C.S. Lewis wrote, "We read to know we're not alone," which reminds me of my impetus to start this blog. I need to tell my story and I need to hear yours.
So, every Friday I am going to post a question that I reckon each of my readers can answer with at least one story. Be practical, be personal, be painful, be my guest by clicking "comments" and leaving a reply. I hope you'll begin to think, TGIF, I can tell someone!
I spoke on a panel last week for Ability Awareness Week at a local elementary school. It was awe inspiring to hear the other panelists and encourage the eager little faces to be tolerant friends to those with differences.
Another panelist was a school principal with ADHD who told her story of talking in class as a youngster, being docked points and eventually denied cupcakes on her own birthday. A mean, uninformed teacher had inadvertently fueled her life's ambition as well as given her ammunition to inspire students and teachers alike some 30 years later with a parable they'll never forget.
As the kids cleared out, those of us who didn't have a class to get to burst spontaneously into storytelling from our own childhoods and those of our kids. Almost refusing to clear the multi-purpose room, we were inspired, uplifted, encouraged and bonded by the resonance of our experiences, realities, failures, and solutions. We need this! And as I like to tease, "I don't get out much!" So, sit back, stay home, anytime of the day or night, and tell me this:
This arrived from a friend and it makes me so thankful to be covered. I am grateful for this friend who puts her email where her mouth is and sends words to me that bless, that are a salve, and that release God's power.
I pray it aloud for my readers who face similar challenges. Like me, you may be weary of the journey. Like our kids, you may struggle to express your "wants and needs."
Lord, I at this moment I ask that you bring shalom - comprehensive wellbeing, love, peace, calm, integrity - to flood my reader and her world.
I ask that you bring shalom to every cell of their child's body, to each membrane where cell touches cell and to everywhere that chemicals and neuroelectrical charges flow.
I ask that you bring shalom to every member of their extended families, to each place where life touches life, and to everywhere that voice and feelings flow.
I ask that you bring shalom to every room of their home, to each wall and hall and doorway where space touches space and to everywhere that energy, events, and family flow.
I ask that you bring shalom to every day in the coming week, to everywhere that hour touches hour, day touches day and everywhere that time and planning and intention flow.
I know that you hear me. I know that you love them. I
claim even now, at this moment, you are sending your shalom, your deep comprehensive peace within, before, behind, between - cells, people, rooms, hours, events, and days.
Thank you for being able. Thank you for being willing. Thank you for being. Amen.
Do you know this movie? Holiday Inn is one of our all time favorite musicals. The movie covers the entire calendar from Valentines to New Year's Eve but, the message of this scene is appropo to Thanksgiving. Listening to his own chipper recording, reminds even Bing Crosby that thankfulness can transform any duldrum into gumption!
How true it is that a little gratitude changes our attitude! It's in the movies; it's in the Bible; it's real honest to goodness truth, as Mamie might say. Holidays can be hard times when the feelings and the circumstances don't match what we know to be true; our perceptions on those days may not be reality. We are staying put this year, in the clear, without travel or trappings to stress and strain. So, I will make my list now and carry it in my wallet for the next time I start to sulk.
I am thankful for:
1. a dentist I've had for 17 years
2. friends who pray for me
3. kids who are affectionate
4. money in the bank
5. kids who are readers
6. a husband who supports my success
7. a husband who can fix anything online and off
8. a husband who has loved me for 23 years
9. a free country where we can worship and study the Bible openly
10. knowing Jesus as a friend
11. a place prepared for me in heaven
12. living close enough to see the vastness of the ocean every day
Try it. Give me your top ten in a comment.
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High Psalm 50:13-15
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:2-4
...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
