Wednesday's Word--
Well, Wednesday's word simply didn't happen. I must apologize to you, dear readers. The day got away from me with all the last minute preparations.
Christmas Day is now in my memory bank. It was full to overflowing with special moments. I am sure that you had the same experience. I do have a few thoughts about Wednesday that I would like to share with you.
Actually, let me start with Christmas Eve night. We attended a Christmas Eve service at our church. Many people were already seated when we arrived. Music was playing. The tree was ablaze with lights. Candles marked the ends of all pews. It was lovely. The message was timely with Cool and the Gang's song "Celebrate" adding to the festive message. People clapped, sang along and some stood up and danced. Yes, we should celebrate our faith, shouldn't we? It is such a wonderful gift.
Wednesday was spent with the family. We have an annual treasure hunt for the grandchildren. This one was pretty cool. Then packages were opened and finally food was eaten. We were all starving by the time we got around to filling our plates.
The rest of the day and evening was spent sharing times with the family. The grandchildren love to cook so we spent time preparing new dishes. It would be boring for you to hear all of the things we did as you have some of the same experiences. Suffice it to say, it was a lovely day.
Some final thoughts--
We are almost at the beginning of a new year. This new year is a clean slate. We can make of it whatever we want. We can heal old wounds. We can begin something new and exciting. We can tell those we love that we love them. On a daily basis. We can cease being afraid of what others think. Honestly, we are only a fleeting thought in their minds, anyway! We can tell ourselves that we are priceless creations. There will never be another one of us. Isn't that amazing? We can stop beating ourselves up over our failures. The good thing about failures is that we tried. We can refuse to allow fear to direct our actions. We can step into the sunshine of God's love and rejoice.
Yep, there will be times in this coming year when the going may get a little tough. During those times, we can share our challenges with others and allow them to walk with us. Our families and friends are our rocks when we need a solid base. Asking and sharing is sometimes tough. We are used to making sure others have the help they need. When we need help, it is difficult. But, what good are one way relationships?
Once again--thank you for reading my attempts at writing. Would you please share my blog site with your friends and family? I have no idea how to increase the readership. I would certainly appreciate it!
Will be taking a couple of days off to think and observe life. Need to recharge myself before I attempt to share anything new with each of you. So, see you in a bit!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tuesday's Word Revisited--
Tuesday's Word Revisited--
Well, looks like I need to make a different word selection! Anticipation has come and gone!:)
How about miracle? I like that word. Miracle. We can work with that!!
Sorry about selecting the same word twice. Guess I am really anticipating good things!
Nite
Well, looks like I need to make a different word selection! Anticipation has come and gone!:)
How about miracle? I like that word. Miracle. We can work with that!!
Sorry about selecting the same word twice. Guess I am really anticipating good things!
Nite
Monday, December 23, 2013
Tuesday's Word--
Tuesday's Word--
Early this morning I faced the cold and went shopping. Yes, it was so very cold. But there were things to do and a little shopping left. So, pulling on my warm coat and gloves, out the door I went in search of treasure.
The first stop was at my favorite garden shop. My hand was reaching for the door when all of a sudden it swung open. One of the women who works there saw me coming and opened the door for me. Feeling like a queen, I twirled into the shop. The twirling was followed by laughter as other clerks saw the grand entrance. It only got better. I shopped and found exactly what I was looking for. I usually do in this particular business. The owner even adjusted a very large box to fit one of my purchases. What a lovely thing to do. Another customer was paying for his purchases as I approached the counter. I don't remember exactly how it happened, but I suggested he sing happy birthday to me. He burst into song! A total stranger in a business sang happy birthday to me. What absolute fun. He said his mother's birthday is Christmas Day. And then others shared family holiday birthdays. As he passed me on the way out the door, he touched my shoulder and wished me a happy birthday again. Did I feel included in the joy of the moment? You bet I did.
During one of my stops, a former student saw me and came over to say hello and wish me a happy birthday. She is an absolute joy. Without her this blog never would have materialized. She and I had a wonderful visit. She is a mommy of two, and I just know she is a great mommy. From where I was sitting, I would never have seen her. She saw me and included me in her day. It was such a joy to spend a little time visiting with her. Another "being included" moment.
A good friend stopped by. She brought delicious homemade cookies. They were fabulous! And she also brought a happy birthday gift. The best part was the visit. She is a gift I give myself. We always find things to talk about. Even though she is a very busy person, she took the time to come see me today. I felt included in her life. She certainly didn't have to take time away from her day, but she did.
Many wishes came via the internet along with cards. With a push of a key people wished me a happy birthday. I appreciate the effort they took to send a message. I loved having each of them included in my day.
Dinner with my family capped the day. All day I felt included in the rich flow of life. It was a wonderful feeling.
At some point a thought ran through my mind about inclusion. I wondered if there were people watching the fun of my day wishing it was their experience. I have had that feeling. There have been times in my life when I felt left out. When I wished someone would notice me. Times when I would give almost anything to be included in a group or event. I well remember the hurt feeling, the sick feeling in my stomach. Those moments of despair are good teachable moments. From those moments we can learn to make sure others never feel left out. We can offer ourselves to those who might be on the fringe. Not out of pity, but out of the knowledge that everyone has a place. Everyone has a belonging.
Sometimes we simply forget to reach out. It is not intentional. It just happens. But, it doesn't have to happen often.
During holiday times many people feel alone. Even those who are surrounded by family and friends. The hype that accompanies the holidays shows people together at parties having fun, people engaging in conversation, people shopping together, laughing together. But the truth is for most of us the holidays are not filled with multiple parties and events. If we get caught up in what the the media says we should be doing, we will become even more miserable. We will feel completely left out.
I think the thing we need to do is strike a healthy balance. We can do that by inviting friends for dinner or coffee. we can do that by spending time with our families. We can do that by spending time alone reflecting on what we need in our lives to feel secure in our relationships. We can talk to a stranger while waiting in a line. We can move ourselves into the world and reap the benefits of the joy it brings us. An example of this happened tonight.
After the family dinner, we went to a store to pick up a few last minute items. We found a line that was a little less than a mile long and entered it. In front of us was a man in a motorized wheel chair. He was a bit elderly. The woman in front of him paid her bill and left the shopping cart right in front of him. I saw he was struggling to move the cart so I walked in front of him and pushed it away. He was very pleased that someone noticed his need. Then I told him I would help unload his cart. When he finished his purchases, he turned around to me, smiled and said thank you. The clerk smiled at me, too. Such a simple thing to do. Took no effort at all. I relate this to say he felt included in a moment of friendship. So did I.
We are here. It will be Christmas when I write the next blog. I have enjoyed the exercise of writing about a word, and what it might mean. I realize I have only touched the surface of the meanings. But, at least it is a start. Maybe something you read started a thought within you. That would be great!
I am struggling with the next word. Maybe anticipation. That speaks to me on many levels. I think that might be it. Anticipation.
I anticipate a lovely day tomorrow as we prepare for Christmas Day. And I anticipate sharing my experiences with you, my friends.
Early this morning I faced the cold and went shopping. Yes, it was so very cold. But there were things to do and a little shopping left. So, pulling on my warm coat and gloves, out the door I went in search of treasure.
The first stop was at my favorite garden shop. My hand was reaching for the door when all of a sudden it swung open. One of the women who works there saw me coming and opened the door for me. Feeling like a queen, I twirled into the shop. The twirling was followed by laughter as other clerks saw the grand entrance. It only got better. I shopped and found exactly what I was looking for. I usually do in this particular business. The owner even adjusted a very large box to fit one of my purchases. What a lovely thing to do. Another customer was paying for his purchases as I approached the counter. I don't remember exactly how it happened, but I suggested he sing happy birthday to me. He burst into song! A total stranger in a business sang happy birthday to me. What absolute fun. He said his mother's birthday is Christmas Day. And then others shared family holiday birthdays. As he passed me on the way out the door, he touched my shoulder and wished me a happy birthday again. Did I feel included in the joy of the moment? You bet I did.
During one of my stops, a former student saw me and came over to say hello and wish me a happy birthday. She is an absolute joy. Without her this blog never would have materialized. She and I had a wonderful visit. She is a mommy of two, and I just know she is a great mommy. From where I was sitting, I would never have seen her. She saw me and included me in her day. It was such a joy to spend a little time visiting with her. Another "being included" moment.
A good friend stopped by. She brought delicious homemade cookies. They were fabulous! And she also brought a happy birthday gift. The best part was the visit. She is a gift I give myself. We always find things to talk about. Even though she is a very busy person, she took the time to come see me today. I felt included in her life. She certainly didn't have to take time away from her day, but she did.
Many wishes came via the internet along with cards. With a push of a key people wished me a happy birthday. I appreciate the effort they took to send a message. I loved having each of them included in my day.
Dinner with my family capped the day. All day I felt included in the rich flow of life. It was a wonderful feeling.
At some point a thought ran through my mind about inclusion. I wondered if there were people watching the fun of my day wishing it was their experience. I have had that feeling. There have been times in my life when I felt left out. When I wished someone would notice me. Times when I would give almost anything to be included in a group or event. I well remember the hurt feeling, the sick feeling in my stomach. Those moments of despair are good teachable moments. From those moments we can learn to make sure others never feel left out. We can offer ourselves to those who might be on the fringe. Not out of pity, but out of the knowledge that everyone has a place. Everyone has a belonging.
Sometimes we simply forget to reach out. It is not intentional. It just happens. But, it doesn't have to happen often.
During holiday times many people feel alone. Even those who are surrounded by family and friends. The hype that accompanies the holidays shows people together at parties having fun, people engaging in conversation, people shopping together, laughing together. But the truth is for most of us the holidays are not filled with multiple parties and events. If we get caught up in what the the media says we should be doing, we will become even more miserable. We will feel completely left out.
I think the thing we need to do is strike a healthy balance. We can do that by inviting friends for dinner or coffee. we can do that by spending time with our families. We can do that by spending time alone reflecting on what we need in our lives to feel secure in our relationships. We can talk to a stranger while waiting in a line. We can move ourselves into the world and reap the benefits of the joy it brings us. An example of this happened tonight.
After the family dinner, we went to a store to pick up a few last minute items. We found a line that was a little less than a mile long and entered it. In front of us was a man in a motorized wheel chair. He was a bit elderly. The woman in front of him paid her bill and left the shopping cart right in front of him. I saw he was struggling to move the cart so I walked in front of him and pushed it away. He was very pleased that someone noticed his need. Then I told him I would help unload his cart. When he finished his purchases, he turned around to me, smiled and said thank you. The clerk smiled at me, too. Such a simple thing to do. Took no effort at all. I relate this to say he felt included in a moment of friendship. So did I.
We are here. It will be Christmas when I write the next blog. I have enjoyed the exercise of writing about a word, and what it might mean. I realize I have only touched the surface of the meanings. But, at least it is a start. Maybe something you read started a thought within you. That would be great!
I am struggling with the next word. Maybe anticipation. That speaks to me on many levels. I think that might be it. Anticipation.
I anticipate a lovely day tomorrow as we prepare for Christmas Day. And I anticipate sharing my experiences with you, my friends.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Monday's Word--
Monday's Word--
Peace--a sense of well being. A calm in all storms. What everyone wants. No war or fighting. These are just a few of the many meanings of the word peace.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if no wars existed on the planet? A place where no children witnessed the horror of war? A place where people put the good of others before their own good? A place that loved peace? Where people worked diligently to make sure everyone lived free of fear? A place where no one was ever hungry?
That would be like heaven on earth. Naturally, there would be disagreements. But disagreements do not have to end in war. They can end peacefully with all sides getting part of what they want. That is called compromise. What a lovely word. The absense of war would be a beautiful thing. We must keep working toward that goal.
When illness stares us in the face, we experience inner turmoil. So many questions. So many decisions. So much coming at us very quickly. Hardly any time to really think. Finding peace in life challenges can be a difficult thing. The people I have known who live through these hard times have found peace through their faith. This doesn't mean they believe everything will be ok because they believe a certain way. It means they have an extra dose of calm as they walk these challenging journeys. Their faith gives them the strength to move through whatever the illness throws at them no matter what the end result may be.
I guess you could say it means being in the midst of noise and trouble yet being calm in your heart. That takes practice. If we can learn to stay calm, we allow ourselves to think clearly. We buy ourselves a little time to think through challenges. We are better able to problem solve. We are secure in the knowledge that we made the best decisions we could with the information we had. Sometimes life hurts. It is during those times that we need the sweet calm within our spirits.
Perhaps we should think about it this way. It is essential to be peaceful within ourselves before we spread peace to others. People sense our unrest, our lack of harmony with the world. They see our struggles. Wouldn't it be a wonderful witness to a peaceful life if others saw us dealing with challenges yet refusing to be angry or resentful?
I think I have much to learn about being a peaceful person in a world with so much struggle and strife. But, if peace begins with me, then what a fantastic opportunity I have to deal fairly and honestly with others.
It was a lovely day. A peaceful day. I am grateful for every one of those days I have!
Well, only a couple of days left before the big one. Time to think about the word for tomorrow. Inclusion might be a good choice. I think that will be it. Let's think on this word together.
Blessings and peace are wished for you!
Peace--a sense of well being. A calm in all storms. What everyone wants. No war or fighting. These are just a few of the many meanings of the word peace.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if no wars existed on the planet? A place where no children witnessed the horror of war? A place where people put the good of others before their own good? A place that loved peace? Where people worked diligently to make sure everyone lived free of fear? A place where no one was ever hungry?
That would be like heaven on earth. Naturally, there would be disagreements. But disagreements do not have to end in war. They can end peacefully with all sides getting part of what they want. That is called compromise. What a lovely word. The absense of war would be a beautiful thing. We must keep working toward that goal.
When illness stares us in the face, we experience inner turmoil. So many questions. So many decisions. So much coming at us very quickly. Hardly any time to really think. Finding peace in life challenges can be a difficult thing. The people I have known who live through these hard times have found peace through their faith. This doesn't mean they believe everything will be ok because they believe a certain way. It means they have an extra dose of calm as they walk these challenging journeys. Their faith gives them the strength to move through whatever the illness throws at them no matter what the end result may be.
I guess you could say it means being in the midst of noise and trouble yet being calm in your heart. That takes practice. If we can learn to stay calm, we allow ourselves to think clearly. We buy ourselves a little time to think through challenges. We are better able to problem solve. We are secure in the knowledge that we made the best decisions we could with the information we had. Sometimes life hurts. It is during those times that we need the sweet calm within our spirits.
Perhaps we should think about it this way. It is essential to be peaceful within ourselves before we spread peace to others. People sense our unrest, our lack of harmony with the world. They see our struggles. Wouldn't it be a wonderful witness to a peaceful life if others saw us dealing with challenges yet refusing to be angry or resentful?
I think I have much to learn about being a peaceful person in a world with so much struggle and strife. But, if peace begins with me, then what a fantastic opportunity I have to deal fairly and honestly with others.
It was a lovely day. A peaceful day. I am grateful for every one of those days I have!
Well, only a couple of days left before the big one. Time to think about the word for tomorrow. Inclusion might be a good choice. I think that will be it. Let's think on this word together.
Blessings and peace are wished for you!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Sunday's Word--
Sunday's Word--
We are quickly closing in on Christmas Day. Only a few more words before this blog is over. It has been fun thinking of words that all of us experience.
There was ice on the roads this morning. Our driveway was a sheet of ice until late afternoon when it began to rain. Falling temperatures tonight make ice on the driveway a sure thing in the morning. It is winter. However, it would be greatly appreciated if the bad weather moved out into the ocean for the holidays.
The word for today was sharing. Where to begin with that word!
Today I saw pictures on Facebook of decorated Christmas cookies. My! They were beautiful. Family and friends will certainly enjoy them. I appreciate her sharing her handiwork with all of us who are less gifted in the kitchen. Others have been sharing hats and scarves they have knitted. They are lovely. So colorful. One would make a fashion statement if seen wearing one or both of those creations.
Sharing positive words and pictures is another way people connect with one another. Again, Facebook seems to be the place where many people make their statement about things that are important to them. Whether I agree or disagree is not the point. The point, from where I sit, is that they have a view about something important to them. Others respond, and the world goes on.
We share when we take the time to meet and visit. I did this with a friend yesterday. We met and had a wonderful conversation. We have been friends for many years. It is always a joy to spend time sharing what is happening in our lives. I bet you do this, too. While writing is a fast way to connect with many people, there is nothing like sitting over a cup of coffee visiting.
Today was a good day to wrap packages at my house. The two of us shared memories of past Christmas mornings. We fussed over which paper to use for each person. We rewrapped when the first job was not up to par. We made decisions about the treasure hunt that will happen on Christmas Day. It was a day full of sharing. We managed to spend most of the day indoors together without someone getting their nose out of joint!:) That is amazing.
I received the most beautiful card from a friend today. She touched my heart with her thoughtfulness. She wanted to share how much our friendship means to her. She is new to the area. I remember how that felt. When we moved here, I knew no one. It is a lonely feeling to be in a place of strangers. Reaching out to help was the right thing to do. From that I was gifted with a new friend. Isn't that wonderful! If you have the opportunity to help a person new to this area, please take the time to do that. You will be throwing them a lifeline.
If the roads clear, I will take a small gift to a woman who is 100 years old. I met her this summer. Her circle of friends has tightened. Not many people live to be 100. She is a delight. I want to be sure and visit her before Christmas Day. Maybe I will try to make a batch of those Christmas cookies. Ok. I probably won't. But, there are nice ones at the bakery!!:)
We have opportunities every day to share our lives, our faith, our love with others. We can decide to engage in conversation with others, or we can back away from conversation. We can tell others how much they mean to us, or we can assume they know. So many decisions about what our life will be and how it will look.
It has been my pleasure to share a few minutes about my day with you. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But, I do know that this day won't come again. Tomorrow I receive a new day. I am anxious to see who will share it with me.
Sunday's word--How about peace. What does that word bring to your mind?
Blessings.
We are quickly closing in on Christmas Day. Only a few more words before this blog is over. It has been fun thinking of words that all of us experience.
There was ice on the roads this morning. Our driveway was a sheet of ice until late afternoon when it began to rain. Falling temperatures tonight make ice on the driveway a sure thing in the morning. It is winter. However, it would be greatly appreciated if the bad weather moved out into the ocean for the holidays.
The word for today was sharing. Where to begin with that word!
Today I saw pictures on Facebook of decorated Christmas cookies. My! They were beautiful. Family and friends will certainly enjoy them. I appreciate her sharing her handiwork with all of us who are less gifted in the kitchen. Others have been sharing hats and scarves they have knitted. They are lovely. So colorful. One would make a fashion statement if seen wearing one or both of those creations.
Sharing positive words and pictures is another way people connect with one another. Again, Facebook seems to be the place where many people make their statement about things that are important to them. Whether I agree or disagree is not the point. The point, from where I sit, is that they have a view about something important to them. Others respond, and the world goes on.
We share when we take the time to meet and visit. I did this with a friend yesterday. We met and had a wonderful conversation. We have been friends for many years. It is always a joy to spend time sharing what is happening in our lives. I bet you do this, too. While writing is a fast way to connect with many people, there is nothing like sitting over a cup of coffee visiting.
Today was a good day to wrap packages at my house. The two of us shared memories of past Christmas mornings. We fussed over which paper to use for each person. We rewrapped when the first job was not up to par. We made decisions about the treasure hunt that will happen on Christmas Day. It was a day full of sharing. We managed to spend most of the day indoors together without someone getting their nose out of joint!:) That is amazing.
I received the most beautiful card from a friend today. She touched my heart with her thoughtfulness. She wanted to share how much our friendship means to her. She is new to the area. I remember how that felt. When we moved here, I knew no one. It is a lonely feeling to be in a place of strangers. Reaching out to help was the right thing to do. From that I was gifted with a new friend. Isn't that wonderful! If you have the opportunity to help a person new to this area, please take the time to do that. You will be throwing them a lifeline.
If the roads clear, I will take a small gift to a woman who is 100 years old. I met her this summer. Her circle of friends has tightened. Not many people live to be 100. She is a delight. I want to be sure and visit her before Christmas Day. Maybe I will try to make a batch of those Christmas cookies. Ok. I probably won't. But, there are nice ones at the bakery!!:)
We have opportunities every day to share our lives, our faith, our love with others. We can decide to engage in conversation with others, or we can back away from conversation. We can tell others how much they mean to us, or we can assume they know. So many decisions about what our life will be and how it will look.
It has been my pleasure to share a few minutes about my day with you. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But, I do know that this day won't come again. Tomorrow I receive a new day. I am anxious to see who will share it with me.
Sunday's word--How about peace. What does that word bring to your mind?
Blessings.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Saturday's Word--
Saturday's Word--
"Are you nuts? Rest during this season?" That is what I imagine you said when you read the word for today. And, I think you might be right!
Today a friend told me she was so tired and would be glad when the holiday is over. She needs rest. Rest for her body and mind. And let's not forget the pocketbook. That little thing takes a beating during this season. At least mine does.
Another friend told me about standing in line at a store to pay for her purchases. She said the woman in front of her was really crabby. She said the woman was not being very nice or understanding to the clerk who was doing the best she could. She said she smiled at her and tried to be cheerful. It didn't work. When the transaction was finished, and it was my friend's turn, she said the clerk walked from behind the counter and thanked her for trying to cheer the woman up. My guess is she was worn to a frazzle. I am not sure what a frazzle is, but I don't think it is a good thing. She was probably tired of standing in lines, trying to find something for people, feeling trapped into living outside her comfort zone. I would guess she needs rest.
I had a delightful experience in a store today. An employee approached me and offered to show me all the sales items. The store was packed. Yet, she took the time to help me locate items of interest to me. She was friendly and fun. She seemed rested. I loved the time we spent together. She had a cheerful disposition. In those few shared minutes she made a positive impression on me. I hope our paths cross again.
What makes one person crabby and another cheerful? Does rest play a role in the difference? Maybe. I would like to think so. However, it seems some folks are just plain cranky by nature. Those cranky people can be pretty funny without intending to be. But, a little of them goes a long, long way. Even rested, they are frightful. We all can be cranky at times. Most of us regain our positive dispositions after a good night's rest. How miserable to live in "cranky skin." Miserable for everyone.
When we rest, we give our bodies and minds time to recover from the day. We give ourselves time to relax. That relaxation helps us face the new whatevers that come our way. Without it, we walk on edge. And God help anyone who crosses us. Our eyes get squinty, our voice a tad bit shrill and our bodies rigid. That paints a great picture, right?
It has been my experience that after resting, I think more clearly. Maybe I went to bed having a conversation with myself about something bothersome. When I wake, often new ideas floor my mind. It's as if I turned loose of the challenge, and once I gave it over, a solution appeared. Kinda out of the blue. Or was it? It could be that once I stopped dwelling on the issues, my mind cleared. New thoughts came. New possibilities appeared. A God thing? Could be.
Rest helps keep the wrinkles away, Ladies. When we are tense, our faces show it first. I really dislike that. Why can't the wrinkles appear on my wrist? Or my thigh? Heaven knows there is much more room there than on the face!:) But, no. Our faces show our lack of rest. Our eyes look droopy. Our mouth tenses. Lines appear between our brows. How lovely. Seems to me we need to give some thought to rest just to keep ourselves presentable!
We all know that rest is essential to our well being. This season will pass. On the morning of the 26th the world will sigh a collective sigh. We made it through another holiday season. Only 364 days utiil the next one. Rest a bit on that day, and then hit those sales!!
Rest. All of you. Everyone will like you much better if you are rested and nice!!:)
Ok. Time for the next word. Let's go with sharing. I am sharing with you that I am tired. I need rest. Think it is time to head to bed. And while I am sleeping, sharing will roll around in my brain. I fully expect to awaken tomorrow with great insight into sharing!
Take good care.
"Are you nuts? Rest during this season?" That is what I imagine you said when you read the word for today. And, I think you might be right!
Today a friend told me she was so tired and would be glad when the holiday is over. She needs rest. Rest for her body and mind. And let's not forget the pocketbook. That little thing takes a beating during this season. At least mine does.
Another friend told me about standing in line at a store to pay for her purchases. She said the woman in front of her was really crabby. She said the woman was not being very nice or understanding to the clerk who was doing the best she could. She said she smiled at her and tried to be cheerful. It didn't work. When the transaction was finished, and it was my friend's turn, she said the clerk walked from behind the counter and thanked her for trying to cheer the woman up. My guess is she was worn to a frazzle. I am not sure what a frazzle is, but I don't think it is a good thing. She was probably tired of standing in lines, trying to find something for people, feeling trapped into living outside her comfort zone. I would guess she needs rest.
I had a delightful experience in a store today. An employee approached me and offered to show me all the sales items. The store was packed. Yet, she took the time to help me locate items of interest to me. She was friendly and fun. She seemed rested. I loved the time we spent together. She had a cheerful disposition. In those few shared minutes she made a positive impression on me. I hope our paths cross again.
What makes one person crabby and another cheerful? Does rest play a role in the difference? Maybe. I would like to think so. However, it seems some folks are just plain cranky by nature. Those cranky people can be pretty funny without intending to be. But, a little of them goes a long, long way. Even rested, they are frightful. We all can be cranky at times. Most of us regain our positive dispositions after a good night's rest. How miserable to live in "cranky skin." Miserable for everyone.
When we rest, we give our bodies and minds time to recover from the day. We give ourselves time to relax. That relaxation helps us face the new whatevers that come our way. Without it, we walk on edge. And God help anyone who crosses us. Our eyes get squinty, our voice a tad bit shrill and our bodies rigid. That paints a great picture, right?
It has been my experience that after resting, I think more clearly. Maybe I went to bed having a conversation with myself about something bothersome. When I wake, often new ideas floor my mind. It's as if I turned loose of the challenge, and once I gave it over, a solution appeared. Kinda out of the blue. Or was it? It could be that once I stopped dwelling on the issues, my mind cleared. New thoughts came. New possibilities appeared. A God thing? Could be.
Rest helps keep the wrinkles away, Ladies. When we are tense, our faces show it first. I really dislike that. Why can't the wrinkles appear on my wrist? Or my thigh? Heaven knows there is much more room there than on the face!:) But, no. Our faces show our lack of rest. Our eyes look droopy. Our mouth tenses. Lines appear between our brows. How lovely. Seems to me we need to give some thought to rest just to keep ourselves presentable!
We all know that rest is essential to our well being. This season will pass. On the morning of the 26th the world will sigh a collective sigh. We made it through another holiday season. Only 364 days utiil the next one. Rest a bit on that day, and then hit those sales!!
Rest. All of you. Everyone will like you much better if you are rested and nice!!:)
Ok. Time for the next word. Let's go with sharing. I am sharing with you that I am tired. I need rest. Think it is time to head to bed. And while I am sleeping, sharing will roll around in my brain. I fully expect to awaken tomorrow with great insight into sharing!
Take good care.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Friday's Word--
Friday's Word--
One of the joys of this season is giving. Folks are out and about searching for that perfect gift for special people. Packages are beautifully wrapped. And when the time is just right, those packages are given away. The receiver experiences excitement and fun at receiving a gift. The giver experiences a warm heart knowing that what they selected was perfect. It is a win/win.
Presents are one way we give to others. Home baked cookies are another! Who doesn't enjoy a plate of warm cookies fresh from the oven? When we think of this season, we think of sharing food. We don't give plain old cookies. No, we decorate them with sprinkles and icing. We cut them in Christmas shapes. We spend time making them beautiful to see and eat. In our family we prepare special foods just for this holiday. Everyone looks forward to dinner around a table. Good food, fun conversation, loving family. Yes, food plays a large part in this season.
We give of our talents, too. We sing in church choirs, help with communion, read scripture, sing carols. Gifts and talents include a friendly spirit, a warm handshake, a hug. We all have gifts and talents. When we give of oursleves through them, others feel welcomed and loved. We volunteer to visit nursing homes or ring bells outside businesses. We take dinner to those who need to be remembered. Our talents are very apparent during Christmas.
Christmas cards appear in mailboxes. These cards are one way others give to us. They share their year with us through the gift of a card. It takes time to write a letter or a note. When we share their lives through their words, we are given the gift of friendship. Often I keep the letters and cards to reread after the crazy of the season has passed. They remind me of the lovely people who grace my life.
All of the above are wonderful ways to give to others. Of course we realize that by giving to others, we are also giving to ourselves. Giving is a way to fill the empty spot that resides deep within us. The simple act of thinking of another's needs moves us to a new and precious spot. For that moment our wants take a back seat as we care for another. A perfect example of this is when storms take away homes. People give and give and give. There is little or no thought to personal needs. Then there are those who are lonely this season. When someone we loved so deeply and dearly dies, the emptiness overwhelms. The sense of loss is almost touchable. Sometimes we feel there is nothing we can do to encourage people who are experiencing such grief. But there is. Keep reading.
The one gift I have not mentioned yet is probably the most precious gift of all. It is the gift of time.
How often have I thought about giving the gift of time but didn't. What were my reasons? When I remove all the layers of reasons, I am left with something quite simple. This something is I didn't want to give of myself. It is much easier to write a check or send a card. An email is a caring thing to do, but it does not require much of me. I suspect you are in the same boat with me. We desire to help. We do care, but we want our caring to be from afar. Our time is already limited. At least we think it is.
My question to all of us is this: How much time does it take to visit someone once a month? How much time does it take to make a call to a shut-in? You know the answer as well as I do. While time is certainly part of the picture, it isn't the whole picture. I think we would change our thinking about this if we could see into the heart of someone who was so grateful for our visit--our gift of time.
Giving makes us better people. We give because our Creator gave. Each of us decides when and how much to give. That includes time, talents, gifts. Striking a balance that works in our lives is a bit tricky but certainly worth considering. Maybe we can make it a family event. A once a month event. We know how important it is for us to give. It helps our mental health and our spiritual health. Our children see our example and follow in our footsteps as they grow. Not much better than that!
What shall we think about tomorrow? How about rest? Rest has many definitions. And now I am going off to bed to do just that! Talk soon.
One of the joys of this season is giving. Folks are out and about searching for that perfect gift for special people. Packages are beautifully wrapped. And when the time is just right, those packages are given away. The receiver experiences excitement and fun at receiving a gift. The giver experiences a warm heart knowing that what they selected was perfect. It is a win/win.
Presents are one way we give to others. Home baked cookies are another! Who doesn't enjoy a plate of warm cookies fresh from the oven? When we think of this season, we think of sharing food. We don't give plain old cookies. No, we decorate them with sprinkles and icing. We cut them in Christmas shapes. We spend time making them beautiful to see and eat. In our family we prepare special foods just for this holiday. Everyone looks forward to dinner around a table. Good food, fun conversation, loving family. Yes, food plays a large part in this season.
We give of our talents, too. We sing in church choirs, help with communion, read scripture, sing carols. Gifts and talents include a friendly spirit, a warm handshake, a hug. We all have gifts and talents. When we give of oursleves through them, others feel welcomed and loved. We volunteer to visit nursing homes or ring bells outside businesses. We take dinner to those who need to be remembered. Our talents are very apparent during Christmas.
Christmas cards appear in mailboxes. These cards are one way others give to us. They share their year with us through the gift of a card. It takes time to write a letter or a note. When we share their lives through their words, we are given the gift of friendship. Often I keep the letters and cards to reread after the crazy of the season has passed. They remind me of the lovely people who grace my life.
All of the above are wonderful ways to give to others. Of course we realize that by giving to others, we are also giving to ourselves. Giving is a way to fill the empty spot that resides deep within us. The simple act of thinking of another's needs moves us to a new and precious spot. For that moment our wants take a back seat as we care for another. A perfect example of this is when storms take away homes. People give and give and give. There is little or no thought to personal needs. Then there are those who are lonely this season. When someone we loved so deeply and dearly dies, the emptiness overwhelms. The sense of loss is almost touchable. Sometimes we feel there is nothing we can do to encourage people who are experiencing such grief. But there is. Keep reading.
The one gift I have not mentioned yet is probably the most precious gift of all. It is the gift of time.
How often have I thought about giving the gift of time but didn't. What were my reasons? When I remove all the layers of reasons, I am left with something quite simple. This something is I didn't want to give of myself. It is much easier to write a check or send a card. An email is a caring thing to do, but it does not require much of me. I suspect you are in the same boat with me. We desire to help. We do care, but we want our caring to be from afar. Our time is already limited. At least we think it is.
My question to all of us is this: How much time does it take to visit someone once a month? How much time does it take to make a call to a shut-in? You know the answer as well as I do. While time is certainly part of the picture, it isn't the whole picture. I think we would change our thinking about this if we could see into the heart of someone who was so grateful for our visit--our gift of time.
Giving makes us better people. We give because our Creator gave. Each of us decides when and how much to give. That includes time, talents, gifts. Striking a balance that works in our lives is a bit tricky but certainly worth considering. Maybe we can make it a family event. A once a month event. We know how important it is for us to give. It helps our mental health and our spiritual health. Our children see our example and follow in our footsteps as they grow. Not much better than that!
What shall we think about tomorrow? How about rest? Rest has many definitions. And now I am going off to bed to do just that! Talk soon.
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