This evening I was posting an update on facebook. I meant to write the word carrying, but wrote the word caring instead. I found my mistake and corrected it, but it got me to thinking about the words and their relationship to one another. You could say they sound very similar. In a verbal conversation you might have to rely on content to understand what the speaker meant.
The spelling of the two words are of course different and they have quite different meanings really, but tonight I saw them in a whole new light for some reason. Could it be that when we care about another person, that is, caring for them, that we are carrying them somehow. When we care for another we help them carry their burdens, we help lighten their load.
Carry on...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Introvert in Me
I once told a friend that I am complete extrovert and complete introvert. It is so true. I am all about relationships and have been told that I know how to do friendship. I love being with people and sharing life, laughing, crying, being quiet together, shouting "Hallelujah!", whatever the moment calls for. Sometimes it is all those in quick succession. The me that is the extrovert loves this stuff. It energizes her!
What of that other side, though? Who is she? What does she need? I ran into her again this weekend. I was attending a songwriter's conference. At the heart of the conference are the words, build relationships. I understand the necessity of those relationships and I don't totally withdraw, but I also don't throw the door open wide and say, "Ya'll come on in!" I chat with those around me even if they are strangers to me, but when everyone is taking pictures of each other and passing their contact info back and forth, I stand back and watch.
I offered hospitality as I hosted two ladies for the event. One I knew, mostly via the internet and a few phone conversations, the other I would meet for the first time when I picked her up at the airport. I think the introvert reached back and grabbed the extrovert pushing her in front momentarily for these situations. The extrovert was happy to do it!
What does this introvert side of me need, as I stand back and observe? Just as I can be strengthened by being in the company of others, the other side of me needs quiet and space to be renewed and refreshed. She also wants to know that those relationships are honest, real and trustworthy. So knock on the door and please don't be offended if it opens slow and cautiously from time to time. The next time you knock, I could very well throw it open wide and say "Ya'll, come on in!"
What of that other side, though? Who is she? What does she need? I ran into her again this weekend. I was attending a songwriter's conference. At the heart of the conference are the words, build relationships. I understand the necessity of those relationships and I don't totally withdraw, but I also don't throw the door open wide and say, "Ya'll come on in!" I chat with those around me even if they are strangers to me, but when everyone is taking pictures of each other and passing their contact info back and forth, I stand back and watch.
I offered hospitality as I hosted two ladies for the event. One I knew, mostly via the internet and a few phone conversations, the other I would meet for the first time when I picked her up at the airport. I think the introvert reached back and grabbed the extrovert pushing her in front momentarily for these situations. The extrovert was happy to do it!
What does this introvert side of me need, as I stand back and observe? Just as I can be strengthened by being in the company of others, the other side of me needs quiet and space to be renewed and refreshed. She also wants to know that those relationships are honest, real and trustworthy. So knock on the door and please don't be offended if it opens slow and cautiously from time to time. The next time you knock, I could very well throw it open wide and say "Ya'll, come on in!"
Thursday, July 8, 2010
It's Just Different
Driving in a foreign country can be a difficult task at best. In the states, the steering wheels are on the left side of the car and we drive on the right side of the road. (Well, we are suppose to at any rate.) We recently traveled to Ireland and Great Britain. My husband did the driving and I was grateful. We rented a car with manual transmission, so he not only had to make the adjustment of sitting on the opposite side of the car, driving on the opposite side of the road, but also shifting with his left hand. My task was to remember that the left side of the car was now the passenger side and of course not to gasp inappropriately.
Some of the roads were just wide enough for one car to pass through and had rock walls on either side. Sure made it interesting when another car was approaching. Someone had to be willing to give and hopefully there was a driveway or some little spot to squeeze into so the other could pass. We occasionally had to back up to find such a spot.
Then there was the roundabout. Great idea as long as traffic was at a minimum. No stopping to wait at a light when there were no other vehicles in sight. It was also great if you missed your exit. You could just give it another go and turn off when you came around to it again. The downside, though, if you accidentally took the wrong exit, you had to go a long way before you could find another roundabout to adjust your mistake. They also worked well when everyone was in the correct lane for their exit, otherwise there was a whole lot of random rushing round the ring. During rush hour it became a circular traffic nightmare.
Probably the most difficult aspect of driving in an unfamiliar country is interpreting the road signs. It's a wee bit disconcerting to read a sign and think, "I wonder what that means?" Oh, well, keep driving. We didn't purposely set out to disobey the rules, but we did occasionally get flipped off or honked at. What with the speed cameras every few kilometers in Northern Ireland(or was it miles there?) we will yet find out if we broke the rules if and when we get a ticket in the post (mail). One chap told us there was no need worry about it because we were foreign and if we got a ticket we could disregard it. Not sure about that, Buddy!
I leave you with one of my favorite signs: "Incident Ahead". Yeah, I figured. Such is life!
Some of the roads were just wide enough for one car to pass through and had rock walls on either side. Sure made it interesting when another car was approaching. Someone had to be willing to give and hopefully there was a driveway or some little spot to squeeze into so the other could pass. We occasionally had to back up to find such a spot.
Then there was the roundabout. Great idea as long as traffic was at a minimum. No stopping to wait at a light when there were no other vehicles in sight. It was also great if you missed your exit. You could just give it another go and turn off when you came around to it again. The downside, though, if you accidentally took the wrong exit, you had to go a long way before you could find another roundabout to adjust your mistake. They also worked well when everyone was in the correct lane for their exit, otherwise there was a whole lot of random rushing round the ring. During rush hour it became a circular traffic nightmare.
Probably the most difficult aspect of driving in an unfamiliar country is interpreting the road signs. It's a wee bit disconcerting to read a sign and think, "I wonder what that means?" Oh, well, keep driving. We didn't purposely set out to disobey the rules, but we did occasionally get flipped off or honked at. What with the speed cameras every few kilometers in Northern Ireland(or was it miles there?) we will yet find out if we broke the rules if and when we get a ticket in the post (mail). One chap told us there was no need worry about it because we were foreign and if we got a ticket we could disregard it. Not sure about that, Buddy!
I leave you with one of my favorite signs: "Incident Ahead". Yeah, I figured. Such is life!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Who's On Top?
I have just returned from a trip to the British Isles. To use accurate terminology, I have returned from Ireland and the United Kingdom. Since they don't really belong to England, I can't say that I blame Ireland for not wanting to be lumped in with the rest. It can be quite confusing. Ireland is its own country while Northern Ireland and Scotland belong to Great Britain. The later then, are the united part, but are they really? Scotland, while it uses the English pound also still has their own banknotes, though no coinage. Northern Ireland, though it "belongs" to England seems more Irish than English. There isn't even a sign that welcomes you from Ireland to Northern Ireland. If not for our GPS telling us we were driving in measured miles instead of kilometers, we would not have known that we crossed a boundary. No "check point Charlie", no checking of the passports.
We were traveling in Ireland when the U.S. was playing in the World Cup. The U.S. came out ahead of England and Ireland cheered not for their close neighbors, but for us. I find that interesting. While talking to one of our B & B hosts in Scotland he had no desire to wrestle with me over the fact that Scotland belonged to England. He was resigned to it, but none to happy about it. We were inundated with history and who belonged to whom and when. It was hard to keep up and keep it all straight, but here are some of the thoughts I was left with.
1. It's a power thing. Every country (and man) wants control of or power over another, or perhaps many. Our natural state is to be in the position of top dog.
2. No man wants to be ruled by another. Our natural state is to push back when pushed.
3. No man wants to be associated with something they do not believe in. Our natural desire is to be free to decide, to make our own choices.
4. Man will eventually resolve to live within certain confinements, but still deep inside rebel against the restraints.
5. That resolution will eventually dissolve and the rebellion will have it's say.
6. Someone (or some nation) will still have the power and resignation and rebellion will continue to do their dance.
We were traveling in Ireland when the U.S. was playing in the World Cup. The U.S. came out ahead of England and Ireland cheered not for their close neighbors, but for us. I find that interesting. While talking to one of our B & B hosts in Scotland he had no desire to wrestle with me over the fact that Scotland belonged to England. He was resigned to it, but none to happy about it. We were inundated with history and who belonged to whom and when. It was hard to keep up and keep it all straight, but here are some of the thoughts I was left with.
1. It's a power thing. Every country (and man) wants control of or power over another, or perhaps many. Our natural state is to be in the position of top dog.
2. No man wants to be ruled by another. Our natural state is to push back when pushed.
3. No man wants to be associated with something they do not believe in. Our natural desire is to be free to decide, to make our own choices.
4. Man will eventually resolve to live within certain confinements, but still deep inside rebel against the restraints.
5. That resolution will eventually dissolve and the rebellion will have it's say.
6. Someone (or some nation) will still have the power and resignation and rebellion will continue to do their dance.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
What is this feeling?
Tonight I attended a surprise birthday party for a good friend. I was thankful to be a part of it. If I can separate myself for just a moment I want to look one direction and say it was a wonderful evening. There were a bunch of great people getting together for a very good reason...to celebrate the life of a very special lady. Now, if I turn the other direction I have to confess that there was something else going on inside of me.
What was that feeling? Awkwardness? Isolation? I felt, I don't know...out of place somehow? Not sure I totally understand the feeling. While there were some people there that I was not familiar with, a good part of the group I know well and call my friends and a whole bunch of the others, I know on a casual level.
I caught up with people, engaged them in conversation, laughed with others. Hugs were plentiful as we greeted one another, and yet there was an aspect of me that felt almost shadow-like. There, but not really. Perhaps you are wondering what I was drinking that night. My choice drinks...water and de-caf coffee. It wasn't in the water, but I was experiencing it. Anyone else ever feel this way?
I am just processing the feelings. I find them very curious. Thoughts?
What was that feeling? Awkwardness? Isolation? I felt, I don't know...out of place somehow? Not sure I totally understand the feeling. While there were some people there that I was not familiar with, a good part of the group I know well and call my friends and a whole bunch of the others, I know on a casual level.
I caught up with people, engaged them in conversation, laughed with others. Hugs were plentiful as we greeted one another, and yet there was an aspect of me that felt almost shadow-like. There, but not really. Perhaps you are wondering what I was drinking that night. My choice drinks...water and de-caf coffee. It wasn't in the water, but I was experiencing it. Anyone else ever feel this way?
I am just processing the feelings. I find them very curious. Thoughts?
Friday, October 16, 2009
At Retreat's End
Yesterday I closed the door on a retreat I took alone for a week. These were my parting thoughts.
Today I leave this place, this retreat from the everyday. I am moving slowly, thoughtfully. Packing some, a little cleaning, reading, writing. The question looming in my mind still: What is it that happened here these last few days? What are the lessons learned? the wisdom gleaned? I sat down for a minute and picked up the book Answered Prayers: Love Letters from the Divine by Julia Cameron. I opened it randomly. The page I turned to said this:
"You have a sense of weariness. The world tires you. You hunger for renewal but seek to find it in sleep, not experience. You are too much with yourself. Come to me. Let me awake you gently. Let me show you the world through my eyes. I have seen everything, and I have seen it over and over, but I am not tired of this world. To me all things are new, all things are possible. You are not old. You are just being born. Your consciousness is just waking up to its potential.
Live with me. Commit to this life. It is an unfolding odyssey. You do not know the end of your journey. Each day holds new thoughts and new footfalls. Dare to have an adventurous heart. I do. I am the great adventure and I am available to you. Bring me your stagnant days and allow me to infuse them with freshness, with the flow of grace and ideas. I am brimming with life. I am a fountain of new thoughts and experiences. Allow me to rejuvenate you. Bring me your tired soul. I am the deep water your spirit craves. I am the well you long to drink from to slake your travel-weary thirst. Come to me tired and worn. Ask me to refresh your heart. Offer me your long day's journey. We are only starting, you and I."
I wept!
So I pack all this crazy stuff I brought along on the journey. I load the car. I travel home. I go to rehearsal tonight for worship on Sunday. I step back into the everyday. I look exactly the same as when I left, but inside, my heart is more willing to trust Him for who He has created me to be. I realize now that every time I second guess myself, I second guess my Creator. In that doubt I say to Him that He could not possibly have chosen well. I tell Him that I cannot live up to the gifts, the talents, the dreams He has planted in me. Why would I ever believe that He would separate Himself from those things? He did not make me and then toss me out to work it out on my own. He is the very life and breath of those gifts and we walk side by side, Him pointing to all the things I need to see. Him calling me to listen to the sounds of life all around me. Him reminding me to breathe in the beautiful fragrance of all He is...all He has given. If I may quote my own song title, I truly do "Dance with the Divine".
Today I leave this place, this retreat from the everyday. I am moving slowly, thoughtfully. Packing some, a little cleaning, reading, writing. The question looming in my mind still: What is it that happened here these last few days? What are the lessons learned? the wisdom gleaned? I sat down for a minute and picked up the book Answered Prayers: Love Letters from the Divine by Julia Cameron. I opened it randomly. The page I turned to said this:
"You have a sense of weariness. The world tires you. You hunger for renewal but seek to find it in sleep, not experience. You are too much with yourself. Come to me. Let me awake you gently. Let me show you the world through my eyes. I have seen everything, and I have seen it over and over, but I am not tired of this world. To me all things are new, all things are possible. You are not old. You are just being born. Your consciousness is just waking up to its potential.
Live with me. Commit to this life. It is an unfolding odyssey. You do not know the end of your journey. Each day holds new thoughts and new footfalls. Dare to have an adventurous heart. I do. I am the great adventure and I am available to you. Bring me your stagnant days and allow me to infuse them with freshness, with the flow of grace and ideas. I am brimming with life. I am a fountain of new thoughts and experiences. Allow me to rejuvenate you. Bring me your tired soul. I am the deep water your spirit craves. I am the well you long to drink from to slake your travel-weary thirst. Come to me tired and worn. Ask me to refresh your heart. Offer me your long day's journey. We are only starting, you and I."
I wept!
So I pack all this crazy stuff I brought along on the journey. I load the car. I travel home. I go to rehearsal tonight for worship on Sunday. I step back into the everyday. I look exactly the same as when I left, but inside, my heart is more willing to trust Him for who He has created me to be. I realize now that every time I second guess myself, I second guess my Creator. In that doubt I say to Him that He could not possibly have chosen well. I tell Him that I cannot live up to the gifts, the talents, the dreams He has planted in me. Why would I ever believe that He would separate Himself from those things? He did not make me and then toss me out to work it out on my own. He is the very life and breath of those gifts and we walk side by side, Him pointing to all the things I need to see. Him calling me to listen to the sounds of life all around me. Him reminding me to breathe in the beautiful fragrance of all He is...all He has given. If I may quote my own song title, I truly do "Dance with the Divine".
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Autumn...I Apologize!
An apology is in order. Autumn, I have always withheld my admiration for you. You are the thief that comes in and carries summer away. Sometimes you come in subtly and we are slow to notice the change. Other times you come over night with your cool wind and frosty bite, causing us to quickly bump up the thermostat.
I love summer! It makes me happy! Summer speaks to all my senses. My eyes are drawn to bright, beautiful gardens, boats floating on lakes, baby animals in every field and forest. Children's laughter fills the air as they play in the pools and run through the garden sprinklers. Birds and squirrels in the nearby trees shatter and chirp all day. Summer thunderstorms are a glorious concert of light and sound! How about that crack of the bat on the ball, in that great summer game of baseball. Can't you smell the fresh cut grass or the sweetness of the rose garden? Watermelon, fresh grown tomatoes and corn on the cob make the mouth water for the hot, steamy growing season. My body rejoices with summer and it's burden is light...no heavy sweaters or coats and sandaled feet that can breathe with ease. Summer helps me relax, as I float in the middle of the lake...just me, the water and the sky!
Autumn, with your gorgeous hues, you come and steal summer away. I have held that and one other thing against you. It's that day we call Halloween. I can't even say that I am not a fan of Halloween because my dislike of this so called holiday goes much deeper than that. But, October, it is not your fault and I shouldn't hold you accountable.
You are teaching me something this year aren't you, Fall? (I wonder why you are the only season that gets two names.) You are brilliantly beautiful, and though the breath of death is on the sidelines waiting its turn there is still so much life in you. If I listen, I hear the rustle of leaves as I walk on the path and the crisp snap of an acorn beneath my feet. The squirrels are frantic, swishing their bushy tails as they flit about gathering the bounty for their winter storehouses. As the summer flowers close their blooms to colder days, fall's mums burst forth with life, ready to withstand the cool, frosty nights. And who would have imagined that the tender little pansy could be so resilient as she adds her color to the autumn days. The hot days of summer wither her, but when the days become shorther, colder, she rises to the occasion.
The trees do their best work in autumn. Who would have thought there could be so many shades of red, yellow and orange. I hope that I am like them. I hope that as I grow older, beauty radiates from me and that I burn in glorious color...doing my best work yet. You've taught me something this year, Autumn. Winter comes soon enough, but for now it can hang out in the wings, blowing out it's frosty breath, waiting to make an appearance. I have some shining yet to do! Autumn, I apologize for not appreciating you. Thanks for the lesson!
I love summer! It makes me happy! Summer speaks to all my senses. My eyes are drawn to bright, beautiful gardens, boats floating on lakes, baby animals in every field and forest. Children's laughter fills the air as they play in the pools and run through the garden sprinklers. Birds and squirrels in the nearby trees shatter and chirp all day. Summer thunderstorms are a glorious concert of light and sound! How about that crack of the bat on the ball, in that great summer game of baseball. Can't you smell the fresh cut grass or the sweetness of the rose garden? Watermelon, fresh grown tomatoes and corn on the cob make the mouth water for the hot, steamy growing season. My body rejoices with summer and it's burden is light...no heavy sweaters or coats and sandaled feet that can breathe with ease. Summer helps me relax, as I float in the middle of the lake...just me, the water and the sky!
Autumn, with your gorgeous hues, you come and steal summer away. I have held that and one other thing against you. It's that day we call Halloween. I can't even say that I am not a fan of Halloween because my dislike of this so called holiday goes much deeper than that. But, October, it is not your fault and I shouldn't hold you accountable.
You are teaching me something this year aren't you, Fall? (I wonder why you are the only season that gets two names.) You are brilliantly beautiful, and though the breath of death is on the sidelines waiting its turn there is still so much life in you. If I listen, I hear the rustle of leaves as I walk on the path and the crisp snap of an acorn beneath my feet. The squirrels are frantic, swishing their bushy tails as they flit about gathering the bounty for their winter storehouses. As the summer flowers close their blooms to colder days, fall's mums burst forth with life, ready to withstand the cool, frosty nights. And who would have imagined that the tender little pansy could be so resilient as she adds her color to the autumn days. The hot days of summer wither her, but when the days become shorther, colder, she rises to the occasion.
The trees do their best work in autumn. Who would have thought there could be so many shades of red, yellow and orange. I hope that I am like them. I hope that as I grow older, beauty radiates from me and that I burn in glorious color...doing my best work yet. You've taught me something this year, Autumn. Winter comes soon enough, but for now it can hang out in the wings, blowing out it's frosty breath, waiting to make an appearance. I have some shining yet to do! Autumn, I apologize for not appreciating you. Thanks for the lesson!
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