drawer by the phone is so full we cannot get it open or if it opens, we can't shut it. Just today when I was in the decluttering mood, I found mail items from months ago. Why??? My usual nag is to touch the mail once. Either throw it away or file it. (My granddaughter and I found a bottle of lemon juice in my fridge that was dated 2008. That one even surprised me!:)
So, even though it will feel like giving an arm or leg away, I intend to take a bag and fill it with clothing items that have not been worn in five years. Or six. I will weed out the items that I simply will never fit into and give them away. All items that are too worn, I will throw away.
While this activity will not remove any weight from me, it will make me feel lighter. My closet will look bigger, and my choices will be more honest. I will keep only those items that I truly intend to wear--and that fit. It would not surprise me to learn that in a month or so I will go through again and give away more. Really--how much do I need, anyway?
I like the idea of ridding our house of excessive stuff. We did that when we experienced a house fire. But, over the years stuff has been sneaking back into the house. If I caught it, I would remove it. But, it is so elusive. Very secretive. And then one day it has taken over. Well, stuff, you will be history again!
The time is ripe for picking through the closet and selecting only the best to keep. Kinda like picking strawberries. Who wants to fill their containers with small berries? We all want the best ones. And that is what I will do with the closet. Keep the best because I enjoy wearing those items, and give away the ones that are perfectly fine but no longer on my radar.
I feel better already!
Who am I trying to fool? Do I really think I am fooling anyone?
Those are the questions I asked myself as I stood looking at the hangers of clothes that seem to have shrunk. I swear those clothes were a perfect fit--five years ago?? Maybe ten years ago? Do I honestly believe that I will ever squeeze this pudgy body into those slim tops and pants again in this life?
As I ran my fingers across the material of garments hanging in my closet, my mind wandered to the times I wore some of them. Mostly, though, I have no clue where I wore anything--even what I wore yesterday! Clothes have lost their significance in my life.
When I was a working girl, clothes were very important. I enjoyed shopping in unique places for outfits that were a little different from the regular. When we were on trips, one of my favorite things to do was search for cute little out- of- the way shops and find the perfect thing. I have clothes from everywhere hanging in my closet. A few of the items will not leave this house. They hold special memories. However, it is way past time for me to clear out the clutter.
Don't you wonder where all the clutter originates? I believe it hangs over our houses waiting for the right moment to drop in. We hardly notice. Until one day when the drawer by the phone is so full we cannot get it open or if it opens, we can't shut it. Just today when I was in the decluttering mood, I found mail items from months ago. Why??? My usual nag is to touch the mail once. Either throw it away or file it. (My granddaughter and I found a bottle of lemon juice in my fridge that was dated 2008. That one even surprised me!:)
So, even though it will feel like giving an arm or leg away, I intend to take a bag and fill it with clothing items that have not been worn in five years. Or six. I will weed out the items that I simply will never fit into and give them away. All items that are too worn, I will throw away.
While this activity will not remove any weight from me, it will make me feel lighter. My closet will look bigger, and my choices will be more honest. I will keep only those items that I truly intend to wear--and that fit. It would not surprise me to learn that in a month or so I will go through again and give away more. Really--how much do I need, anyway?
I like the idea of ridding our house of excessive stuff. We did that when we experienced a house fire. But, over the years stuff has been sneaking back into the house. If I caught it, I would remove it. But, it is so elusive. Very secretive. And then one day it has taken over. Well, stuff, you will be history again!
The time is ripe for picking through the closet and selecting only the best to keep. Kinda like picking strawberries. Who wants to fill their containers with small berries? We all want the best ones. And that is what I will do with the closet. Keep the best because I enjoy wearing those items, and give away the ones that are perfectly fine but no longer on my radar.
I feel better already!
Mary Kay Sale--
Mary Kay Sale--
It is a rainy, chilly day here. I actually find these types of days quite relaxing.
Since it is an inside day, I decided to clean my closet. Soon I will bag up many items to take to the Mission. After working in the closet, I made my way to my Mary Kay shelves. There are too many items on my shelves. Holidays are just around the corner so I thought I would place some items on sale.
Here is the list. I will also ship items for you.
All Matte-Wear and Luminous-Wear Foundations are half price. The regular price is $20.
Everything else on my shelves is 20% off.
Putting items together in sets makes a wonderful holiday gift. For example, a mascara/eye make-up remover is a gift all women would love. Lipsticks paired with a gloss is a definite pleaser. Hand lotions are wonderful for the cold weather just ahead. I can help you with gift selections.
So, you can Facebook me or comment. I would love to help you give gifts that others will enjoy at a price that is good for you.
Now, back to work.
It is a rainy, chilly day here. I actually find these types of days quite relaxing.
Since it is an inside day, I decided to clean my closet. Soon I will bag up many items to take to the Mission. After working in the closet, I made my way to my Mary Kay shelves. There are too many items on my shelves. Holidays are just around the corner so I thought I would place some items on sale.
Here is the list. I will also ship items for you.
All Matte-Wear and Luminous-Wear Foundations are half price. The regular price is $20.
Everything else on my shelves is 20% off.
Putting items together in sets makes a wonderful holiday gift. For example, a mascara/eye make-up remover is a gift all women would love. Lipsticks paired with a gloss is a definite pleaser. Hand lotions are wonderful for the cold weather just ahead. I can help you with gift selections.
So, you can Facebook me or comment. I would love to help you give gifts that others will enjoy at a price that is good for you.
Now, back to work.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Volunteering--Full Time?
Volunteering--Full Time?
There are things in life that light us up like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. They fill our souls with such joy it is difficult to contain it. We want to sing in the streets, to dance with joy in the snow, to turn cart wheels--well, maybe not that one. Once we have experienced the deep feelings we have been searching for, it is difficult to return to the work-a-day world. That world seems drab and mundane. There is no desire to sing or dance. We simply do what we are assigned to do, complete tasks and go home. We know that it will be the same tomorrow.
We dream of participating in that special activity that we remember so well. Maybe we volunteered at a youth camp and felt a stirring in our hearts to stay forever. Perhaps we were part of a mission team that built a school or church. During that experience we felt the need to stay. There was more to be done, and we wanted to be part of the completion.
For years I organized mission trips to the mountains of Kentucky. The people of that area were so loving and caring. They appreciated every nail we hammered, every board we painted, every piece of drywall we hung, every shingle we nailed onto a roof. They opened their hearts and homes and made us one with them. Yes, I understand. When our time with them ended, we were all in tears. We knew we had been touched in a most profound way by people who were gracious in allowing us to enter their world.
After our week was over, it was good to have a full day's drive to our homes. That time gave us the opportunity to shift gears. School, summer work, and family were waiting for us. We were returning to our world. With us would be memories that would last a lifetime.
For some of us, that one week a year was not enough. We felt the need to volunteer more often. Volunteering can be expensive. Usually each person has to pay all expenses. The last trip my husband and I took to volunteer required a week of motel stay plus all meals and gas. We are delighted we could do that. However, the money needed is not pocket change. One has to prepare for those expenses.
So, which is best? Volunteering one or two weeks a year or making volunteering a way of life? I don't have an answer to that question. What I do know is helping others changes you. It changes the way you look at others. It removes criticism. We become less judgemental. We move outside our boundaries to see life as others live it.
Sometimes when I am sitting in my comfortable but not elegant home, I think about those folks I met years ago. I think about the lessons they taught me not with words but with actions. My life is blessed by each of them. While I miss those times, I know that my present spot in life is probably the right one for me. There will always be options in life. Each one may present a bit of what we need. It is up to us to weigh all the circumstances. If full time volunteering is not the best option for you and your family, there are many ways to have that wonderful feeling where you live. It is not the same as traveling away, but the needs are the same. People need others. We can step up and serve anywhere.
And now I am going to a funeral. There have been too many this year in our small community. This person was the father of twins who were my students. One of the twins spent an evening with us. She wanted me to read what she had written as a tribute to her father. It was a very special evening. See--that is service. When you open your heart and home, others will come. She will read that tribute today, and it will be so meaningful to the family. And my heart will be full knowing how much she loved her father.
So, serve wherever you are. You are needed. You always will be.
There are things in life that light us up like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. They fill our souls with such joy it is difficult to contain it. We want to sing in the streets, to dance with joy in the snow, to turn cart wheels--well, maybe not that one. Once we have experienced the deep feelings we have been searching for, it is difficult to return to the work-a-day world. That world seems drab and mundane. There is no desire to sing or dance. We simply do what we are assigned to do, complete tasks and go home. We know that it will be the same tomorrow.
We dream of participating in that special activity that we remember so well. Maybe we volunteered at a youth camp and felt a stirring in our hearts to stay forever. Perhaps we were part of a mission team that built a school or church. During that experience we felt the need to stay. There was more to be done, and we wanted to be part of the completion.
For years I organized mission trips to the mountains of Kentucky. The people of that area were so loving and caring. They appreciated every nail we hammered, every board we painted, every piece of drywall we hung, every shingle we nailed onto a roof. They opened their hearts and homes and made us one with them. Yes, I understand. When our time with them ended, we were all in tears. We knew we had been touched in a most profound way by people who were gracious in allowing us to enter their world.
After our week was over, it was good to have a full day's drive to our homes. That time gave us the opportunity to shift gears. School, summer work, and family were waiting for us. We were returning to our world. With us would be memories that would last a lifetime.
For some of us, that one week a year was not enough. We felt the need to volunteer more often. Volunteering can be expensive. Usually each person has to pay all expenses. The last trip my husband and I took to volunteer required a week of motel stay plus all meals and gas. We are delighted we could do that. However, the money needed is not pocket change. One has to prepare for those expenses.
So, which is best? Volunteering one or two weeks a year or making volunteering a way of life? I don't have an answer to that question. What I do know is helping others changes you. It changes the way you look at others. It removes criticism. We become less judgemental. We move outside our boundaries to see life as others live it.
Sometimes when I am sitting in my comfortable but not elegant home, I think about those folks I met years ago. I think about the lessons they taught me not with words but with actions. My life is blessed by each of them. While I miss those times, I know that my present spot in life is probably the right one for me. There will always be options in life. Each one may present a bit of what we need. It is up to us to weigh all the circumstances. If full time volunteering is not the best option for you and your family, there are many ways to have that wonderful feeling where you live. It is not the same as traveling away, but the needs are the same. People need others. We can step up and serve anywhere.
And now I am going to a funeral. There have been too many this year in our small community. This person was the father of twins who were my students. One of the twins spent an evening with us. She wanted me to read what she had written as a tribute to her father. It was a very special evening. See--that is service. When you open your heart and home, others will come. She will read that tribute today, and it will be so meaningful to the family. And my heart will be full knowing how much she loved her father.
So, serve wherever you are. You are needed. You always will be.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Ten Rules for Living
Ten Rules for Living--
In the book The Happiness Project, the author Gretchen Rubin writes about her ten rules for making decisions and setting priorities. She says these rules are ever present. Her ten rules belong to her. She decided on them after examining her life and the way in which she approaches decision making.
My son, Matthew, gave the book to me for Christmas a few years ago. It was a good gift choice. I love to read, and this book was inspiring. I read it, and then put it in the book case. A few weeks ago I saw it there. It seemed to be calling my name. So, I removed it from the shelf and sat down with a cup of coffee to review her points.
I think we all have set some priorities in how we deal with the world and the people we meet and live with. It would be my guess that we don't take the time to write them down. As I read, it became apparent to me that I should think about this and write my own priorities in a journal. Somehow the process of writing things down makes them more real. I guess that is why I never want to keep a food diary. I will "know" what I eat in a day!!
To start the process, I asked myself if I really do have rules that are important to me. It was necessary to eliminate some of the thoughts that appeared. But, as I continued to examine my own life, several appeared that were always present in my life. They are the ones that are important to me all the time. Let me share them with you.
Rule 1--Family is my priority.
Rule 2--Do the best I can in all things.
Rule 3--Be willing to change.
Rule 4--Accept challenges as a path to growth.
Rule 5--Be on time.
Rule 6--Eat no gluten.
Rule 7--Stay in touch with friends.
Rule 8--Try new things often.
Rule 9--Smile more than frown.
Rule 10-Listen well.
This is a random list. All are equally important with the exception of Rule 1 which is always Rule 1.
Do you have a list for decision making and setting priorities? My educated guess is you do. Like me, you have probably not taken the time to write the list down. Maybe now that I have shared, you will examine your own rules for living. They are part of our definition. Perhaps you will want to share with your children--young or grown. We all need to be reminded about the important things in our lives.
Ready? Grab a pen, paper and your beverage of choice. Settle into your favorite chair for reading and writing. Number the paper 1-10 or whatever your number is. Let your thoughts flow.
Enjoy the journey.
In the book The Happiness Project, the author Gretchen Rubin writes about her ten rules for making decisions and setting priorities. She says these rules are ever present. Her ten rules belong to her. She decided on them after examining her life and the way in which she approaches decision making.
My son, Matthew, gave the book to me for Christmas a few years ago. It was a good gift choice. I love to read, and this book was inspiring. I read it, and then put it in the book case. A few weeks ago I saw it there. It seemed to be calling my name. So, I removed it from the shelf and sat down with a cup of coffee to review her points.
I think we all have set some priorities in how we deal with the world and the people we meet and live with. It would be my guess that we don't take the time to write them down. As I read, it became apparent to me that I should think about this and write my own priorities in a journal. Somehow the process of writing things down makes them more real. I guess that is why I never want to keep a food diary. I will "know" what I eat in a day!!
To start the process, I asked myself if I really do have rules that are important to me. It was necessary to eliminate some of the thoughts that appeared. But, as I continued to examine my own life, several appeared that were always present in my life. They are the ones that are important to me all the time. Let me share them with you.
Rule 1--Family is my priority.
Rule 2--Do the best I can in all things.
Rule 3--Be willing to change.
Rule 4--Accept challenges as a path to growth.
Rule 5--Be on time.
Rule 6--Eat no gluten.
Rule 7--Stay in touch with friends.
Rule 8--Try new things often.
Rule 9--Smile more than frown.
Rule 10-Listen well.
This is a random list. All are equally important with the exception of Rule 1 which is always Rule 1.
Do you have a list for decision making and setting priorities? My educated guess is you do. Like me, you have probably not taken the time to write the list down. Maybe now that I have shared, you will examine your own rules for living. They are part of our definition. Perhaps you will want to share with your children--young or grown. We all need to be reminded about the important things in our lives.
Ready? Grab a pen, paper and your beverage of choice. Settle into your favorite chair for reading and writing. Number the paper 1-10 or whatever your number is. Let your thoughts flow.
Enjoy the journey.
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