This year has been challenging so far on many fronts for me. Many days I wake up and feel a good bit like "Cindy"rella scrubbing floors in a dark basement. The analogy is not one of self-pity because I really don't see it that way. It is the timing of God's plan for me.
The reason why I know this how yesterday evolved into a "Cindy"rella day. In the morning, I awoke with the pleasant thought that I was on vacation for the first time this year. I have to admit that it took me most of the morning and into the afternoon to really get into a mode away from pending work and thinking about how to make the most of this time.
The early afternoon fell nicely into place with a run on the treadmill and some quality time with Kayla. We talked about hopes and dreams we have. It was a bittersweet time since previous talks like this usually were dominated by the past. The later afternoon presented an opportunity for me to take a walk with my love Schnookie. We frolicked around the block like neither of us had a care in the world.
Around 5 it was time for me to head to Hershey Hotel for my spa session (the birthday gift my team had given me last September). I sat in the quiet room feeling like royalty being waited on and pampered as I looked out at the beautiful view of the Hershey Gardens. The entire experience was "heavenly" and had me expressing thanks for being a daughter of the The King.
I topped off the day with a session in the hot tub, curled up in a blanket and watched the movie Fireproof. It was truly a "Cindy"rella day.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Route Recalculating
Some times my type "A" personality has me thinking I can leap even further than my long legs can handle. These are the times that I hear that sound that many of you hear in your cars if you have a built in GPS system - "Route recalculating. Recalculating. Do you want to continue on this route?" This past weekend I had one of those experiences. It was a loving nudge that there are no easy routes to love and life.
As I sit back and think about the recalculation of my route, I have a smile on my face. Though I may have gotten off the route He has for me, at least I'm on the route. I am seeing and experiencing some interesting, fun people and things on this leap. Though naive about many things, I realize I have a lot to learn to be able to navigate this route and will likely hear that annoying message many more times before I see His Face. The good news is when you know your desired destination, these recalculations just seem like bittersweet rest areas.
As I sit back and think about the recalculation of my route, I have a smile on my face. Though I may have gotten off the route He has for me, at least I'm on the route. I am seeing and experiencing some interesting, fun people and things on this leap. Though naive about many things, I realize I have a lot to learn to be able to navigate this route and will likely hear that annoying message many more times before I see His Face. The good news is when you know your desired destination, these recalculations just seem like bittersweet rest areas.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Curse of Knowledge
In recent months, I have been witness to several different styles of relationship versus religion discussions. I have to admit, I have been surprised at some of the assertive ways that people speak of their religion. I have concluded these well versed religious individuals exude uneasiness in those of us who consider ourselves to be men and women of a quiet faith.
I listened with intent last week as a colleague spoke of a breakdown in communication which is termed the "curse of knowledge". Unfortunately there are times, well intended religious individuals speak passionately with the appropriate terminology only those in ministry cultures can understand. The result is those of us who are not well versed experience this "curse of knowledge". It could intimidate some more timid seekers to the degree they do not feel qualified to pursue a relationship with God.
Could the difference between religion and relationship be why the percentage of Americans who say they have no religion be increasing and the percentages of denominational religion are also declining? Supportive of that theory, nondenominational worship is on the rise. Could the fear of prerequisites of religious knowledge be a fear that prevents some from a relationship with The Father? Could this also be the logic why people are choosing nondenominational relationship over religion?
A foundational relationship with Him has no prerequisites. He wants a relationship with all who seek Him. He meets us all where we are.
I conclude there is a risk not worth taking of communications which convey the "curse of knowledge" of religion that discourages relationship.
I listened with intent last week as a colleague spoke of a breakdown in communication which is termed the "curse of knowledge". Unfortunately there are times, well intended religious individuals speak passionately with the appropriate terminology only those in ministry cultures can understand. The result is those of us who are not well versed experience this "curse of knowledge". It could intimidate some more timid seekers to the degree they do not feel qualified to pursue a relationship with God.
Could the difference between religion and relationship be why the percentage of Americans who say they have no religion be increasing and the percentages of denominational religion are also declining? Supportive of that theory, nondenominational worship is on the rise. Could the fear of prerequisites of religious knowledge be a fear that prevents some from a relationship with The Father? Could this also be the logic why people are choosing nondenominational relationship over religion?
A foundational relationship with Him has no prerequisites. He wants a relationship with all who seek Him. He meets us all where we are.
I conclude there is a risk not worth taking of communications which convey the "curse of knowledge" of religion that discourages relationship.
Is it Worth the Risk?
Each day we are faced with many choices. Some of the choices are simple and require little sacrifice like: whether to smile or frown; whether to sleep longer or get up; whether to exercise or take a nap.
Other choices are significant and change lives. At many junctures these choices lead to the fears of the unknown that produce anxiety and questions. These choices are truly a test of faith because they require trusting in God with our lives. They require us to persevere with unknown cost, trepidation and for some of us immense fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline". Because these choices have inherent risks, we can often rationalize ourselves out of action-- like: should I give?; should I help?; should I serve?; should I love?. These sacrifices also require us to think of others before ourselves.
Keith Walker, Pastor at LCBC stated it well this morning. "Life change is always worth the risk". This is because God knows all the risks and relationships that we should prioritize in our lives. I know a man who has exampled this lesson to me and many others. He took a risk in getting to know me. I will be forever changed by his willingness to take on the risk
As long as we are in relationship with God, His love will drive us in this adventure of life. Fear is not in His vocabulary or plan. Fear is a weapon Satan uses to provide confusion and doubt for purposes of evil.
How about you? Do you think the risk is worth taking to make the tough choices?
Other choices are significant and change lives. At many junctures these choices lead to the fears of the unknown that produce anxiety and questions. These choices are truly a test of faith because they require trusting in God with our lives. They require us to persevere with unknown cost, trepidation and for some of us immense fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline". Because these choices have inherent risks, we can often rationalize ourselves out of action-- like: should I give?; should I help?; should I serve?; should I love?. These sacrifices also require us to think of others before ourselves.
Keith Walker, Pastor at LCBC stated it well this morning. "Life change is always worth the risk". This is because God knows all the risks and relationships that we should prioritize in our lives. I know a man who has exampled this lesson to me and many others. He took a risk in getting to know me. I will be forever changed by his willingness to take on the risk
As long as we are in relationship with God, His love will drive us in this adventure of life. Fear is not in His vocabulary or plan. Fear is a weapon Satan uses to provide confusion and doubt for purposes of evil.
How about you? Do you think the risk is worth taking to make the tough choices?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Naive Lessons in Life
I have been accused of living a sheltered and naive life at times. When I was 16, I was thinking about what age you should really have things figured out. My logical thinking rationalized that by the age of 30, people should have lived long enough and experienced enough of life to have their arms around how to live it. The equation for a successful life would center around a strong work ethic and the Golden Rule. This simple model would provide me everything I ever wanted in life. I would have my perfect little family. We would live in this perfect little house with a white picket fence. When people looked in the front door we would all be sitting there smiling like Ward and June Cleaver from "Leave It to Beaver". It would be simple. I would be happy, successful and live happily ever after--end of story.
Now I know how naive I was. As I was pushing 30, I realized that it really wasn't as simple as I had thought earlier. As I dodged through the 40's, I was even less confident that I had it figured out. I collided with 50 and I started to rethink what it means to succeed in life.
I was two decades off in my prediction, I'm just finally getting my arms around how to live life. It is simple but not the way I thought when I was 16. Love makes it simple. Love for Him, Love for self and Love for others. I have long given up on looking and modeling my life after June Cleaver. Outward appearances and definitions of success are always deceiving anyway. I am unique for all of the right reasons and His gift of success in my life is revealed each day in the blessings I see in how love is exampled by people who aren't afraid to love around me.
The lesson I've learned from all of this is that success in life is measured from the inside out. Each day is a gift and an opportunity to live life to the fullest--His way not ours. One thing I wasn't naive about was, it is very simple if you let it be. The lesson is.....Love like this is your last day on earth, Lead like you are a child of The King, Laugh like you don't have a care in the world and let The Lord do the rest.
Now I know how naive I was. As I was pushing 30, I realized that it really wasn't as simple as I had thought earlier. As I dodged through the 40's, I was even less confident that I had it figured out. I collided with 50 and I started to rethink what it means to succeed in life.
I was two decades off in my prediction, I'm just finally getting my arms around how to live life. It is simple but not the way I thought when I was 16. Love makes it simple. Love for Him, Love for self and Love for others. I have long given up on looking and modeling my life after June Cleaver. Outward appearances and definitions of success are always deceiving anyway. I am unique for all of the right reasons and His gift of success in my life is revealed each day in the blessings I see in how love is exampled by people who aren't afraid to love around me.
The lesson I've learned from all of this is that success in life is measured from the inside out. Each day is a gift and an opportunity to live life to the fullest--His way not ours. One thing I wasn't naive about was, it is very simple if you let it be. The lesson is.....Love like this is your last day on earth, Lead like you are a child of The King, Laugh like you don't have a care in the world and let The Lord do the rest.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Getting a Life
Over these past few years, I have spent a significant amount of my time and energy "doing what I needed to do to survive". It seemed like there was an unending level of responsibility and hard decisions coming to and at me daily. I developed a demeanor and mode that matched the times.
I have to admit I took offense to the occasional times when my children found me to be to focused, not fun and a bit stern. As we talked through those times (sometimes with escalating voices), they would fling a bit of uncanny wisdom at me "Mom, why don't you just get a life?" I was always taken back and perplexed by that question. What could they mean by that? After all I gave them life, how could they think I had no life?
This past week I experienced a bittersweet victory in understanding. I was talking to my mom on the phone. She said Matt called and wanted to know what was going on with me. I wasn't responding to his calls in a timely way. She went on to say that she called Kayla to find out the scoop and Kayla said to tell Matt not to feel singled out, I wasn't responding to her requests in a timely fashion either. Kayla then included Cody in the poll and he said he never knows where I am or what I'm doing anymore.
I finally understand what they were encouraging me to do, and I followed their advice--I got a life. There was more wisdom than their chronological years in their advice to me. I had become lifeless in many senses of the terminology. Now, I am more energetic, light hearted, adventurous and yes on the go. I see and am experiencing joy in the simple things in life. Thank you my children for your wisdom and well wishes.
I have to admit I took offense to the occasional times when my children found me to be to focused, not fun and a bit stern. As we talked through those times (sometimes with escalating voices), they would fling a bit of uncanny wisdom at me "Mom, why don't you just get a life?" I was always taken back and perplexed by that question. What could they mean by that? After all I gave them life, how could they think I had no life?
This past week I experienced a bittersweet victory in understanding. I was talking to my mom on the phone. She said Matt called and wanted to know what was going on with me. I wasn't responding to his calls in a timely way. She went on to say that she called Kayla to find out the scoop and Kayla said to tell Matt not to feel singled out, I wasn't responding to her requests in a timely fashion either. Kayla then included Cody in the poll and he said he never knows where I am or what I'm doing anymore.
I finally understand what they were encouraging me to do, and I followed their advice--I got a life. There was more wisdom than their chronological years in their advice to me. I had become lifeless in many senses of the terminology. Now, I am more energetic, light hearted, adventurous and yes on the go. I see and am experiencing joy in the simple things in life. Thank you my children for your wisdom and well wishes.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Luck of the Irish
Last night I took a stroll down the streets of West Chester with a friend. We were carefree and light hearted as we walked up and down the brick streets of the community that contains lots of history, architectural beauty and character. For both of us it had been a week of closure in our work in many ways so there was this tone of celebration that was in order.
As we assessed our options, we found ourselves inside of a rustic Irish Pub. It was early so it was quaint and quiet. I relied on my friend who has experienced Ireland first hand to help us select the food and beverages that matched the restaurant and the theme for the evening.
As chaos started to build around us, we were quite oblivious that we were the oldy goldies in a college town establishment. For most people of our age, that would have been the cue to continue on our way. For us, it was the celebration we had planned. The auburn hair was a true sign of my Irish descent and the Irish spirit of my friend helped to digress to a time when we to were spirited college kids. For me, it brought back great memories that there is much life left to live and there's truth in the phrase having "The luck of the Irish".
As we assessed our options, we found ourselves inside of a rustic Irish Pub. It was early so it was quaint and quiet. I relied on my friend who has experienced Ireland first hand to help us select the food and beverages that matched the restaurant and the theme for the evening.
As chaos started to build around us, we were quite oblivious that we were the oldy goldies in a college town establishment. For most people of our age, that would have been the cue to continue on our way. For us, it was the celebration we had planned. The auburn hair was a true sign of my Irish descent and the Irish spirit of my friend helped to digress to a time when we to were spirited college kids. For me, it brought back great memories that there is much life left to live and there's truth in the phrase having "The luck of the Irish".
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Leading Indicators
Recently I have had the sense that my days have been a bit like the stock market. The gyrations of ups and downs have me feeling a bit worn out.
Over the past year especially, I have begun to really focus on what is most important to me. While amazingly successful by most people's definition, I have assessed myself as a only moderately successful. My inability to accomplish higher level relationships with people has literally brought me to my knees during recent months. I have jokingly talked about spending more time on my knees than on my feet during these times.
As with the market, leading indicators now reflect a steady improvement and a sign of hope. I seem to be able to spend more time on my feet. The benefit of spending more time on my knees and alone provided a safe venue to stop and listen.
I am happy to report that budding relationships on many levels have me smiling and wondering if I could actually spend more time up here. What a great momentum builder and sense of accomplishment this would indicate in my story.
Over the past year especially, I have begun to really focus on what is most important to me. While amazingly successful by most people's definition, I have assessed myself as a only moderately successful. My inability to accomplish higher level relationships with people has literally brought me to my knees during recent months. I have jokingly talked about spending more time on my knees than on my feet during these times.
As with the market, leading indicators now reflect a steady improvement and a sign of hope. I seem to be able to spend more time on my feet. The benefit of spending more time on my knees and alone provided a safe venue to stop and listen.
I am happy to report that budding relationships on many levels have me smiling and wondering if I could actually spend more time up here. What a great momentum builder and sense of accomplishment this would indicate in my story.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Spring Storm
This week the daisies I had danced in last week were battered by a very cold and covering winter storm. It was symbolic of the coldness and sadness that was felt as I faced similar challenges in my heart with the reality of the economy and how it has impacted people that I care about. Tuesday as the winter storm had passed another storm came through that was more painful and damaging than the snow. It was of hurricane strength and magnitude. It was a "Reduction In Force" storm. As I looked into the eyes of people that I had grown to have deep relationships with, I felt a deep sense of loss all the way to my heart. I had more questions than answers as I faced the outward signs of the tough decisions that had to be made. There remains in my own heart a sense of failure that I was not able to save my own. This feeling will remain for sometime as I will not forget the look in the eyes of those that face new real challenges and the eyes of those that must go on without them on the quest for the cause.
Today like all spring storms, the weather has cleared and the sun will shine. It reminds me of Matthew 8 when Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the lake and wait for Him. In the fear of the intensity of the storm the disciples in the boat woke Jesus and said "Lord save us, we are going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" He instantly calmed the fierce winds and the violent waves and all was calm once again.
Jesus did not say, I will meet you on the other side when the storm passes or if you survive. His unwavering commitment to meet us on the other side is real and clear. Now we must be committed in our faith to trust and seek Him in all storms regardless of their intensity or threat.
Today like all spring storms, the weather has cleared and the sun will shine. It reminds me of Matthew 8 when Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the lake and wait for Him. In the fear of the intensity of the storm the disciples in the boat woke Jesus and said "Lord save us, we are going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" He instantly calmed the fierce winds and the violent waves and all was calm once again.
Jesus did not say, I will meet you on the other side when the storm passes or if you survive. His unwavering commitment to meet us on the other side is real and clear. Now we must be committed in our faith to trust and seek Him in all storms regardless of their intensity or threat.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
