FLY A KITE
You have either flown a kite or watched someone fly a kite at some point. It can be a delightful experience on bright, sunny days when the wind is just right. Other times, the weather isn’t so friendly and we simply are unable to well, fly the kite. Photo by Zonda from Pexels Makes me think that we can’t always think or say “I have a plan and I am sticking to it” because life is a lot like sailing. You plan to sail to an exotic island but the winds are contrary. Sailing in the planned course is dangerous or impossible. You may have to make a detour or return at another time. That can really hurt. Calm seas, choppy seas, summer, winter, autumn, spring, I believe God made them all. He lets us in on His thoughts too and will not laugh at us if we ask Him.…
WE WIN EVERY TIME, JUST BECAUSE
We all want to know who’s winning at a game we find interesting. We all have our battles. Whether we win or lose may largely be due to activities behind the scenes. The story of Israel in 1 Samuel chapters 4 and 5 comes to mind. They had won battles, conquered armies and had quite a reputation as a result. So reading the account about their resounding defeat from the Philistine army was tough. Thousands lay dead. When one suffers, do we not all suffer since we are all connected in the great circle of life? What had gone wrong then? Had Israel taken victory for granted or is this just a case of “bad” stuff happening to “good” people? There didn’t seem to be any apparent reason for the loss. So, it may be in what is not easily seen. Had God deserted them? Reading further, we discover that…
A WEEKEND OF GRATITUDE
Gratitude makes us happier and life is a gift, now it may not always feel that way sometimes, but why trust these feelings as they can be fleeting, right? So I had a weekend of pause about things that I am thankful for. No explanations needed here. I am thankful for blue skies, birds and time spent by the seaside. Oceans and rivers hold such deep secrets. I am thankful for the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Amazing how one can find beauty in the unexpected if you look. I am thankful for love, health, laughter, bath oils, oysters and fancy cuisine. What would life be without these? There are two ways to live. “One as though, nothing is a miracle. The other, as though everything is a miracle.” We have a choice? I think yes. Lastly, I am thankful for books and quotes like “God only takes…
WHERE DID REUBEN GO?
Three bricklayers were asked what they were doing as they tried to rebuild a church that had been gutted by fire. The first replied, “I am laying bricks.” The second responded with, “I am repairing a wall.”The third answered, “I am building a cathedral.” That last response! Enthusiasm shines through those words. He already saw the beauty they would create and bricklaying did not seem like work anymore. Talk about goals! Ever watched children playing outdoors? Do you feel their passion and energy in the way they engage one another? Makes me think I never want to do anything I am not excited about.That may just be the way to live life sustainably. Happy people tend to live longer. Yes? Are you able to mix passion, enthusiasm and work? Quite the skill to have right there and yes, perspective is everything. Selah! Ah, Reuben? A housemate’s cat and you should see…
OF TONGUE TWISTERS AND A BOXING GLOVE
When asked what makes us unique, we typically highlight our strengths, hoping to impress. Nothing wrong with showing off our strengths, however, we can be endearing and connect as humans when we are vulnerable. A boxing glove is ineffective and without a hand in it, it is weak!Put a hand in it, make a fist and punch the air. Now we see what difference the hands made to the power of the glove. Do you relate with the struggles of the boxing glove? It is vulnerable and has to find the right fit AKA the right human or be doomed, maybe. The hand -in- glove idiom making better sense yet? No man is an island! We connect when we dare to be vulnerable and given time make formidable teams. But it takes getting past the limiting fears.Yours truly struggles with the fear of rejection sometimes. Maybe you can relate and…