I was flying home recently after teaching with others at a Winter Advance on Hayden Lake in Coeur D’alene, Idaho. On the flight from Spokane, I heard the voice of the pilot over the speaker say what he always says, “You are now free to move about the cabin.”
I always chuckle when I hear that. Move about where, and do what? I think what he really means is it’s okay to get up and use the restroom.
So freedom to move about the cabin during a commercial flight is really not
These past three months have challenged my patience. Last October 18th, our giant 40 year old pine tree was uprooted by a nasty storm and it collapsed onto our home. Initially, being the optimist that I generally am, I figured all would be repaired by Thanksgiving. Not hardly.
Back then I wrote an article on this blog stating a truth that’s been said in many different ways by many different people: “What’s important is not what happens to you, but rather how you react to what has happened.” I went on to write about how my wife and I refused to be victims, but rather, we took the approach of being project managers on a remodel project.
I still believe we are project managers. We refuse to think or act like victims. But there have been many challenges and obstacles in this nearly three month long process. To list them all here would neither be inspiring for you to read, nor encouraging for me to write.
We Have A Date
On a more positive note, they are now finally estimating a completion date of the 22nd of this month. If that indeed comes to pass, we can then begin putting that part of our home back together, which includes moving all the pantry items from our entry way back into the pantry where they belong!
Perhaps the most challenging part is that our house is not together, like we’re used to. The dining room we eat in and a portion of the kitchen are empty. The laundry room is empty, with the freezer, washer and dryer outside. The storeroom is empty, and the patio is filled with assorted items.
But at least each night when I come home from work, as I walk in the front door, I am greeted by our kitchen table and chairs, the electric piano, and a giant shelving unit filled with yummy pantry items!
Here’s The Key
One of the biggest keys I know on staying patient is perspective. I might not be able to choose the circumstances, but I can certainly choose my perspective. For us, our perspective is the end result, not the current state of affairs: everything will get repaired and back the way it was. All of our out-of-place belongings will be put back in their rightful places.
So each day we pray. We pray for the safety of the workers. We pray for the quality of their work. We stay proactive with all that is going on.
Tempted to get frustrated? Absolutely. Happy it’s taken way longer than it should have? Absolutely not. Keeping our focus on the end results? Doing our best.
I do know that when we only see where we are at the moment, it’s tempting to get discouraged and frustrated. Doing that leaves us impatient, and peace evaporates. Ahh, back to the right perspective.
God Is Not Testing Us!
And no, a thousand times, no! I do not believe God gave us this trial so we could learn more about being patient. Life happens and when it does we have a choice. We can certainly choose to grow in our capacity to be patient.
Growing in patience is a good thing, too. God never promised He would answer our prayers the instant we finish praying. Sometimes we see that happen; other times we do not.
There are things I continue to pray about that have not come to pass. But I remain patient, consistently letting Him hear my requests. And as I keep my perspective in the right place, I will have more patience.
I’ve heard quite a number of people say that for them, 2015 has been a tough year; in some cases, a very tough year. I concur.
Our calendar year is broken up in months, weeks and days. There are times when you have a tough day. At the end of one of those days, you might optimistically say, “This was a tough day, but tomorrow things will be a lot better.”
There are other times when a given week has lots of challenges. Sometimes an entire month seems filled with one unpleasant thing after another. But a whole year? Since we mark time by days, weeks, months, and years, an unusually long time span of disappointments, challenges, obstacles, and sorrows, is often labeled, “a really tough year.”
For some, “‘Tis the season to be jolly,” is more like, “‘Tis the season to be stressed!” It is a busy time of year: lights, greeting cards, presents, parties and other joyful festive activities. While the “reason for the season” has become much less obvious, there are still many who will endure another year of holiday stress for lots of reasons.
Perhaps the biggest holiday stress comes from money, or the lack of it. Some feel obligated to buy gifts that often totals more than the funds they have. Far too many solve this dilemma by adding to their current debt which in turn causes more stress. Dave Ramsey offers some help with this on his site with a free tool called, “My Christmas Budget.”
I’d rather believe a friend’s words and be wrong, than doubt them and be right.
I’d rather realize I don’t know what is in someone else’s heart, than be
When something unpleasant or negative happens, and it seems that sooner or later it always does, what’s your reaction or response? Below are two lists. One is a list of reactions. The other is a list of responses. Can you see
There’s a lot of sad, depressing news in our world. The media outlets including TV, radio, and even Facebook make sure we don’t miss any of it. None of it is inspiring, to say the least.
But what if there was a radio show with positive uplifting news stories? A radio show that inspires and encourages you? A radio show that brings you a breath of fresh air? A radio show about people making a difference, people who inspire you?
Will I eat too much this year? Probably. Will you?
There’s something special about Thanksgiving dinner, isn’t there? Is it the more than normal number of side dishes? Is it the idea of a “feast”? Maybe it’s just the novelty of having something you don’t eat that often, like turkey!
For this traditional holiday of Thanksgiving, there are lots of family traditions. Some opt for ham instead of turkey; some play games before the big feast; some watch all the football games, before, during, and after eating; and some people will eat dessert no matter how full they really are.
A Day To Give Thanks
Oh, and of course, it’s the day we are supposed to
Below are some links from previous posts; videos, heartfelt messages, a great story about a high school teacher and more.
Veteran’s Day 2012 (Video)
Veteran’s Day 2010 (Video)
Veteran’s Day 2009 (Video)
Go For It (Podcast)
A High School Teacher Imparts A Lesson
Before the smartphone, you needed someone to either take your picture with a camera, or sit down and have an artist paint your portrait. Today, smartphone selfies are a phenomenon capturing self portraits by the millions. But self portraits have actually been around since artists first began seeing their own images in the mirror.
In the late 1700’s, Spanish artist Francisco de Goya painted at least three pictures of himself – self portraits, canvas selfies. Art collectors date some of the oldest preserved canvas selfies to the late 1300’s. Today, almost everyone with a smartphone either has someone take their picture, or snaps their own selfies.
Just For Fun?
Most agree selfies are lots of fun. But some say all these selfies are nothing more than vanity. Others say it’s a clear sign of narcissism. Recent studies seem to indicate the amount of time looking at other people’s selfies causes image problems for some.
