It's worth the wait

"I can stick artificial flowers on this tree that will not flower; or I can create the conditions in which the tree is likely to flower naturally. I may have to wait longer for my real flowers; but they are the only true ones." John Fowles

This quote reminds me of the old saying... "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."  

We are bombarded with shortcuts, options, and easy steps to instant results.  Walk through the grocery store and count all the meals you can cook in under five minutes. Flip through a magazine and read how many ad's promising you the health you want that will instantly be yours if only you take this pill.  

Do this. Wear this. Read this. Our culture bombards us with simplistic commands with fantastic promises. And the louder the voice, the more we listen. 

How about we stop and think for a minute today.  Everything true, vibrant, and healthy comes quite naturally from a powerful combination of good seed, intentional effort, and time. 

The true ones are worth the wait. 

What are you happy to wait for today? 

A Living Collage

Life is like a brilliant collage of colliding and overlapping events and people that somehow tell our story.  It's the 'disorder' of a collage that delights the eye of the beholder.  We find pleasure in discovering all the details of particular photos in the midst of the random display.  Each one significant on its own, yet somehow more captivating to us when surrounded by all the others.

Lately, I feel like my life is a living collage. On the one hand, filled with wonderful celebrations and joys that abound. On the other hand, sorrow and tears escape my eyes in randomness.  And then still yet, there is the very steady pace of the ordinary that keeps on keeping on.  

This is the stuff life is made of. To will only happiness, is to disallow ourselves the fullness of life. To will only excitement, is to miss the 95% of life that is uneventful.  To will for only good, is to overlook the power of having nothing, yet somehow having it all. 

To live well, one must embrace all facets of living. The celebrations, as well as the losses. The joys and  the sorrows. The high's and the low's, as well as the ordinary. 

Embrace it all and live well! 

I Arise Today

This week, I was reminded of this Irish prayer attributed to Saint Patrick.  It is often referred to as the "breastplate" of St. Patrick-- words that shield.

You can learn about St. Patrick and the life that birthed this beautiful prayer here.

May his prayer become your prayer, and may it help center your life and shield you today and always. 

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven; 

Light of the sun,

Brilliance of the moon,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth, 

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a multitude.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Creator of creation.

What better way to wake up and start our days this week? Let's arise and meet each day full on in His presence! 

Look for the bright spots

Earlier this week, my daughter and I spent a couple of days away with our friends. We went to Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE for some relaxation and fun. With the 100 degree temperatures, we spent our first day enjoying the aquatic center.  Day #2 we did some early morning swimming at the hotel, hiked a bit, and then looked around for our best options for the rest of our day.... INDOORS. :)

My friend & I discovered a craft center and for our girls ages 9 & 11, this was like heaven! After much discussion and after checking out what seemed like every possible option... my daughter finally pointed her finger at a fish container declaring 'it was the one'.  

Surprisingly, as we sat down, my high-energy daughter began to focus on the details of the scales, painting each one a different bright color. As she settled into what would turn into a two hour painting project, I watched her transform into the most peaceful and relaxed child. Nothing else mattered, as all our attention watched the beautiful piece of art unfold.

As I look at this fish now, I see so much. The transcendence of peace. The silver threads of hope. The bright colors of laughter. And the love of shared family time.

Today I remind you that you are at your best and living in sync when you stop and enjoy the life you are given.

Be thankful. Count your blessings. And look for the bright spots everyday.