See our Privacy Policy
Δ
Gratefulness
Mothers Day. My challenge is living between the tension of being loved by two adult offspring and being eviscerated by another. To know the evisceration is sanctioned by her belief this is what Jesus would have her do. “What does Love do?” I ask. I will respectfully and with love quietly close the door, perhaps lock it but not throw away the key. I can no longer allow her access to accuse and blame me. I am learning to accept what is now and not what was then. I am releasing the d...
Mothers Day. My challenge is living between the tension of being loved by two adult offspring and being eviscerated by another. To know the evisceration is sanctioned by her belief this is what Jesus would have her do. “What does Love do?” I ask. I will respectfully and with love quietly close the door, perhaps lock it but not throw away the key. I can no longer allow her access to accuse and blame me. I am learning to accept what is now and not what was then. I am releasing the dearest dreams and hopes I had then and embracing what I have now.
I have another day to live.
Like others here, the word ‘enemy’ seems too strong. ‘Adversary’ or ‘opponent’ might be a better option. I am in the midst of a difficult situation as Mothers Day approaches. I have a beloved adult daughter who is involved with a fundamental christian church has sent me this week a vicious email delineating the terrible harm I have caused her as a child. Her memories are not commensurate with my other adult children’s memories nor with my own. I...
Like others here, the word ‘enemy’ seems too strong. ‘Adversary’ or ‘opponent’ might be a better option. I am in the midst of a difficult situation as Mothers Day approaches. I have a beloved adult daughter who is involved with a fundamental christian church has sent me this week a vicious email delineating the terrible harm I have caused her as a child. Her memories are not commensurate with my other adult children’s memories nor with my own. I do not recognize the person she has described as myself. We have opposing memories. Is she my enemy? No. But there is an obvious missing of the mark, or sin, if accurate definitions are used. As I consider my response to her email, I keep asking myself, “what would Love do?” What is in her best interest? What is in my best interest? As of this moment, I have no ready answer, but the question continues and I listen carefully for what Love is revealing.
Not new but a reminder: always I begin again.
I sit in my wing back chair by a window on the 2nd floor of my home overlooking the houses, trees and in the distance, Lake Superior (the largest unfrozen lake on the planet!). Close at hand are my books, my pens, ink. This is my sacred space. I feel so blessed to have and be here!
Like Kevin, I believe I am down to my real, essential self, so the challenge is to maintain that alignment. Hopefully, that means scanning awareness and making minor adjustments.
No. A truly deeply spiritual life IS, in itself, a risky endeavor.
Being vulnerable, though uncomfortable at times, does give us a taste of what everyone feels at one time or another. Being vulnerable interconnects us to others.
In this moment……to be aware and participate.
I believe I am being faithful to my values by my current attitude; however we all have a blind spot. I cannot see the part of me that is doing the examining of my faithfulness. I continue to examine, however.
Ah, but Sunflower, your face is still toward the sun! You won’t go thru the back door again. Go forth and continue to grow.
We have two grandchildren who are unruly, unpleasant,and undisciplined. I am not whole hearted in welcoming them to our home or in our life. We are generally glad when they leave.
Thank you, Palm.
I agree but would clarify and add that “enemies show us where the mark is being missed.” since it may not necessarily be us who has missed the mark, especially if you don’t even know someone considers you an enemy and you believe you have no enemies.
Well stated, Pilgrim!!
Nah, Yella! Living in time we have the opportunity to start over in the next moment, minute or hour. No need to put off until tomorrow what you can do now. Cheers! Deb
No, Viktor Frankl is the author of Man’s Search for Meaning. Excellent book.
After 12 years of back pain I had surgery back in 2009. It was the best thing I could have done! I was fortunate to have insurance otherwise I could not have afforded it. Within five days I was off all pain medication! I wore a bone stimulator for nearly a year. Kevin, surgery is a big step, but the procedure has been refined and being done more easily and successfully. Best of success! Please keep us updated. I am sure we will be participating thru prayer for you. Deb
Stay connected to the community by adding people to your list.
This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.
© 2000 - 2024, A Network for Grateful Living
Website by Briteweb
