My Commute
I commute to work.
So what, right. Everyone does. That’s true. My commute happens to be 5 hours each way. And, I drive this distance to and from Bloomington. 
This gives me a lot of time to think about the world and all that is in it. Today on my way back to Bloomington, it struck me that this time for contemplation is really something most people don’t take for themselves. Time to reflect on the week past, the week ahead, and where they are for the moment. (Somewhere on 65 South!)
One certainly has to pay attention to what is going on with the road, but beyond that I have 5 hours to myself. I can’t “DO” — I can’t “CLEAN” — I can’t “WORK” — all I can do is be.
It’s funny how out of the hard things the blessing arise.
And on the 7th day… decompress, then start again.
Taking a day to break the cycle of work, eat, sleep can do a lot to keep your life on track.
While breaking my routine today, I’m going to think on ways I might break my routine for life. What’s going to change in me or what am I going to change in the world?
Have you tried this?
Prayer is a good start, meditation helps, but breaking the routine – that’s the tough part. No more good intentions. No more ‘start tomorrows.’
Course, knowing I’m made more of habit than not, going to break every 7th day. Get back in touch. Look at what was done and needs doing. Check the road signs. Rest.
No wrong way to break the week. Do it wrong and Monday arrives anyway, hopefully with momentum and mission.
Want to give it a try?
A Beautiful Thing….sorta
I realized this month that my children are capable, independent, loving people. (well, maybe not quite independent since one is in college and the other high school!) Don’t get me wrong — I am not the kind of mom that holds onto her kids so tightly they have to sneak out to get away. I have always encouraged by kids to be big and bold and brave – to discover their own dreams and wishes. I have enjoyed watching them grow-up; I am proud that they are quite accomplished in their current lives and that their future is bright. But two things happened recently that drove home the idea that Mom & Dad really are no longer the most important people in their lives.
First, my daughter got engaged to the most wonderful, young man I could have wished for her. He is smart and funny and adores Sarah. I am thrilled for her, but I recognize that his thoughts and hopes are much more important to her now than mine.
Yesterday, I read one of the most beautiful poems; I was quite surprised when I realized it was written by my son. He painted a moment so brilliantly it shook my heart. And yet, when I read the attached “inspired by” paragraph his english teacher requires, it wasn’t me.
Now neither of these two “aha’s” were unexpected. I just wasn’t expecting the revelation so soon. All through the life’s of our children we hope and pray that we will send them out into the world expectant of all the wonderful things that await them. And, I am truly enthralled by the paths and decisions they are both making.
But, in all their joy, just a bit of wistful sadness escapes my heart with the realization that their faces are turned toward their future now and not so much at Mom and Dad anymore.
Moments Set Aside – Avoiding Mowing
Purple flowers sprout just in time
to save my morning from a mow.
Too nice to cut down so early.
Angry neighbors maybe.
But pretty purple flowers everywhere.
Enjoy a moment,
no matter what others think.
Live today. Mow tomorrow.
Photo: Fred’s Lawn before the unavoidable mow.
The Real Magic Is in Your Passion
“Every man, when he gets quiet, when he becomes desperately honest with himself, is capable of uttering profound truths. We all derive from the same source. There is no mystery about the origin of things. We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, to discover what is already there.”
— Henry Miller
I love the idea of the artist within. It is the unrealized potential that excites me as I move through life. What Mr. Miller forgot to talk about (or chose to ignore) is the tactical challenge beyond the discovery.
In layman’s terms, getting it done.
There are untold numbers of books written on procrastination, motivation, time management, life management, getting things done, doing things right, seven habits, and bad habits. Every month a new method or system works its way up the New York Times best selling list. We all read them hoping for the magic formula that will allow us to achieve what we envision.
The real magic is in your passion– the core of who you are. If you want it — ney need it with every part of your soul — you will get it done. The rest of it is just filler in between the passion.
I am learning what makes my blood turn into high octane. I am trying to build my life around those things. I believe that when we are all doing what “desire”want and discard what we “shoulda, coulda, oughta,” the rest will work itself out naturally. Whether you describe that nexus as fate, destiny, a calling, or serendipity — it is the point of both discovery and accomplishment.
Texting Gone Mad
Last month my son and girlfriend exchanged 5,000 text messages. When you do the math and, assuming that they each did 2,500, that is just under 100 a day.
But wait, it gets better…
Those 30 days equal 720 hours. Since he is a teenager lets assume an average of 7 hours of sleep a night or 210 hours leaving 510 hours. Now assume for 20 of those days he is in school for at least 8 hours that removes another 160 with 350 hours. For arguments sake assume another 50 hours in lessons, church, meals with parents, and actual face-to-face dates and you have 300 hours available for texting.
Now, follow me, that means that my son and his girlfriend exchange more than 16 text messages an hour or 1 every 3+ minutes. This from the boy who considers grunting his native language.
Will my son be a better communicator than my husband and his generation? They talk more….but do they say more? It will be interesting to see if technology fills the evolutionary gap between men and women when it comes to communicating…
A Snow Day
What do you do with these unplanned gifts of time?
Do you work? Do you plan? Do you think? Do you rest?
An entire day waits for me. What a gift!
Just A Question…
I just finished the book — Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real (Click here for book info). One of the characters in the book asks a question that made me stop and really examine a number of things about the choices I make, the priorities I set and the actions I take. Not an easy question…
“Do I believe in God or do I believe God?”
What’s your answer?
The Definition Of All
I just finished the book — Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real (Click here for book info). One of the characters in the book asks a question that made me stop and really examine a number of things about the choices I make, the priorities I set and the actions I take. Not an easy question…
“Do I believe in God or do I believe God?”
What’s your answer?
Everyday Grace
It is the little touches that makes the everyday hustle and bustle a little slower, a little softer, and a little less alone.
The spiritual side of that phrase is big and bold and life giving. What we do with that in turn is what makes the difference in our lives and in those we touch. A smile, a thank you, a surprise, a token of our interaction — a recognition that we all share the same space in this world.
When was the last time you received a greeting card that was touched by a human hand? When was the last time you called your sister and talked for an hour instead of sending her a quick email? Do you tuck notes into your husband’s briefcase or lunch bag? Does he for you? What about sharing something thoughtful just because you want to for a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker?
Too much of our contact with each other has become cold and sterile — usually done behind a piece of equipment. It is time that we return to finding ways to share our lives and our interaction with a personal touch.
As I have been looking at my life and my art I think that what is missing is “Everyday Grace” — what we are wired to need desire both the spiritual level and personal level. And, it is this Everyday Grace that I am dedicated to finding and sharing once again.
Join me?