I had the pleasant surprise of crossing paths with two other neighbors outside yet another local post office...this time I was hailed and warmly greeted by both. From a distance there was no mistaking friendliness in this acknowledgement!
The kind of "work" needed here is almost effortless!
There's another blog I post on. I have the privilege of expressing myself to as many of my internet using neighbors that may choose to read it. They have an opportunity to comment there as well.
I have wondered often and long about the reasons why those who have commented there have done so with absolute anonymity. I recently came to a conclusion and formed a rather strong opinion about the matter. Based on that opinion I wrote a rather intense post which has been viewed but, still has not been commented on. So, I'm left wondering if that post will cause any change to occur.
I'm also hoping I didn't alienate anyone but, if that were my only guideline for topics on the other blog, I'd never post anything!
One of my mentors said, "I hate anonymous letters! As a matter of fact, if I get one, I throw it away and won't even read it." They shared that recently they had bent their usual rule for dealing with anonymous letters. This particular one was read because a second copy was given them and in turn they wrote a response to it in a public forum. The reason my mentor gave for this exception was that many people were involved, it effected a decision needing to be made, and there was another perspective that needed to be considered than the one presented anonymously. The response they wrote was not anonymous. I respect that.
I have no problem disagreeing with someone. I have no problem when someone disagrees with me. Most of the time I like my perspective best but, I have been enlightened by the perspectives of others on more occasions than I can count. Questions, answers and the resulting discussion can be "messy"; time consuming and draining at times but, I've always been a more well rounded person for having made that investment. Sometimes my opinion is changed as my perspective is enlarged and other things are brought in to focus.
This can be scary at times. It can be excruciatingly difficult at times. It is more work.
If anyone reading this would like to share their thoughts on anonymous commenter's, I'd appreciate the input.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I cried, I smiled
I started Grief Share Monday night. I cried through the whole thing. I'm glad I'm not the only one shedding tears in the group. I'm glad for a safe place to allow the true emotions to surface. I'm glad for safe people who understand.
I smiled today when the sun was shining. I smiled at the happy songs of the birds. I smiled at the happy colors of the spring flowers.
There is hope. God doesn't keep that fact a secret.
I smiled today when the sun was shining. I smiled at the happy songs of the birds. I smiled at the happy colors of the spring flowers.
There is hope. God doesn't keep that fact a secret.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
More work?
You know, sometimes it can be very challenging to be neighborly.
I'm a friendly person as a rule. I like to smile, say "hi" or at least nod to acknowledge someone I see out in the community. I wave at crossing guards and flag men on road work as I pass. I like to engage the cashier or waitress who's serving me in a few words of courteous small talk, making an effort to say something complimentary or encouraging while I'm there.
Then there's the times that we run across the difficult people in our lives.
Should it be any different with them? Well, yes and no.
Yes, it should be different because it takes greater effort. No matter what emotion they stir, the same respect is due them as is due every other human being. The reality of what is going on in my heart comes to the surface immediately in a difficult situation. It's revealed in my immediate reaction!
And no, because when this happens it becomes an opportunity to put myself aside and consider the bigger picture; God loves them and wants to love them through me so, what would that look like in this situation? That is exactly the same motive behind my friendliness in the first place; love and respect for God and others.
Today (well, technically yesterday) my path crossed with someone in the parking lot at the post office. I recognized them from a distance and determined to be friendly. As we acknowledged one another in a brief exchange of eye contact my smile was met with what I interpreted to be a disdainful scowl. Not totally unexpected, we have a stressful history but, I was hopeful we might be able to move past this level more quickly.
The fact that it's bothered me on and off throughout the day reveals to me that I've got more to process on the inside regarding the trouble between us. Some would say to me, "You think too much! Just let it go!" Well, "letting it go" is easier said than done, my friend.
"Letting it go" takes a bit of focused concentration and time. You have to be aware of what it is that you are letting go of before you can actually do it, otherwise all you have done is bury it alive. The next time you are confronted with something related to it, what is still in your heart will rise up and make itself known again!
This is one of the reasons that being too busy is a bad thing. The time needed for personal reflection, meditation and resolution is often squeezed out by the urgent and the necessary things get buried alive.
For me, taking time to "really live" includes making time for this kind of thing. It's the only way I've found to practically apply God's grace and peace and mercy to my own personal daily walk in a way that actually impacts everything I do.
I'm glad I took the time to write this out. Thanks for "listening."
I'm a friendly person as a rule. I like to smile, say "hi" or at least nod to acknowledge someone I see out in the community. I wave at crossing guards and flag men on road work as I pass. I like to engage the cashier or waitress who's serving me in a few words of courteous small talk, making an effort to say something complimentary or encouraging while I'm there.
Then there's the times that we run across the difficult people in our lives.
Should it be any different with them? Well, yes and no.
Yes, it should be different because it takes greater effort. No matter what emotion they stir, the same respect is due them as is due every other human being. The reality of what is going on in my heart comes to the surface immediately in a difficult situation. It's revealed in my immediate reaction!
And no, because when this happens it becomes an opportunity to put myself aside and consider the bigger picture; God loves them and wants to love them through me so, what would that look like in this situation? That is exactly the same motive behind my friendliness in the first place; love and respect for God and others.
Today (well, technically yesterday) my path crossed with someone in the parking lot at the post office. I recognized them from a distance and determined to be friendly. As we acknowledged one another in a brief exchange of eye contact my smile was met with what I interpreted to be a disdainful scowl. Not totally unexpected, we have a stressful history but, I was hopeful we might be able to move past this level more quickly.
The fact that it's bothered me on and off throughout the day reveals to me that I've got more to process on the inside regarding the trouble between us. Some would say to me, "You think too much! Just let it go!" Well, "letting it go" is easier said than done, my friend.
"Letting it go" takes a bit of focused concentration and time. You have to be aware of what it is that you are letting go of before you can actually do it, otherwise all you have done is bury it alive. The next time you are confronted with something related to it, what is still in your heart will rise up and make itself known again!
This is one of the reasons that being too busy is a bad thing. The time needed for personal reflection, meditation and resolution is often squeezed out by the urgent and the necessary things get buried alive.
For me, taking time to "really live" includes making time for this kind of thing. It's the only way I've found to practically apply God's grace and peace and mercy to my own personal daily walk in a way that actually impacts everything I do.
I'm glad I took the time to write this out. Thanks for "listening."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Character and Controversy
I've been quite busy, as usual (not something I consider a good thing), and decided to take some time to just sit and watch a couple of videos.
Sometimes, I feel a need to experience something vicariously without actually having to be involved in any significant decision making processes. Movies can be good for this kind of get-away. The only decisions are whether or not to put it on pause when you need to move away from the screen.
The two I settled on were "The Tale of Despereaux" an animated G rated film staring a plucky little mouse and "Seven Pounds" a drama staring Will Smith. Both were well worth the rental fee.
Despereaux inspired me towards courage, honor, the value of fighting to overcome oppression, forgiveness from the heart, and the integrity that is revealed in common courtesy. It also highlighted the reality of how we respond to grief and loss in ways that can be easily misunderstood and may deeply effect those around us. All things I need to be reminded of at this particular juncture of my life's events and circumstances.
Seven Pounds allowed me to experience the raw emotion around the very difficult topics of grief and loss. Sometimes we're so wrapped up in "doing the right thing" that we don't allow ourselves to feel the emotions we're experiencing. We find ourselves reacting and behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic of us. I suspect I'm not the only one who has this type of reaction to loss and grief from time to time. I think it's a form of denial. I'm told that denial is a safety valve of sorts, putting things on hold until we are able to process them appropriately. This film also highlighted the reality of the dangers of isolation; physical or emotional. We need the perspective of those around us when we are going through difficult things.
I was surprised to find the themes of grief and loss, forgiveness and character in both films. I simply chose one because it seemed to guarantee a light hearted laugh and the other because it seemed to be inspirational...
I had signed up to join a Grief Share group this coming Monday evening. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence. Some One guided my choices.
I'm going to give you a link to a site that does movie reviews from a conservative Christian perspective: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "The Tale of Despereaux" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004407.cfm .
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "Seven Pounds" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004409.cfm .
Sometimes, I feel a need to experience something vicariously without actually having to be involved in any significant decision making processes. Movies can be good for this kind of get-away. The only decisions are whether or not to put it on pause when you need to move away from the screen.
The two I settled on were "The Tale of Despereaux" an animated G rated film staring a plucky little mouse and "Seven Pounds" a drama staring Will Smith. Both were well worth the rental fee.
Despereaux inspired me towards courage, honor, the value of fighting to overcome oppression, forgiveness from the heart, and the integrity that is revealed in common courtesy. It also highlighted the reality of how we respond to grief and loss in ways that can be easily misunderstood and may deeply effect those around us. All things I need to be reminded of at this particular juncture of my life's events and circumstances.
Seven Pounds allowed me to experience the raw emotion around the very difficult topics of grief and loss. Sometimes we're so wrapped up in "doing the right thing" that we don't allow ourselves to feel the emotions we're experiencing. We find ourselves reacting and behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic of us. I suspect I'm not the only one who has this type of reaction to loss and grief from time to time. I think it's a form of denial. I'm told that denial is a safety valve of sorts, putting things on hold until we are able to process them appropriately. This film also highlighted the reality of the dangers of isolation; physical or emotional. We need the perspective of those around us when we are going through difficult things.
I was surprised to find the themes of grief and loss, forgiveness and character in both films. I simply chose one because it seemed to guarantee a light hearted laugh and the other because it seemed to be inspirational...
I had signed up to join a Grief Share group this coming Monday evening. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence. Some One guided my choices.
I'm going to give you a link to a site that does movie reviews from a conservative Christian perspective: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "The Tale of Despereaux" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004407.cfm .
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "Seven Pounds" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004409.cfm .
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hope
Good Friday followed by Resurrection Day...a perfect season for this celebration in North America.
The snow is gone. All flora appears dead and brown. The temperature low. The wind often blustery. Frequent clouds and rain.
Yet the fauna...birds mostly but, also ground hogs, skunks, bunnies, and an occasional chipmunk eager to begin the new season reveal themselves and remind us of the promise of what is soon to come.
Let's allow the things of the past to die. Let's put them in the grave.
A new season is beginning. A new cycle of life. A fresh start. There is a future. There is hope!
Colossians 3:1- 4:6
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
The snow is gone. All flora appears dead and brown. The temperature low. The wind often blustery. Frequent clouds and rain.
Yet the fauna...birds mostly but, also ground hogs, skunks, bunnies, and an occasional chipmunk eager to begin the new season reveal themselves and remind us of the promise of what is soon to come.
Let's allow the things of the past to die. Let's put them in the grave.
A new season is beginning. A new cycle of life. A fresh start. There is a future. There is hope!
Colossians 3:1- 4:6
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
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