Longing
We all have a longing to fit in. We want people to like us, and when they don’t, it can get into our head. What you need to remember in times like these is that God is for us. He loves us so much, He gave His only son for us!
People pleasing gets us no where either. We are the ones that end up suffering because we try so hard to please everyone around us. It just is not possible! No matter how hard we try, there will be someone knit picking us.
Criticism hurts. No one likes to be critiqued on every little thing or have someone find fault with how you do things, say things, etc. It makes one feel as if they will never be “good enough” because no matter how hard you try, there is someone picking you apart. It affects our self esteem and self confidence.
I can’t help but think about a card I sent my grandmother many years ago. I may have been 10 years old at the time. My family mentioned how my grandmother was lonely during the day, Upon hearing that, I made a special point to write out a card to her. I sealed the white envelope, placed a stamp on it, and took a stroll to the mailbox. I just knew my card would cheer her up. It was my desire for her to feel so much love when she read the words written straight from my heart. Sadly, that is not what happened. Instead, upon receiving my card in the mail, she called to say, “Next time use a better pen. The ink smeared on the envelope. You could hardly read what it said.” There I sat with my good intentions squashed all because of the type of pen I chose to use. Honestly, I never even thought about the pen. I had no idea the envelope would get wet, either, as it made its way to her house! Instead of her being appreciative of her young grandchild sending her a card with words of love inside, she found fault. She focused on the smeared ink on the front of the envelope. Needless to say, I was crushed. If she felt the need to mention the pen, it would have been better taken had she shown any type of appreciation of the love that was poured into the card.
It is so easy to find fault, to knit pick, and to be negative. Real effort has to be made to focus on the positive for the vast majority of us. Why is this? Is this who you are truly longing to be? If not, you CAN change that. Take a good look at the person looking back at you in the mirror. That is the only person in this world that YOU can change. That’s it. That’s all. You can’t change a single person other than yourself.
Today is February 1, 2022. We are one month into the new year. Take some time to examine yourself and think of how you can shift into a more positive frame of mind before you ever open your mouth the next time you’re tempted to do so. A person grows weary and just plain tired of someone harping on them about this or that. Take time to appreciate the person and what they have to offer the world.
If someone is working on a project with you, appreciate what they bring to the table. Maybe their way of doing things doesn’t line up with yours, but as long as you both get the same end result, what does it matter? Is it really that important to belittle their way just because it’s not YOUR way? Or maybe you have experience that says this is the only way it will work, then along comes Little Miss Muffet who sat down beside you to offer her way; a short cut! If it works in the end to give you the final product you desired, you both win! It should not be a power struggle, but often times, it is.
What about offering positive feedback when your human nature is to express how negatively you feel at any given moment. Compliments go a long way. An “atta boy/girl” or “way to go” has the power to perk someone right up, while words of criticism will ring in that person’s ear long after they were spoken.
There are so many people ready to tear others down, and some that do this on a daily basis. Be different! Focus on the positive. Be that person’s biggest fan or their ultimate cheerleader in life. You never know what someone is going through at any given moment. Your words can bring life or death for others around you. Choose to breathe life into someone and offer praise where possible and words of affirmation.
Trial
Preparing for surgery while in the middle of a pandemic has proven to be challenging, to say the least. With the new variants of Covid running rampant in communities all over the globe, businesses have implemented mask requirements. Some have even required proof of Covid vaccinations or a negative Covid test prior to entering their establishments. Hospitals have restricted visitors, which provokes anxiety in the one preparing to have this surgery, as well as the family members assisting in the care of their loved ones. We feel like we have had too much to deal with as we walk this path.
During this trial, we have encountered individuals who have blatantly disregarded and disrespected our family while arguing about masks and their beliefs surrounding whether they work or not. Red faced individuals have stared at us with bulging eyes, raising their voices, spewing hatred straight from their evil core.
“I am NOT sick … I will NOT wear a mask!”
HOW do you KNOW you are “not sick” when you have walked in off the street without having a negative test result prior to coming inside the office? You don’t!! That is my point exactly!!
You wear a mask when visiting a doctor’s office, going into Walmart, and any other place that requires a mask during these uncertain times we are living in. Why disrespect someone’s family, especially when you state why you are passionate about adhering to the mask wearing? We explained from a personal level that it’s because of our older loved ones preparing for surgery that we ask this; to show respect and regard for another human being’s life when they are already struggling with a major upcoming surgery.
It’s a sad day when humans have no regard for the life of another.
Christmas and Reflections of 2021
This year is drawing to a close. As we think of spending Christmas with our family, our thoughts also go to the reflections of 2021. This year has been full of mostly joy for our family, with a few exceptions here and there. We gained a son-in-law this year! That was one of the highlights of the year as our oldest daughter married the love of her life. Our youngest daughter was busy being awesome and being inducted into the American Christian Honor Society. What a distinct honor, as it not only reflects her incredible grades but also her impeccable character as well. Ah, sweet blessings from God above!
While we were protected from Covid-19, others have not been so lucky. They either came down with it themselves or had a family member with it. There has been wide debate on both sides for and against the vaccines, with each side having their reasons for being passionate about their perspective.
We lost our precious teacup Yorkie this year, which crushed my heart completely. Baby was nine years old when she passed. We were told early on that due to her smaller organs, she would not live as long as other pets. Even still, we made sure to pack a whole lot of love into those years we had with her.
A family member was urged to have surgery and not put it off any longer, so that surgery will take place in the beginning of 2022. Please pray for no complications, God’s hand on all staff treating and tending to them, and a speedy recovery.
Sadly, we have either lost friends this year or have drifted away from those we were once close with. Things happen, and relationships either stand the test of time, or they don’t. Either way, we are thankful for the lessons learned. We hold the memories made close to our hearts, and we wish them well on whatever path they have chosen to go down without us by their side in life.
Family trips were taken, and we basked in the warm sun on beautiful islands! From frolicking on sandy shores in Florida, South Carolina, and even Hawaii, too, we embraced travel once again when we were so limited in 2020 due to Covid emerging and shutting places down, crippling the economy.
Love was shared. Happiness was found in hearts. God brought us safely through it all, and here we are preparing to celebrate His birthday.
Let your heart not be troubled as you think of Christmas and reflections of 2021 with your family. God is still in control, just like He has always been. He’s still there on the mountaintop, and He will still be there when we go through valleys.
Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful, beautiful life and the family and friends we share it with. May we keep Christmas in our hearts all year through.
