Contentment

Are you content?  Contentment....being satisfied with one's circumstances, status, possessions.  It is not a pinnacle reached, but an attitude, or bearing, of the soul and mind, continually needing cultivation and reassessment.  The challenge lies in attaining contentment REGARDLESS of those circumstances, status, or possessions.

"...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."~~Philippians 4:11

Thinking about times of greatest contentment, one must realize that it is not a mantle that falls about your shoulders, but one that must be CONSCIOUSLY donned.  At times of greatest contentment, it is as though my "soul sighs" in agreement.  During difficult times, or unwanted circumstances, contentment is most difficult to achieve, but not unattainable.  It is a matter of perspective, evaluating the position in which you find yourself, and viewing this time in the greater scheme of your entire existence.  In taking that proverbial "step back," you may identify a broader gratitude, leading to contentment with the particular circumstance.

Some things that make my "soul sigh": 

               A child's hearty laughter

               A waterfall

               A cool, crisp morning

               A good song

               A family dinner

               A gentle kiss

 What brings you to be contented?  What makes YOUR soul sigh?

"Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love, and to work, and to play, and to look up at the stars."~~Henry Van Dyke

  

FORTY

Forty.

The symbolism of the number forty:  the waiting, the preparation, the test, or the punishment; the completion of a significant time period.

The number forty, and its symbolism, is prominent throughout the Bible: the forty days/nights of rain, flooding the earth; the forty days Moses spent on the mountain; the forty years Israel wandered the wilderness; the spies searched forty days for Canaan; the forty years David reigned as King, as did his son, Solomon; Jesus fasted forty days in the desert; He was tempted for forty days, and forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended.

Reflecting on the past forty years, I have to ask myself, “Have I passed the test?” “Am I prepared for what lies ahead?”  My kids think I am SO old, but my grandparents think I am SO young…hence the monikor “middle-aged”?

Well, I have done a few things, made a few mistakes, learned a lesson or two, and I am pretty confident that I’m prepared for whatever lies ahead. No agonizing or lamenting the turn of the decade here. After a weekend of celebrating, there was time to reflect. While many of these may seem trite or cliché, they still ring true. Here are a few things I have come to know in this life, so far:

40. When my mom turned 40, I was 13. She seemed so OLD (as I’m sure my children feel), but I don’t “feel” like I thought I would at 40.

39. I want to teach my children more than I was taught…about everything.

38. The more I learn, the less I know.
37. I am about 80 % comfortable in my own skin, and about WHO I am.

36. Education is a good thing. Get it while you can. Always keep learning something new.

35. There is nothing like having your child fall asleep on your chest, or in your arms.

34. Talk to your grandparents while you can. They possess a ton of wisdom.

33. Unanswered prayers can be the greatest blessings we receive.
32. No one “LIVES” in a clean house.

31. I have a unique perspective on technology: rotary to cell phones; letters to emails; Atari to Xbox; 8-track to mp3...I could go on…

30. Burn the best candles. Use the good dishes. Don’t save it for a special occasion…TODAY is special.

29. It’s hardly ever quiet enough. Many things are much too loud!

28. It’s ok to laugh at yourself…laugh, laugh, laugh…it’s good for your heart. You can’t take life too seriously. Find the humor in your situation.

27. Cryptic crosswords and Sudoku are increasingly more diverting entertainment.

26. What other people think of you is really none of your business.
25. Take deep breaths. It calms the mind.
24. 6:00 AM is when you get UP, NOT when you go to bed…this is painful if you don’t adjust.
23. Sleeping on the couch now makes your back ache.
22. Living life to the fullest takes effort and purpose on my part. This is NOT a spectator sport. You must be an ACTIVE participant.

21. Remember your failures. Learn from them, so as not to repeat them.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”~~Zen saying

 

Oma's 90th birthday (me approaching 40)

20. Being wrong is ok (on occasion).

19. There is an ART to moving a household, and relocating across the country (multiple times).

18. Age is not a number, but an attitude, a frame of mind.

17. Children keep you young.

16. There is always Hope.

15. Forgive everyone everything.

14. True friends will love you no matter WHAT you do.

13. Love is a gift, I am LOADED.

12. Do what is right, even when the other person doesn’t.

11. Study, learn, and do things that give you JOY.

10. Being organized can help your daily life immensely, but so can spontaneity. An equal measure of both is better.

9. Be passionate about SOMETHING.

8. Do what you SAY you are going to do.

7. Give more than you take.

6. I still have a lot to learn.

Holding Daddy Up!

5. Your children only get ONE childhood...make it THE most memorable one possible.

4. Take the opportunity and make a point to tell those you love how you feel about them...every chance you get.

3. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, God never blinks. (see #4)

2. The hardest, most excruciating, and tiring experiences often double as the most rewarding, satisfying, and meaningful.

1. Be THANKful for all that you have, and demonstrate your gratitude often.

“You are as happy as you make your mind up to be.”~~Mark Twain

Here’s to HALFTIME!! 



Treasure

Treasures...everyone, at some point, has fantasized about what they would do if they were to win the lottery (pay off houses and cars, give to loved ones, church, maybe even philanthropic endeavors).  Treasure conjures up several images, but probably primarily a booty, a pirate's treasure, hidden riches, often kept or found under mysterious circumstances.

What makes something a treasure?  What do you DO with a treasure?  Is it so valuable that it remains locked up, so it doesn't get stolen, lost, or damaged?  Placed in a special location?  Do you treat it as though it will vanish or break if it is handled too much or too often?  Most treasures need to be guarded, right?

"Real treasure lies not in that what can be seen, but that what cannot be seen."~~Author Unknown

Although, most typically, treasures are tangible items, the most valuable and important treasures to me are those intangible items that we value: time with loved ones, shared experiences, the love and caring shown to us by those around us.  Many times, if the treasure is a tangible item, it's something that Mr. G.Q. Public would not place a great value upon, like tokens.  This percieved value, or the intagibility of the treasure, often makes it difficult to identify what might be treasured by each person, and many times the treasures are as varied as the individuals.

"Memory is the treasure house of the mind, wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved."~~Thomas Fuller

Here is just a tiny sampling of some of MY treasures:

This past summer, we took a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN.  One of the adventures we had was horseback riding.  Everyone was able to ride an adult horse (not a pony in a circle), controlling the reins themselves.  Thomas (who was 9) was so enthusiastic about the experience, that he was asking to repeat it halfway through the ride...

A spontaneously gathered fiesta birthday celebration for Daddy on his last birthday...

This simple project my daughter completed for Mother's Day several years ago...

For me, as I am sure for many others, the real treasures are these small pieces of our lives, special times or memories, made more valuable because of their context in our lives.  These sweet times, memories, experiences are held close to us, in our memories, photos, mementos, souvenirs, but not because they can be taken from us.  They can be shared without being relinquished.  They can be brought out over and over again, in the retelling, but never be degraded by the repeated handling.

"Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot.  In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you."~~ Oscar Wilde

Yes, hold your treasures close.

Protect them. Guard them. 

However, they are not meant to be hidden or locked away.  Share them.  Handle them. 

Always....treasure them.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."~~Matthew 6:21

Token

A token...an outward sign or expression; something serving as indication or proof of something else. 

We use tokens every day...a subway or arcade token, a token word, a token of gratitude or thanks, a token gesture, a token of affection.

What are some of these tokens, and what DO they express, indicate, or represent?  Do you think about what you are really saying with your words and actions? What tokens do you give?  A word of thanks, an encouraging thought, a considerate action.

"Love talked about can be easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible."~~W. Stanley Mooneyham

Over the next several days (and for at least the past week or more), everyone is focused on love and affection....culminating in ONE day...Valentine's Day.  The legend of St. Valentine had its beginnings in a priest who cared for the sick, writing "from your Valentine" to a blind girl he treated. Then, the association with romantic love came many years later with Chaucer's writing, eventually evolving in today's practices of celebrating, with cards, candy, flowers, etc.

Think about what tokens of our love and affections we give, both at this time of the year, but also when the whole culture isn't laser-focused on it, to those we wish to communicate these feelings to.  There is an entire language for flowers, what the color, size, type all represent to the recipient.  We attempt to put into words the depth and breadth of our feelings to the people we cherish most, with cards, notes, letters, text messages, emails.  We demonstrate, physically, how we feel through hugs, kisses, the holding of hands.

"The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift."~~Pierre Corneille

Whatever token we choose, and whenever we choose to bestow these upon those beloved ones, we must consider this:  our tokens of love and affection, whether it be a kiss, hug, or something more tangible, should be granted as often and expediently as permitted, reminding those who receive these tokens how they are treasured, loved, cared for. 

HOWEVER, the most exceptional benefit of this token-giving, is that we, as the token-givers, are the more fortunate, for having those whom we wish to bestow them; and enriched, for the experience and opportunity to demonstrate our sentiments.

"Life is short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of those who travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love! Make haste to be kind!"~~Henri Frederic Amiel

Insight

To have insight is to perceive the true or hidden meaning of something; in this case, insight into one‘s own self. Do you really, truly know yourself? It’s easy to quickly respond with characteristics of yourself, what you like or don’t like, personality or physical traits. However, as with many self-evaluative exercises, it is a bit more difficult to express one’s self in more “unconventional” terms.

This exercise seemed simple enough….30 ways to describe yourself. In truth, it was a little more tricky than it first appeared! Take a look at my 30 “insights,” and in repeating the exercise yourself, discover new insights of your own!

“The best vision is insight.”~~Malcolm S. Forbes

If I were a month, I’d be….February…short and sweet, and I ALWAYS celebrate my valentine.

If I were a day of the week, I’d be…Friday, most likely…combination of both work and play.

If I were a time of day, I’d be…2:00 PM. In the middle of the afternoon, the sun is shining, the world is in motion, and there is as much of the day behind you as there is ahead of you….sometimes looking back, sometimes forward, but enjoying siesta.

If I were a planet, I’d be…Earth. It’s an intricately intertwined, complicated planet. Usually we just associate one or two characteristics to planets (Mars = “red” or “alien” instantly popped into your head), but when you think of Earth, you think many things at once.

If I were a sea animal, I’d be…a dolphin…cute, playful, and stay together in pods/families.

If I were a direction, I’d be…North…guiding, directing, giving you a point of reference.

If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be…plush, soft, cozy…inviting you to sit and stay awhile.

If I were a liquid, I’d be…water. It has so many uses, can be refreshing, and makes up about 60 percent of our bodies anyway.

If I were a gemstone, I’d be…quartz. It comes in many different colors, and is relatively hard…not as hard as the hardest material, the diamond, but made of pretty sturdy stuff.

If I were a tree, I’d be…a magnolia…evergreen, hearty, strong, good smelling, and thick-skinned, less impervious to predators, as well as associated with the southern U.S…hence the moniker “Steel Magnolia.”

If I were a tool, I’d be…a Gerber multi-tool...so many tools, so many tasks….all accomplished by ONE tool…sound familiar?

If I were a flower, I’d be…a Daylily…going in at night.

If I were a car, I’d be…reliable and dependable…not one of those that leaves you broken down on the side of the road, having an unsurpassed warning system.

If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…comfortable, for long hours on the feet; practical, for the job at hand; stylish, with all of those long hours and practical jobs, you just have to like looking at them too.

If I were a kind of weather, I’d be…the wind. Sometimes you notice it, sometimes you don’t. It can be hard and fierce, or gentle and soothing. It can bring in a thunderstorm, or blow in a balmy breeze. It all depends on what the prevailing conditions are.

If I were a musical instrument, I’d be…wind chimes….good to hear when that wind is changing, usually plays in the background.

If I were a color, I’d be…green. It’s a color of growth, new life, health…a calming color.

If I were a fruit, I’d be…watermelon…pink and juicy, composed mostly of water…which is what makes up most of what we are anyway.

If I were an element, I’d be…iron…strong, so many uses, and it changes with time and exposure.

If I were a food, I’d be…pasta…prepared in many ways, but always satisfying.

If I were a place, I’d be…home. Baseball has home plate, tag has home base. We always want to come “home,” and it IS where the heart is.

If I were a material, I’d be…cotton. It’s versatile, you can layer it, wear in warm or cold weather, and of course, soft.

If I were a taste, I’d be…subtle. Subtle tastes are interesting, enhance the food, and aren't easy to identify and pin down.

If I were a scent, I’d be…clean and fresh, noticeable when you get close.

If I were a facial expression, I’d be…a smile. The smile is a universal signature in any language. Everyone understands it, and it speaks of an openness and reception to whomever it is bestowed upon.

If I were an object, I’d be…a puzzle….not too easy to figure out, but with some thought and understanding, the pieces begin to fit together for the “whole” picture.

If I were a body part, I’d be…the brain. It IS in charge of your body, and it can do so very many things, all at once. Sometimes it goes wonky, too, but a nap or good night’s sleep can usually improve its functioning.

If I were an emotion, I’d be…compassion, an empathetic extension of love.

If I were a sound, I’d be…laughter. It’s contagious, includes all types, it relaxes and de-stresses you, helps heal you.

If I were a song, I’d be…the harmony. Every melody is enhanced by the harmonies, and you hear the harmony only when you focus and listen. Even if you don’t hear the harmony, you know it is there when you hear the fullness of the music.

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocea, at the circular motions of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering."~~St. Augustine

Comfort

Comfort....to assist someone in feeling better. 

Around here this past week, discomfort has been prevalent.  Everyone has been ailing, and thankfully, all are on the mend.  Throughout the week, "Mommy's bed" was a favorite spot for the children to seek comfort...but why?  It's not that that particular place is any more "comfortable" than other places throughout the house. 

When you are feeling bad, either physically or emotionally, where do you seek  comfort?

A favorite food, that big, comfy chair, a good book, a special furry friend, a treasured "place" (like Mommy's bed), the people we love next to us....all these things comfort us. 

During this "sick" time, medication helped comfort the symptoms each one had.  Fluids, rest, the proverbial chicken noodle soup also helped to comfort.  While these things all did bring comfort, the most sought out was a presence (Mommy, in this case), a person special to the ones needing the comfort.

Many times, when we need comfort, it isn't necessarily to ease a physical problem, like sickness.  Sometimes, we are just discouraged, tired, lonely, despondent, and even grief-stricken.  We seek the comfort we need from those around us, those special people whom we love the most.  A kind word...a hug...just having that special person nearby, their presence provides us comfort.

These days, just having a word from my husband, from far away, brings me comfort.  It eases my mind from the worry.  His voice, in the teddy bears given to the children, brings them comfort, for having those words from Daddy close at hand.  Whether sick or well, having your loved ones close brings comfort to your soul.

"Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man."~~Louis Nizer 

Music

 

Music....likely some song just popped into your mind.

Music speaks to us on many levels, calms us, excites us, elicits vivid memories for us.

An article in the local newspaper this week, quoting a neuroscience publication, suggested that music affects us much the way eating does (and other, more intimate, pleasures do), causing a chemical reaction in your brain, that provides a "rush" when that music speaks to you. Think about how music enhances your life.

You sing or play an instrument in a soul communion, worship.

You sing along to a catchy tune in your car (likely to the embarrassment of your children).

Some music just makes you want to get up and move, to dance along to its rhythm or message.

Music communicates with us on such a visceral, basic level.

Music comes in many forms....think about turning your radio dial....pop music, hip hop, classical, jazz, top 20, new age, rap, rock music....whatever speaks most to you is available at the tip of your fingers, or the dial of the knob, so to speak. However, WHAT about the music speaks to you....is it the notes? is it the rhythm? is it the message of the lyrics? It may be one, or all of those, at any given moment.

The music of life is many things besides a simple song. I have been witness to some of the sweetest music on earth this week. There is much "music" all around us...the contented sigh of a satisfied hunger...the quiet creaking of a house when all is at peace....the belly laugh of a child who is completely amused.  Life's music is all around us, every day.

There is music in the words spoken, "I love you, Mommy," as well as in the calming patter of the rain on the roof...in the quiet stillness of the snowy landscape.

"It is only by introducing the young to great literature, drama, and music, and to the excitement of great science, that we open them to the possibilities that lie within the human spirit--enable them to see visions and dream dreams."-- Eric Anderson

Listen carefully....what MUSIC do you hear?