What do I prioritize in my life? Is what’s most important in my life really getting the attention that it deserves? Are the things that I have been prioritizing really what is important to me? Now that we are experiencing social distancing, am I finding that my priorities might need an adjustment? At this moment some of us are figuring out how to slow down to the pace that social distancing requires, others of us are working non-stop to help support the necessary industries that work to sustain us. Both situations provide opportunities to think about what is…
What everyone is adapting to right now is larger than just us. It is not about me and my family. It’s global, it’s about the world in which we live. My head spins when I think of all the things that will be altered during this time of distancing (graduations, weddings, funerals, travel, loss of jobs, loss of businesses…). We will be forever changed by what we experience during this time. As I lead our family through social distancing, I try to be sensitive to how people react to the change. Many people will be going through a…
My father always taught my siblings and me to live within our means. Growing up we never bought anything or went anywhere unless we had the money in the bank to pay the bill. All credit card expenditures were to be paid off monthly and paying the mortgage off quickly was a high priority. My parents grew up during the Depression. Like so many, they knew firsthand what it was like to lose everything their family worked for and built. It was important for them as they rebuilt their lives to have security. I am happy that I was able…
What is it that I see around me? Do I see beauty or do I see problems? Am I observant of those in need and able to serve others? When I see people in need do I reach out a helping hand? Do I take the time to bless them with love? What is it that I see when I go out in the world every day? Am I aware of those around me or is it all about me? To one degree or another, all of us have issues to deal with daily. I am aware of my issues…
We all need rest in our lives. The length and type of rest we need may be different for all, but the fact remains that rest is our time to rejuvenate. Our bodies tell us when rest is needed, the question is whether or not we listen. I learned the hard way that I must set boundaries for myself, particularly when it comes to rest. It became clear to me that I need a minimum of 5 hours of sleep to function at a level that I desire. That would be the minimum hours of rest, of course, I always…
I have found that grace is a valuable component of my “toolbox.” When shown grace, it allows one to learn from mistakes, it helps one to get through tough times, and it is a cushion for when one acts out of character. When one gives grace, it provides someone an opportunity to succeed. I am fully aware that at any moment it might be me who needs someone to show me grace. My late husband showed me grace and it was one of my most memorable moments in terms of the simplicity of the action and the potential of disaster…
When I stop relying on myself, my friends, and my family; when I let go of control and rely on my faith in Jesus, all things seem to fall into place. It is very difficult to put my wishes aside and trust that the path that presents itself to me will eventually lead me to more than I could have dreamed for myself and my family. It is challenging to walk down a path that is unfamiliar and one that I think could not possibly be right for me. To accept the challenges that are presented to me and to…
At various times in my life, I have encountered people who tell me they are not allowed to show feelings, they don’t know how to show feelings or they believe they can’t show their feelings, particularly when it comes to love. Maybe when it comes to love, the issue is not simply based on feeling, but on how one defines love. One can show love in every aspect of life. Love can be tough love, gentle love, endearing love, romantic love, caring love, protective love, etc. It can also be shown by simply being alert and aware of…
I definitely have love in my heart for all, but I work at loving equally, without reservation. Loving everyone, family, friends, and strangers alike, is something that I continually strive to attain. All we need… is a decision to love. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela Having compassion towards others, displaying acts of kindness…
My daughter asked me recently if I failed often as a child. My immediate answer was, “Repeatedly, and I continue to face failure regularly as an adult.” I have never given much thought to failure because to me it is a stepping stone to my next success. In fact, I rarely think in terms of failure. I tend to quickly analyze my mistakes or misfortune and continue trying to reach my goal. When there are no more opportunities to meet the goal, I rework my goal. I don’t spend time worrying about my failures, however, I do learn from…