Category: Blog: Grammy at Wits End

This morning I was riding my bike.  In front of me a man was walking his dog and his little girl was following on her tricycle.   As I got close to her she looked right, pointed her finger, and said “Dad, look!  The sun just woke up!”  She made me smile.  I thought about how something we all take for granted could bring such delight to a young child.  I hope today I can delight in the simple things and remember to be blessed!

It’s Monday and it is hard to get back into the Mon-Fri flow of things.  Sometimes I dream about not having to work and instead spending my time traveling, shopping, and seeing family more.  Then I’m reminded that life is short and I don’t have much time to make a difference, in whatever small way God would have me contribute.  I also remember what it’s like to not have a job and stress over paying bills, etc.  I guess the grass is always greener on the other side, but it really is true that crab grass grows in every yard!  As long as it’s not taking over and the flowers are still blooming in my world, I’m going to remind myself that Monday is good . . . and Friday’s coming.  Breaks over – back to work!

There is an old hymn that begins “When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries, may Jesus Christ Be Praised.”  I’m so impressed with how beautifully this is written and in awe that this phraseology could even come into someone’s mind!  More importantly, I love how magnificently the author captures his focus and passion.   I’m keenly aware of how much I’m not there yet.  With every dawn he wakes with a heart’s desire to praise his Lord.  I couldn’t say that.  I wake up thinking about the day ahead, what I have to get done, what I will wear, how close it is to Friday!  I can sing the song, though; and as I do,  I can get a bit closer to the hymn writer’s point of view.  Enjoy the sunrise!

I was again reminded this weekend that sometimes life interrupts our plans.  We are going merrily along and then the unexpected happens.  If the unexpected is happy or beneficial in some way, we jump for joy!  When the unexpected is painful or difficult, however, we can be thrown into an emotional frenzy of sorts—getting off balance, losing our perspective, or even begin sliding deeper into a world that feels chaotic or tumultuous.  If we don’t get back in control, it could be costly.  To avoid this danger zone, it is important to regroup and identify the steps we need to take to regain control of our lives.   We may need some time alone just to think.  We might choose to dialogue with a few trusted friends or seek out professional expertise.   We may need support to help us implement our strategy.   One thing is for sure, figuring out what is next is far more productive than pulling the covers over our heads (well, one day of covers is okay).  When we begin to make even the smallest decisions that move us forward, our emotions begin to settle and we are closer to regaining control of our lives.  That definitely feels better than life controlling us!

Given the speed at which information travels, the frantic pace most of us keep, and the constant exposure to a materialistic culture, it is getting increasingly more difficult to be content. Add to that the cultural norm that we are entitled to be happy and its pursuit should be a primary goal, it is truly an uphill battle to stay focused! I was reminded lately of the importance of being still, of the value in reflecting and remembering God’s faithfulness over the years. Include on that list the idea of contemplating the invaluable times with loved ones, not those filled with business but more the ‘camp fire’ experiences. Don’t you just exhale thinking about these things? Being content takes work and a requirement is setting limits on how much we will let the distractions pull us off track. “Be Still and Know that I Am God” – me thinkest this is relevant instruction from a reliable source.

Someone recently asked me how to let go of resentment. He was struggling with some strong feelings and knew he was being held captive by them. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to let it go. Resentment can be a powerful emotion with complex roots. Talking through the situation with a trusted friend can help. It may be necessary to explore if we are tapping into past experiences that are still unresolved and work toward bringing closure. Focusing on the positives in our lives can help mitigate the negatives. A good word from Scripture: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8. Ultimately, we will have to make a choice. We must accept the circumstances we are and trust that God will use it for our good, or make a decision to move on. Staying stuck in resentment can ruin relationships and cause us emotional and physical consequences. I think the Evil One wins when that happens – don’t you?

I called someone today and I was in a rush.  The person on the other end said “Hello” and I almost went full-speed ahead into my request without responding in kind and also asking how the person was doing.  Later in the day this very same person said she could tell I was in a hurry but thanked me for taking a moment to connect.  She said it really bothered her when people didn’t even have the courtesy to extend a greeting.  Whew — to think I almost blew it!   I believe she was expressing what we all need – to know that we count, that we’re significant.  In relationship with a significant other, within our family, among those in our church community, or fulfilling a role in an organization, while we may serve, contribute, and produce, if we don’t know with certainty that who we are stands alone and that it is us, our very presence, that is valued above all else, all the rest doesn’t mean so much.  Don’t forget to say “Hello” to someone today – I suspect it will mean a lot to them.

A favorite Psalm of many is the 23rd. This Psalm of David is reassuring on so many levels. Verse 4 is one of my favorites: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” If you’ve ever gone through a prolonged period where you’ve encountered one challenge after another, you can probably relate. Staying focused on the knowledge that God will never leave us or forsake us, even when it may seem as if He has, can help us to stay strong and and get through some of the toughest of days. If you’re walking through one of these valleys right now, be encouraged and rest in the green pastures and still waters He provides along the way.

Continue reading “Is it time to move on?” →

Who are the special people in your life?  Consider taking a moment to name them and identify what is special about each person.  Have you ever told them why you enjoy or value them?  I was struck recently by how we come in and out of one another’s lives.  Some relationships lasting the duration of our years while others are more short-lived.  I believe that nothing, besides our relationship with God, comes close to the impact of meaningful relationships.  If you’ve moved into a period of autonomy or worse yet, isolation, step out and connect with the special people God has brought your way.  We’re not meant to go it alone and there is a high cost to us if we do.  Call a friend today and tell him/her how special they are to you.  You’ll both share a meaningful experiece together!