Letting go of control to walk in faith is not as easy as it sounds. It means that I might have to choose a different path than the one I thought was right for me. Sometimes I don’t like the direction my path is leading, but I stay the course because I choose to walk in faith. I find that people, events, and opportunities point me in the direction of my path. As I walk the path, various confirmations or clues that unfold help me decide if the path is the correct course. I pray for direction and guidance…
Compassion is something that comes naturally to some people, but most of us have to cultivate this quality. Showing concern for others, listening to others, and being there for someone in need, are all ways one can show compassion to others. Showing Concern For Others As I walk into a room filled with hundreds of people, my eyes go to people who are not surrounded by crowds and laughter. I see people that are alone. I see the opportunity to make people feel more comfortable in their surroundings. It is nice to be part of the in-crowd, but often…
Although I have had moments of feeling anxious or at risk, for most of my life I have felt safe. I have not been exposed to weeks, months, or years of feeling unsafe. I have been witness to those who have been in long-term environments where safety was an issue and for most, it has been their faith that gets them through each day. I have inadvertently put myself in situations where I should have felt unsafe, but prayers and my faith provided a feeling or sense that someone had my back. I did not go into these situations…
Forgiveness is something that seems so simple, so easy to say, yet so complex and deeply rooted in my level of happiness and ability to enjoy my everyday life. How do I feel and act after I say sorry? Forgiveness brings me relief and allows me to live my life more freely. Even if a person doesn’t accept my apology, I know that I have opened up the line of communication and provided an opportunity to mend the “broken fence.” There have been times when I know something went wrong with a friendship, but I have no idea what…
Integrity is something that I strive for every day, although I do not always hit the mark, it is always my intention. Having strong moral principles, being honest, and working with people undivided as one, are all things that take work or effort to display on an ongoing basis. When I am struggling with my integrity or feeling out of sorts about how I am acting or how I am responding, I rely on my faith to guide me in the right direction. I pray for direction on how to respond or react to the situation at hand. If I…
I have been thinking about how I act and feel when I am functioning out of my routine. One could say that my routine over the last few weeks has been ever-changing. I believe that it helps that I am addicted to change, but when my routine changes daily, it does create a level of chaos. The question is how well do I function at a constant level of uncertainty? It is my choice to work in an area full of uncertainty. What helps is that I create a routine that provides allowances for the unknown. I work my…
Recently I have found myself wondering how important possessions are to me. I know that various items hold different levels of significance in my life. I think about all the items in my house and wonder what would I really miss. Although I am not sure of the answer to those questions, I feel content with believing I could leave most of my possessions behind if necessary. I believe after my faith, people are the most important to me, my family, friends, and people in general. As those thoughts enter my head I look around my house and think, is…
As much as I love change and the energy it brings me, I am equally as grateful for those who are able to thrive on consistency and repetition. Although I prefer a healthy amount of change in my life I have great respect for all that consistency offers. In management, I value both those who are energized by change and those who thrive on consistency and repetition. Problem-solving is a major part of many positions and I want people on my team that enjoy the thrill of solving problem after problem. But I also want team members who are…
For me, even the thought of change sends energy through my veins. Where some are paralyzed by it, I thrive on change. As a result of my boss’ retirement, I find myself soon to be transitioning jobs. As I approach this change I wonder if my next endeavor will allow me the opportunity to again experience renewed energy. Amidst all the chaos, I start to feel the energy building as new opportunities arise. I had almost forgotten how much I love change until the energy again exposed itself to me. That energy is similar to an approval or a confirmation…
My kids tell me that I am able to reach out in faith during a storm because God helps me, they then proceed to tell me that they do not get that same help. This particular day the concern was over several different things, but one was regarding homework, math in particular. The conversation occurred in the car on our way to an appointment. I was challenging my girls to trust that God will help them through the tough times and to first pray for a solution to the issue or issues at hand. The next comment was that they…