Monthly Archives: May 2016

Racing Against The Wind

Home, ,

replacement turbine

Two steps forward, one step back. Three steps forward, two steps back. One step forward, two steps back. I’m not talking about the ballroom here. I’m talking about the dance of life.

May. It always seems to be such a busy month. Ever feel like you’re racing against the wind? Trying so hard, but getting nowhere fast?

There is so much to do right now and we are unable to keep up. Why, this month alone we’ve had a wedding, baby shower, graduation, birthdays, confirmation, play practice and performances, etc. You get the picture. I’m sure you can fill in the blanks for your own life.

And then there are the usual things: grocery shopping, meals, dropping the kids off, picking the kids up, home maintenance, church, meetings, landscaping (still waiting!), exercise (didn’t happen!), and the list goes on.

Then there’s work. Whew–I have to go to work to get a break!

There’s not a minute to spare and there’s still so much to do. Stop the world, please, I’d like to get off.

As I was walking out to my car yesterday to go to another event, I got a sudden jolt and quickly glanced at my feet. Had I put on the brown or the black shoes? I was relieved to see I had the right color on. OK, we’re good. Proceed.

No. Halt. Take a pause. Enjoy the moment. Be glad for the busyness. Be thankful for the ability to be busy. As a health care worker, I am keenly aware that so many people are unable to keep the pace we are at, and given the chance, would choose it.

So I will keep going, but with a grateful heart. From the house to the car and the car to the house, I will stop and admire the flowers and listen to the sounds of the birds. Wave at my neighbor. I will give a prayer of thanks for all that I have and all I am able to do and give of my time.

Stop. Pause. ready, set…GO!

Enjoy your blessedly busy day,

Carolyn

“Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better.”

Do I Even Matter?

Home, ,

Earth-the-universe-stars-435

It depends on who you’re asking, I suppose. Ask your family, they’ll say yes. Ask your friends, they’ll say of course. Ask your boss, they’ll tell you you’re an integral part of the overall system. Ask your co-worker and they’ll want to know if you’re calling out tomorrow!

How you feel about yourself and your life often weighs more than what others tell you. Maybe you feel lonely, even when surrounded by a crowd of people. Perhaps you feel lost and insignificant in the vast universe. After all, in that context, each of us is little more than a speck of dust. Possibly, you feel God has forgotten you, since so many things seem to be going wrong.

As I was driving down the road the other day, I saw a black bird in the other lane. He didn’t move as the oncoming car approached, and I quickly recognized he was injured. As the car was about to hit him, he attempted to fly. I’m fairly certain he was struck by the vehicle. My heart sank and I uttered, “Oh Lord, I think he’s hurt.” (Hey, pray without ceasing, right?! 1Thessalonians 5:17)

I recalled a verse about  sparrows, and had to look it up to refresh my memory.

” Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV) 

Wow.

Do I even matter? My go-to Psalm when I’m feeling doubtful says yes.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.”  Psalm 139:17

I’m not going to argue with God. He says I matter.

And so do you. The God who created this vast universe is thinking of you. Take comfort, knowing you do indeed matter.

Click on Bible For Today for Psalm 139 in its entirety. Read it, believe it. And have a great day!

-Carolyn

“Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better.”