Tag: life

Out of Step

dance
picture credit Unsplash

Many years ago, my husband and I signed up for ballroom dancing classes. As we headed to our first lesson, my mind conjured up visions of Brian and I gliding gracefully across the floor.

The reality was far different. In fact, we were so awkward the instructor said she felt sorry for us! It turned out that the problem was me. I unconsciously tried to take the lead. Only one can lead and it wasn’t my job.

I was told to close my eyes and trust my partner. When I did that, our movement became smooth. Once confident I could follow Brian’s lead, I’d open my eyes again. Whenever we were out of step, it was because I was fighting for control. I spent a large part of our lessons with my eyes closed!

I’ve discovered this also applies in my relationship with God. I have a tendency to want to go my own way (or lead) and expect God to follow. The habit of thinking I know what’s best is a hard one to break. What is needed of me is to close my eyes and trust.

This is required even more when I’m in a season of uncertainty. I may not know what direction to take but as long as I follow His lead and stay in step with the one who knows the dance of my life, I need not be concerned. God knows where He is taking me and His ways are better than anything I could imagine.

“I know the plans that I have for you, declared the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster; plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Tormenta

storm, hurricaneWhen I first sat down to write this, a hurricane was crossing the Caribbean Sea and heading for Mexico. It was expected to hit the Yucatan state in a few days. There was a chance it would miss the area our friends lived in, but as we know, sometimes storms change direction.

The same is true in life. Everything was going well for us when, seemingly out of nowhere, a massive life storm hit. A hurricane strength wind picked us up, spun us around and destroyed our carefully planned life.

We survived the initial onslaught, a little battered but still standing. Then we entered the eye of the storm where the calm lulled us into a false sense of security.

Too soon, we were back in the fight, buffeted by gusts that threatened to defeat us.

The Spanish word for storm is tormenta. To my mind, this is apt, as life storms certainly torment us. Their effects can be long lasting.

Sooner or later the storm will move past. The question remains as to the damage it has done and if we have survived it.

In my personal case, only one of us survived the storm of a terrible disease. We remained strong for as long as possible and held to each other and our faith.

Now, I, as the remaining one, am forced to start the rebuilding process. It is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It is also necessary in order to honour the wishes of my loved one and fully live and appreciate the days I’ve been given.

To help me I turn to 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”

Which Path to Chose?

choicesSomething as simple as a walk in different surroundings caused me to reflect on the journey of life.

I left our campsite and headed to the wide, paved walkway I’d taken the previous day. This was a safe, predictable route, and I had confidence in where I was and how to find my way.

Set on a slight rise, I was able to have a good view of my surroundings. Off to one side I could see streets and houses. On the other was a river which disappeared into a forested area.

My goal was not a destination, but exercise and enjoyment. Was predictable was enough or did I want more?

I made a decision and headed for the trees. On the heels of that decision came another. Before me were several paths, leading in different directions. Which one should I choose?

Since the area was unfamiliar, I chose the one running parallel to the one I’d come from. With the paved walkway in sight, I wouldn’t get disoriented or lost.


adventure awaitsI thought of a sign I’d seen earlier that said Adventure Awaits. What kind of adventure did I want this morning? Was it one to keep me feeling safe and secure or one to help me experience something new?

decisions
More choices of paths presented themselves. I decided to explore the unknown and ventured deeper into the woods.

My first obstacle came in the form of a large tree, fallen across my path. I could turn back, find a way around it, or climb over. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I chose the latter.decisions

The next bend caused me to catch my breath in awe. Silvery green leaves glimmered on both sides and in front of me. I couldn’t even see the path ahead until I moved forward. This beauty would have been missed if I’d turned back at the first challenge I faced.

After a few twists and turns, I came to a steep hill. Could I climb it? Yes, but it would take me back to the main walkway and I hadn’t finished exploring. I turned and headed in the opposite direction.

Every fork in the path (and they were frequent), caused me to make another decision. So many options were available. I followed my instincts, knowing if it didn’t work out, I could go back and alter my route.

A clearing ahead led me to a large, flat area beside the river. I took time to savor the vision of trees from the opposite bank, reflected in the calm, crystal clear water.nature My body and mind refreshed; I followed the river until I reached the bank taking me back to the main walkway.

As I returned to my campsite, I reflected on the times I’ve struggled over which path my life should take. Some have given me the security of familiarity. Others have taken me over more scenic routes. There are also the ones that provided challenges, thrills and excitement. Often, these paths intersected at unexpected places.

Every path I’ve taken, even the ones I thought were mistakes, have led me to where and who I am today. They all served a purpose. I am aware that in order to keep moving forward, there will be more decisions ahead. It’s my choice to either make safe, predictable ones or explore new possibilities. 

Life is Like a Grapefruit

life lessons, observationsI enjoy fresh grapefruit with my breakfast. Lately, several observations have been made that led me to believe I could learn a lot about life from a grapefruit.

Grapefruits come in many sizes. The biggest are not always the best! Some of the larger ones I’ve had have been a disappointment in flavour and juiciness. In life, some of the bigger things I’ve gone after have not brought the satisfaction I’d hoped for.

Some grapefruits have smooth skin and some are bumpy and scarred. This is not an accurate reflection of what I will find on the inside. I have been pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of those less pleasing to the eye. If I only chose life experiences by those that looked the most perfect, I’d have missed much of the sweetness in my life.

One grapefruit was juicy and sweet until I came to a section or two that had tough, fibrous pieces. They were put aside and I continued to enjoy the remainder of my breakfast. As in life, I have the choice to focus on what isn’t as I’d hoped, or to carry forward and enjoy the rest.

Usually, I find seeds. The ones with many require a little more effort to eat. These seeds represent future growth. Left in nature, they would develop into more fruit. They remind me of the seeds of possibility in my life. What seems like an inconvenience may actually be an opportunity for future potential.

One morning I was enjoying what seemed like the perfect grapefruit when it squirted me in the eye! Even when all seems to be going smoothly, there can be something that catches me unaware. Do I get upset, or put it into perspective and move on?

It’s no wonder I enjoy this fruit. Not only is it juicy and refreshing, it reminds me to how to best enjoy life and its constant changes and challenges.

Look, Listen, Live

train warningDiamond shaped tiles have been installed on the sidewalk on each side of the railway track. The image of a train is at the top with the words Look, Listen, Live, in large black letters beneath.

The purpose of these is clear. Barriers come across the road to stop vehicles when a train is approaching. Pedestrians, however, have no barriers on the sidewalk. I’m not sure how anyone could not be aware of an oncoming train, but it must happen, hence the warnings.

As well as a warning, the words on these tiles have come to symbolize something else for me. They point the way to a more fulfilling life.

I take the time to look around me. The faces of loved ones bring great joy. Vibrant colours of a sunrise signal the start of a fresh new day. Each season brings its own unique beauty. An artist’s canvas and written words on a page stimulate imagination. I am grateful for the gift of sight and the richness it brings to my life.

I listen to the laughter of children at play. Words of love and encouragement spoken by family and friends warm my heart. The melody of favourite music reaches deep within, bringing forth a myriad of emotions. Birdsong, a rushing river and the satisfying crunch of dry leaves under my feet remind me of everchanging possibilities. I am grateful for the gift of hearing and how it enhances my life.

It is when I take the time to look and listen that I can truly appreciate my countless blessings and live life to its fullest.

Ready or Not

natureIt was a beautiful sunny morning when I paused to enjoy the reflection of trees on a smooth as glass pond. On the other side of the water, something caused me to stare in disbelief.

My eyes must be deceiving me, I thought. A closer look was needed. Unfortunately, my initial impression was confirmed. Although we were still in the first half of August, the leaves on a small tree had turned from green to a reddish orange.

I knew that summer would come to an end but wasn’t ready for it to happen yet. Shouldn’t we have another month before fall arrived?

Over the next week, the temperature dropped and so did the leaves from that particular tree. Its branches were now bare. Other trees seemed to have a few more yellow leaves each time I passed by.

I’m reminded of the game of Hide and Seek. When the chaser is finished counting and about to start seeking, he opens his eyes and says, “Ready or not, here I come!” This is true for more than the seasons or a childhood game.

While talking to a friend about something completely unrelated to weather, he said, “We knew it would come to an end one day. We just thought we could choose when and how it would happen.” Life is often like that!
change
I’ve lived long enough to know the world does not revolve around my timetable. I don’t have to like it but I do need to accept and make the best of it. Because, ready or not, change is often just around the corner.

Lasting Impressions

leaf, sidewalkI stepped over the outline of fallen leaves on the sidewalk. At first, I thought the area had been stained by leaves as they decomposed over the winter. Upon closer examination, I discovered these perfect outlines appeared to be etched into the concrete. The foliage had left an impression that altered the appearance of the sidewalk.

As I carried on, my mind was filled with the myriad of influences able to leave a lasting impression on my life. Each have the power to alter the way others view me.
Many of my thoughts were focused on positive experiences that have shaped my life. These enable me to reflect encouragement to those I come in contact with.

People have also left lasting impressions on my life. One of the most significant was my mother. She shaped my life by both her words and actions. Although she passed away over twenty years ago, her influence can still be seen in my life.

From her I learned the importance of family. I learned people are more important than possessions. I learned to support and encourage. Instead of striving for great things, I learned to do small things with great love.

I learned the fulfillment helping others brings. I learned life isn’t always fair but there is still much to be grateful for. I learned to laugh at myself and with others. I learned people feel special when you make them their favourite foods.

These things, and many more, have permanently altered the appearance of who you see today. I am grateful for my mother’s positive influence. There is no greater legacy than to leave a lasting impression of love.

Does it Count?

steps, fitness watchI resisted the trend for a long time. Finally, just over a year ago, I became the owner of a fitness tracking watch. It keeps track of the number of steps I take in a day and the total gives me a good indication of my activity level.

The problem is, I’ve begun to rely on this number even though I know it isn’t totally accurate. When my arm isn’t swinging enough, no steps are recorded. Washing my hands can easily add an extra twenty or more. It probably all balances out by the end of the day.

One morning I delayed my walk because the watch needed recharged. Even though it wasn’t true, I felt like my steps wouldn’t count unless they were recorded.

My husband and I joked about this and then discussed how it could relate to an underlying belief. If no one sees or acknowledges what I do, does it still count?

I don’t always have the opportunity to see the impact my actions have on others. This doesn’t negate what I do.

Some mornings I stand in awe at the beauty of the sunrise. Other days, I fail to look out the window at the right time. It happens whether I acknowledge it or not.

I don’t keep track of the breaths I take or the number of heartbeats I have in a day but each is a precious and life sustaining gift.

The fitness watch may have caused me to look at life from the wrong perspective. Instead of counting the steps I take, my focus should be on making my steps count.

The Puzzle of Life

jigsaw puzzleFirst, I took all of the pieces out of the box and turned them right side up so I could see what I was working with. Then I separated the edge pieces and built the border or the framework to define the perimeter of the picture.

This was when my analogy of a jigsaw puzzle to life began. I need to examine what I’m working with and know what my boundaries are.

Within this framework are multiple pieces. Some come together quickly. Others require much trial and error before they find their own place. It is quite common to be working on several different areas before discovering how one or two pieces are able to join them together.

I attempt to put similar colours and patterns together. The dark or shadowy ones aren’t as appealing but serve to make the brighter ones even more vibrant. The picture is starting to take shape.

I hold a piece in my hand and think I know where it belongs. It isn’t quite right but I attempt to make it fit. This is where I want it to go, why isn’t it working? If I force it, the space will not be held for the piece meant to go there and the picture will not live up to the potential shown on the box. This is more difficult that I imagined and I wonder if the puzzle is ever going to come together.

I move to a different position to view my work in progress. Another perspective helps me figure out where some of the extra pieces fit. I stand back to take an overall view and am happy with the progress made so far.

My life, like the jigsaw puzzle, still has some pieces to be put into place. The time and effort I put into it now will one day result in a beautiful picture of who I was and how I lived my life.

One Weed At A Time

garden, weeds,“You have a beautiful yard,” I told my friend. “It must take a lot of time and effort to maintain.” “I do spend many hours weeding,” Robert admitted. Then he shared a wisdom that is both simple and profound. “If I look at the entire task, it can be overwhelming. I’ve learned to tackle it one weed at a time.” One weed at a time. That is a great motto for life! What does this phrase say to you? Weeds left unattended in a garden will take over and choke out the good plants. In the same way, weeds in my life can also choke out the good things. It is unrealistic to think I can eliminate all of the weeds, or negative attitudes and behaviours in my life in one fell swoop. I can, however, work on them bit by bit. When I release a grudge I hold, the anger is loosened making it easier to uproot and get rid of it. By pulling out this weed, peace and forgiveness are able to take root in its place. Every time I choose love and understanding over judgement, another weed is removed.garden I am most productive when I focus only on the weed directly in front of me and spend the time necessary to get to the root of the matter. Some require more digging in order to unearth them. Thanks to Robert’s advice, I will no longer be discouraged by the task in front of me. Instead, I will glance back and appreciate how far I’ve come, one weed at a time.
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