Jan 18
"Today, explore ways to see your world differently. Let your eyes drink it the beauty that surrounds you. Gaze into the faces of those you love, set the table with care, relish the preparations you make for dinner, delighting in the presentation of your meal. It is in the details of life that beauty is revealed, sustained, and nurtured."
I didn't get around to posting the thought yesterday because my heart was very heavy with the loss of a dear friend's son. However, I find it so intriquing that the thought revealed exactly what I needed to hear yesterday. Another subtle reminder from God that while my heart was sad, there is still joy to be found in the details of my life. I shared a lovely dinner w/2 friends and my daughters last night here in my home. I enjoyed preparing a meal for them, setting the table, preparing new foods for them to try, etc... While we shouldn't sweat the small stuff (as a very popular book title reminds us), certainly it is the "small stuff" that makes up the bigger picture in life. The loving details of everyday living are the things I remember about my life growing up and the things I treasure about my life as an adult. My focus in life is not on the acquisition of more money, more things, etc... Instead, my life is framed around the every day small details in the choices I make. Better to use my time making extra money to play around with or to take that time and enjoy the life/blessings I already have to make memories with the ones I love? These are the little details that make a life of beauty for me. I don't want to miss a precious moment with those I love. My friend Robyn has lived her life that way. She chose "the road less traveled" and has always been a manager of her home-this has been her solitary job for over 20 years. Sure, she could have went to work after the kids went to elementary school, but she chose a more noble path. This allowed her the freedom of taking her son to Italy for a H.S. graduation trip and allows her to attend her girls award ceremonies, etc...without the concern of whether she would lose a paid job, have enough vacation time from a paid job, etc... I am sure that today, this decision has brought Robyn much comfort. She knows that she used every opportunity available to spend with her son while she was blessed to have him here. I am sure she has no regrets and now has many every day detailed memories to carry her through the days ahead. This is how I choose to live my life as well. Enjoying time with my family, God's family, and my friends-like Beth and Danny-that I was so blessed to have with me just sharing the beauty of life last night.
Jan 19
"There is a longing in each of us to give up the path of struggle as a way to learn life's lessons. Finally, we are ready to embrace the path of joy. Learning to live in and enjoy the present moment is part of the path of joy. Many create unconscious drama in their own minds, expecting the worst from a situation and struggle from day to day from one crisis to another. Instead, let us stop the dramas and start trusting the flow of life and its goodness. Expect the best from every situation. Declare today that you are willing to let go of the struggle and eager to learn through joy."
This reading reminded me of a fb post I seen on a dear God peeps wall the other day. It was about his deciding whether to remain in the AF or get out after 6 years of service. The post seemed to indicate that his reason for leaving is because of "drama" in the workplace. When I read this I thought to myself, "Being surrounded by drama is not escapable while living in this world. Drama is EVERYWHERE because people are everywhere and people are always creating the drama!" Drama is such a tool of Satan and so many do not even realize this. Satan is always looking to "stir the pot" in your life so that you will forget about the joy available to you. Even Jesus said "in this world you will have trouble." But isn't it a blessing to know that we can choose whether to participate in the drama or not and we can choose to instead focus on the joy that already exists in our lives. My joy comes from the Lord-"Rejoice always" Paul exhorted in the N.T. Yes, even in the darkest hours of this life, among the deepest drama swirling around me, I can choose to have joy and rejoice. Sounds like a no brainer to me! I'll choose joy every time:)
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