Arrows

It hit me tonight, (as I was talking to my 17yr old at 10:45pm about the 10:00pm curfew we’d agreed upon for school nights) that by the time said 17yr old child graduates from high school in May of 2017, I’ll have been a single parent for thirteen years and seven months.

Over 13 years – that just boggles my mind – and in nine months it will all be over, give or take…

Now, as any parent knows, you don’t STOP being a parent just because your kids grow up. The relationship just moves to a different level.  I already have two children who are out on their own, one of them is married.  My last is hoping to be in the military in a year.  All children eventually walk their own path.  I’m reminded of a poem by Kahlil Gibran that I read for an acting workshop I attended while my kids were still young.

On Children

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you, they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite.
And He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hands be for happiness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
So He loves the bow that is stable.

I remember barely being able to get through the reading I was so choked up.  “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth”  So very poignant, and heart wrenching, and inspiring.  I pray I’ve been a stable bow, that I’ve done the best I could do.  There’s much I regret not being able to do for them, but the one thing I always tried to do was show them plenty of love and support for where they saw their lives heading.

I have not been a “perfect” parent, not sure there is such a thing.  There were plenty of times when I lost my temper, especially at the beginning of my single parent journey.   There were also plenty of times when I asked for forgiveness and gave it, asked for a hug and got it.  Forts were made in the living room, chocolate cake was eaten for birthday breakfasts.  Kids did their chores (or not…), we watched movies, went out to eat when the budget allowed and did our best to live together in happiness.  Discipline was meted out when necessary, from spankings to groundings to sitting in the middle of the living room with knees touching saying nice things about the other sibling (the last one seemed the most painful for them).

Did my children learn anything from me?  I would hope they learned that none of us is perfect but with compassion and love, happiness can exist wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.

In the end, after all is said and done, we turn the last page of our children’s books and watch with expectation at where God leads them.  We keep praying for them, we may even hear from them every once in awhile.  We have done our part.

“And though they are with you, they belong not to you”

This was not the post I was expecting to write tonight, but it’s what came out.  Some other time I’ll write more about the single parent thing.  For now, though, I’ll sit with the realization that a very big chapter in my life is nearing its end, and while I watch with hope as my youngest prepares to start her journey into a new life, I also look with anticipation at my OWN life, and the new possibilities God has in store for me as well.

And life goes on…

Where to start…

It has been such a long time since I posted anything, so much has been going on.

I had a job for a few months with a friend, helping her with her podcast, but unfortunately I will not be able to continue with her for financial reasons so I’m once again looking for a job.  I’ve been applying to all kinds of companies from office worker to retail to customer service, the one area I have tons of experience in, and nothing is happening.  It’s really quite depressing.

I was also recently diagnosed with chronic depression, go figure.  So, I’m looking for work again, have no money again, and no one seems to want to hire me.  Seriously, it’s annoying.  I got really mad at God the other day.  I just wanted to be out of this difficult season and can’t understand why I’m still in it!  What the heck, right??  I’m tired of it, over it.  Is there something I haven’t learned?  Have I not been patient? Have I not come to You in prayer enough?  Have I not trusted You enough?  Just let it be over already!  I want stable income and less stress and to be able to pay for gas and food without relying on others.  Why can’t I have that???

Frustration, annoyance, anger…

My twin sister reminded me that it’s okay to be angry, even at God.  Read Psalms, she said, David got plenty angry.  It doesn’t mean  you don’t still trust that God will do what He needs to, or that you don’t believe anymore.  It’s normal to be upset when you don’t understand something, and really, how often does God explain Himself?  I guess that’s what belief is, trusting that God has everything handled even when we can’t see it, even when life is hard, even through the anger.

And it’s Really. Hard. Right. Now.

The one thing I continually tell myself is this: God is mighty. God is faithful. God’s got this.  Joshua 1:9 comes to mind:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

So I’m trying, I’m really trying.

I had  a dream the other night.  I was at this store, like a little general store, the kind that has everything you need.  The store was on this hill near a river.  I walked up this path and when I turned around the path was flooded!  I looked to my right and there were people actually jumping into the rushing water to be carried away, but I was safe on a hill.  Across the river there was an even larger body of water, like a huge lake.  The waves on the lake were gigantic, out of proportion big, know what I mean?  I felt very small but I wasn’t afraid of it, it was amazing and beautiful, and I was safe.  I thought it was the weirdest dream, I couldn’t make sense of it.  Then I read Psalm 124 that morning.

“If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel say—
2 if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

6 Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.”

God was reminding me of His power, that He is keeping me safe and will provide all I need.

Don’t you just love that?!  I felt so much better after that and even though I am still job searching and still feel somewhat concerned, because I am human, the level of stress has lessened quite a bit.  It’s such a lovely feeling.

On a completely different note, my oldest daughter is getting married over Memorial Day weekend!  She’s done such a good job organizing everything, all that’s left is the flowers and of course those can’t be done until just before the wedding.  Her dress is at the bridal shop getting pressed this week and one of my sister’s and I will have the veil completed by the end of this week.  I have a dress, a cute bag and now only need shoes.  Lots of people will be here, family is coming into town next week, it’s going to be a fabulous celebration!

So, as you can see, it’s been a very up and down year for me so far.  I am so thankful for my family, good friends and great church support.  Thank you, Lord, for holding me together and for reminding me that through it all, You will always be there!

 

Suitcases

I have a job!

Well, technically it’s just expanded from what I was doing, helping my friend with her podcast, BUT I’m with her daily now and actually learning how to be a full radio show producer.  It’s fun, it’s exciting learning something new and it appears I have an innate skill for the role.  I’m really enjoying myself and, at the same time, teaming up with a friend in a wonderful ministry.  I love it!

It is also a big step of faith because we don’t quite have the income yet to pay me regularly.

This season of unemployment has been one big faith trip for me.  Seriously, it’s been a TRIP!  Many of you probably think I’m crazy, accepting a full-time job that won’t be able to pay me a sustainable salary from the get-go.  Heck, had something like this happened to me just a few short years ago I’d agree with you!  There’s no way I would have felt comfortable going without a job for so long.

Something I’ve learned, though, through the past 8 months, is that it’s not all up to me!  In fact, not a lot is up to any of us.  God has a specific design and will put us where HE needs us.  He will also REMOVE us from where we are not meant to be, and not always seamlessly, like He did with me last May.

HE knew it wasn’t a risk for me to be unemployed, because HE was taking care of all of it.  He is here to lift the load, we only have to trust Him.  Yes, that can be easier said than done, but it CAN be done.

Any worry I had He relieved swiftly, any unease of spirit He calmed gently, any burden weighing me down He lifted powerfully.  He provided not only financially but relationally as well.  I’ve recently made some new friends and reconnected with some people I knew years ago and it’s been a real blessing, to say the least.  Every time I turn around He’s doing something else, like providing this computer on which I’m composing this blog!

He has helped me get through a long state of depression with the help of friends, prayer and spending time in His word every day.  Of everything I have learned, that is the most important, and I am faithfully reading in my Bible every day.  Another thing that has helped is praising.  I praise His work every day, in my life, in my children’s lives, in my friend’s lives.

We don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to carry those suitcases full of earthly burdens.  He will take care of us – always and forever.

Never doubt it!

 

The Changes a Year Can Bring

Now that the end of the year is coming I decided to take a look back.  I also figured since I hadn’t written anything in over a month that it was time!

The year started off fairly normal.  I had my same full time job that I disliked but it was income.  I was almost at a year in my apartment that I loved.  Kids were in school, car was still running.  Just a normal life.

In March I helped launch a new campus for my church and started producing the service every Sunday, which I loved.

Then, at the end of May, I was laid off.  I had no prospects for a job and, honestly, felt like God was telling me to wait for the right one instead of just taking anything that came along.

Around the middle of June I started helping a friend with her podcast, booking guests and managing her calendar.  In July I broke through a barrier of unforgiveness about an abortion.  In August I wrote about it publicly, in September I went on my friend’s podcast to talk about it publicly.

In the last 3 months of the year I’ve been to a worship leader’s conference, helped produce a women’s conference, spoken about my abortion at church, started working alongside a wonderful group of women on some possibilities for next year AND was hired as a volunteer programming coordinator for the Denver Comic Con coming up next June.

Sounds great right?  Doing things I like to do, whether or not I was getting paid to do them, really has been fun.

These are not the things that have made the biggest impact on my year though.

What has made the most impact has been spending more time with God, in the word.  It’s been having time to focus on my friends and family and not be stressed.   Most of all, it’s been my growing trust in God’s provision.

I am in my seventh month of unemployment but I am also still in my lovely apartment, still have my car, still have food, can still purchase gas, am still helping at church and with my friend’s podcast.  Through it all, while I can’t say I never worry, I am quicker to remember how God has provided over all these months.  Anonymous gifts, remarkable generosity and unending support from everyone I know, and some I don’t.

I still believe God is going to bring me to the exact job He wants me in and that, until then, He will take care of things.  I’ve asked Him to make it as clear as day where He wants me and I trust that will happen.

I am looking forward to the new year and what possibilities lay ahead.  I never imagined, in all my life, that NOT working, not being able to provide for my family, could be such a positive experience.  In giving up my dependence on what I thought I had to provide, He has shown me what the REAL provider can do, and it’s amazing.

Yes to the Dress!!

One of my nieces is getting married in just under two weeks.  Weddings are always exciting!  I’ll be involved with one next year too when my oldest daughter ties the knot.  You get to see family, there’s great food, even better wine and friends you may not have seen in awhile.  Kids love the dancing and, as the night wears on, many adults can really get into it too, after that really good wine.  It’s just an all around good time!

This wedding also signaled my need for a new dress.  I don’t wear dresses that often.  I used to work from home so didn’t need one for an office.  In my role as worship service producer at church a dress would be a hindrance with all my running around, so I really only have a couple of them.  Well, okay, actually only one that fits.

That one dress has been worn to at least two weddings, one or two graduations, church on an occasional Sunday when I wasn’t producing, like Easter… In other words, it’s been around the block a few times.  It’s not coming apart at the seams or anything, it’s just been my only go to dress for nicer functions so it was time to retire it.  At least for awhile anyway.

I happened to be near a Gordman’s today so I decided to go in and take a look around.  A friend had recently given me a Visa gift card and I knew I’d need it for this purchase.  Card in hand, I walked into the store and headed directly to the plus size department.

I tend to be somewhat disappointed in the fashions available for those of us who are of the Rubenesque body type.  Things can be downright ugly, in my opinion.  Garish patterns and muted colors.  I wanted to be in something bright and cheerful, something fun.  I was crossing my fingers as I approached the large lady section.

Right away some maxi-dresses caught my eye.  One was black and white with a really nice beaded belt.  The other one was what could only be explained as a Jackson Pollock inspired splatter design with varying shades of blue and a little white mixed in.  Both were actually very pretty.  My biggest concern – they were sleeveless.

“Sleeveless”, to a woman of my size and age, is akin to a four letter word.  Why?  I’ve got just two words for you…

ARM FLAGS

That’s right, those loose, flappy sags of skin hanging from our brachium (that’s the fancy medical term for upper arm).  Not too noticeable when my arms are down, but lift them up?  If I swing my arms too hard I’d likely give someone a black eye.  Hence my distress with the sleeveless dress.

Well, I thought about this book I recently read called “Untangled” by Carey Scott (Get it, read it… SO good).  It’s a book about overcoming all the tangles and knots in our lives (the big one for me has always been my weight), and I came to a decision, right then and there.  I was going to try the dresses on anyway!  I did take a few minutes to find a cute little shrug I thought I could try on with them as well, just in case I really hated the arm thing, then off I went to the fitting rooms to see what kind of disaster awaited me.

No one was at the fitting area so I grabbed a tag that matched the number of items I was taking into the dressing room and headed into a cubicle.  I hung the dresses and the shrug on the hook provided and undressed, careful not to look at the mirror (I know, so sad).

I tried on the black/white dress first.  What I saw in the mirror, and what immediately turned me off the dress, was all the extra material in the bosom area.  Apparently the maker of this dress didn’t realize you could have a plus size bottom but a “regular” size top.  I didn’t even bother to notice how my arms looked before I was pulling the dress off.

The blue dress was next.  I pulled it over my head and immediately noticed how nice the color looked on me.  It had a bit of a scoop neckline which fit me well, as in it didn’t sink down to my ribcage – always a good thing.  It had a thin elastic band which I could either wear up high like an empire waist, or pull down lower.  As I realized how much I liked the dress I also realized I wasn’t worried about how my arms looked.  I didn’t even take the shrug off the hanger to try it on.

Revelation!!  I was not a horrifying, hide your children from the massive arms monster.  I felt liberated!  Holy crap – I could go sleeveless!  Instead of thinking about how others would see me, I saw God’s creation in a beautiful blue dress and felt pretty.  I was looking at myself in the mirror, in a sleeveless dress, and I liked what I saw.  That, my friends, is an amazing thing for me.

This body God gave me has been through a lot, no doubt, but HE gave it to me.  It is jiggly, it has it’s fair share of moles (okay seriously, in my family, probably MORE than it’s fair share) and of course wrinkles.  But it’s still HIS, and I’m His, and I am wonderfully made.

So, go on and OWN those flags, ladies, own every single BIT of who you are, because you ARE amazing.

Now I need to find some shoes….

A New Beginning

Today I became unemployed, laid off from my job

It’s an odd feeling.  The last time I was unemployed it was by choice, back in the 90’s.  I had two children and my husband and I decided I would stay home to take care of them.  I didn’t “work” again until 7 years later, after my third child had been born, the very year I became a single parent.  I’ve been with the same company all this time, over twelve years.  I worked my way up from entry level to management within the first two years and have been in that position ever since.

I haven’t been happy with my job for some time.  I was in that place where I didn’t quite feel all my talents were being utilized and yet it was a secure job, steady paychecks and paid vacation, it was familiar – so I stayed.  I had children to raise and provide for so why would I jeopardize a stable income.  Makes sense, right?

How many of us, though, stick with something even when we’re not happy?  Why do we do that?  Is it laziness?  Is it apathy?  More likely it’s fear.

Fear of losing that stability.  Fear of being rejected somewhere else.  Fear of changing.  What if I make a mistake and choose the wrong kind of job?  What if something happens to that business and I get laid off?  What if they won’t work with me on vacation time?

Then there is the ever popular defeatist self-talk and insecurities.  I’m too old to change jobs/careers.  I won’t get along with anyone in a new office.  I’ll feel stupid because I’m new or can’t learn things as quickly as I used to when I was younger.  After twelve years, ten of those years performing basically the same duties, that last example comes to my mind a lot.

Here’s the thing: The fear, the negative voice in your head – it will weigh you down and keep you from doing what brings you joy – that thing God wants you to do!

God knew I was unhappy, but He also knew I wouldn’t leave the security my job provided.  I’d procrastinate, I’d tell myself things would get better or I’d feel differently, that it was just a little valley I’d climb out of soon enough.  The problem was what I was placing my security in – a job instead of God.

Luke 12:23-25 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no store room nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable are you than the birds?  And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?”

I have this picture in my dining room that says “Faith is taking that first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase”.  I know I’ve written on this subject before but it’s so true, isn’t it?  If we really, truly held all our troubles up to God we wouldn’t worry.  Of course, then we wouldn’t be human either, there is that…

So, I think God decided it was time for a push.  Is being laid off the worst thing in the world?  No, not even close.  I have family, friends and my church for support.  I’ve been through harder times, with God’s help, and I’ll get through this as well.  Am I nervous?  Absolutely.  Do I trust that God has something right around the corner?  Completely.  I will file unemployment, submit paperwork for assistance programs and, God willing, won’t lose my apartment or my car.  Even if I do, I know my daughter and I will be fine.

After all this am I still worried? Yeah, I am human after all.  I’m also keeping myself open to possibilities, looking for that door or window to swing wide.

Waiting for that door or window to swing wide….

God…

Waiting…

Okay, yes Sir, you’re right – Patience is a virtue…

It’s a Curious Thing

DISCLAIMER

Before you read any further I want it to be completely understood that I am in NO way finger-pointing, wallowing in self-pity, preaching, fishing for compliments or invitations, judging or doing anything with this particular blog other than voicing my OWN opinions and observations.

I’ve been thinking about this subject off and on for years, ever since I became single again. Well, okay maybe not right away because I was a little freaked and just trying to make ends meet with three children while also attempting to remain sane and not pull all my hair out.

That being said, I find it curious that even in this day and age there is still a disconnect between married people and single people.  More specifically single women and married couples, because that’s something to which I can relate.  Now, I have friends in both categories but to be perfectly honest, I know more married adults than single ones.  It may have something to do with my age, I don’t hang with a lot of 20 or 30-somethings.  Still, though, if I think about it I really only know maybe 8 single women and most of them are relatives!

Why is it, though, that singles and marrieds don’t hang out more often?  I’m sure this isn’t just a localized phenomenon so, for the purposes of this post, let me make the assumption that this is a universal situation.

If you are married and having a dinner party would you invite a single friend?  If so, great!  If not, why not?  Do you think singles keep themselves so busy trying to fill a void because they aren’t married that they wouldn’t have the time?  Do you think they’d feel uncomfortable, the proverbial fifth wheel?  Maybe they are a single parent and you feel you’d be encroaching on quality time with their child because my heavens they work, they do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry so how could they possibly find the time to relax and enjoy their children? (For the record, I’d say this last scenario alone is a good reason that you should invite them over) If this is you don’t worry, I’m sure it happens a lot and completely unintentionally, but have you ever though about giving that single friend the choice of accepting instead?

If you are single and were invited to said dinner party would you go?  If so, great!  If not, why not?  Would you feel uncomfortable?  Do you think you couldn’t possibly spare the time, particularly if you’re a single parent?  Would you think it was a pity invitation because, well, you’re single?  Why not give yourself the pleasure of company with friends who truly seem to care about you?  I may also suggest inviting them over to your place for dinner.  That door swings both ways, you know.

For the record, I can’t say that I ever had a lot of single friends over for a visit when I was married.  I also have not had a lot of friends over since I’ve been single, although I am taking steps to correct that as I do like having company!  These are simply questions that have popped into my head, trying to understand why there is this gap between single and married adults.

Now let’s talk about the church just a little.  If you are single do you feel accepted at your church?  If you are married do you feel accepting of singles at your church, do you know any?  Does your church make it a point to have ministries for both married AND single adults?  If not have you talked to your pastor about it?  Maybe the leadership of your church doesn’t realize how many singles are in its congregation?

The article below talks a little more about this subject and, in particular, how the church could embrace its single population more.  I feel it’s relevant for the simple reason that the church body should be inclusive of all people, regardless of their marital status, and that doesn’t always happen.  I will say that I love my church and am very proud to see a couple of fledgling ministries starting up geared toward unmarried adults.  I can’t wait to see how God uses those ministries to help that particular demographic feel accepted and welcomed.  I love my friends too and I want to point out again, this is NOT me finger-pointing or being judgmental but I do feel this topic warrants discussion. Click the “Singled Out” link below, it’s a very interesting read.

To singles everywhere, of all ages, keep this one thing in mind.  If you feel you are being overlooked, undervalued, or otherwise stereotyped as a single adult take steps to change that fact!  Communicate with your friends and church leadership.  We can’t break the “stigma” that is being single if we don’t speak up for ourselves to make things different.

Singled Out

What We Remember

I remember where I was and what I was doing on this date in 2001.  I doubt there are many who don’t remember.

I remember standing in front of the television watching the news before I took my children to school.

I remember calling my twin and the two of us trying to console each other as we saw the first tower fall.

I remember the silence of a sky devoid of any man-made flight.

I remember the endless news coverage and the faces covered in ash and blood.

I remember seeing those who considered America an enemy dancing in the streets thousands of miles away.

I remember finally having to turn the television and radio off, thinking I couldn’t handle it anymore.

I remember the song that became so popular after that day, that spoke to so many people.

I remember the heroes.

I remember.

The Ball Pit

I was scrolling through my Facebook page today and saw this video about a random ball pit and total strangers sitting in it, talking together.  It was really pretty interesting, the topics they discussed and things they discovered about each other.  There were conversation suggestions written on some of the balls that each pairing talked about.  One in particular struck a chord with me.

The topic was “Talk about the experience that changed your life”.  Now, this could be any number of things depending on the person.  It could be a good thing or a bad thing.  Maybe you lost your parents early in life, or perhaps it was getting baptized.  How about finally getting up the nerve to face your fears?  Any one of these things, or any other infinite number of possibilities, could be a life changer.

For me, the first thing that came to mind was not my move to a new state after high school, not my marriage or having my kids.   Those of you who really know me may also be surprised when I tell you it wasn’t welcoming Jesus into my life either.

No, for me the pivotal event in my life was my divorce.

When I moved from Nebraska to Colorado, the summer after my senior year of high school, I was still the same introverted, low self-esteem girl – just in a different setting.  When I got married and had children, while these were important moments, that shy girl was still there peeking out from behind my apron strings.  Even after accepting Christ, the woman I was to become was barely a shadow in my thoughts.

Divorce was my crucible. The metal of my very being was smelt in the fires of stress, despair and loneliness.

Being a single parent was not something I had ever imagined and I was sure I would fail miserably.  That, however, was thankfully not left up to me.  Through the course of the first few months I bought a car, had to move from a house to an apartment, and had to apply for assistance programs because I only had a part-time job.  Over the next year I went to a full-time position at work, was able to move off assistance and with the help of family, friends and a wonderful church community I struggled a little less.

With each passing year the overwhelming stress grew slightly lighter, the sharp pain of loneliness subsided to an occasional ache and my despair was eased by my ever-growing faith.  At the same time, I think without my noticing it for quite awhile, I became less introverted, more self-assured.  It wasn’t a constant thing, this feeling of acceptance from within, but it was surfacing more and more often.

I became more involved at church, involved in PTA at the kid’s school – even doing a stint as PTA President, and received more promotions at work.  I was no longer afraid to speak my mind, not so worried that someone may not like me if I did.  That didn’t matter to me anymore.  I deserved to be heard as much as anyone else, my opinions were no less valuable than anyone else’s.

To this day I am amazed and in complete awe of the transformation God has brought about in my life.  I can look back and see that through all of the pain and sorrow a new life was burgeoning.  Something so splendid and fulfilling it could only be of God.

I pray that I will serve His purpose for my life.  I have only to keep my heart and mind open.  I am no longer that shy, introverted little girl.  Some would even say I am exactly the opposite.  And while there will still be pain, there will still be sorrow and even occasional loneliness, I know He is always with me.

All of this, from a sentence written in a ball pit

You Are Here

I’m not one for poetry

I enjoy it sometimes, slam poetry can be amazing, but I don’t know a lot about poetry itself.  My paternal grandmother (Granny) wrote poetry but I guess that’s just not what I’m interested in writing.  That being said, there is a commercial out right now (for iPads I think) that quotes some verse written by Walt Whitman.  I was so intrigued by the verse I had to look the poem up online.  It reads as follows:

O ME! O Life!… of the questions of these recurring;
Of the endless trains of the faithless—of cities fill’d with the foolish;
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light—of the objects mean—of the struggle ever renew’d;
Of the poor results of all—of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me;
Of the empty and useless years of the rest—with the rest me intertwined;
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

Answer.

That you are here—that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.

I just LOVE this!

How often do we get caught up in the trappings of our lives, grinding on through the days and weeks of monotony?  We wake, we work, we eat, we sleep.  We set our dreams aside; our passions taking a backseat to financial responsibility or to what other people think we should be doing.  We lose ourselves in our own existence.  We dream of what could be different but hold ourselves back from realizing that difference.

Is this really all there is to living?  NO – there is so much more to life than to just simply live.  Everything we do or say can have an impact in some way, shape or form on someone or something else.  It may not happen immediately, it may take several ripples on the pond for the change to be felt, but it’s there.  What kind of effect do you want to have on the people around you?  Are you worried that you won’t make any difference at all?

We are all here for a purpose, as God intended.  Every step, every decision we make takes us down a path to making a difference somewhere.  Paying it forward makes a difference.  Helping someone pick up dropped papers makes a difference.  Taking someone a meal, smiling at a stranger, saying good morning to a neighbor – it ALL matters – because you are here and WHO YOU ARE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

That life exists, and identity;

That the powerful play goes on

and you will contribute a verse