Tuesday, January 12, 2010

In the Eye of the Storm

Today a friend* asked me what my next blog entry was going to be about. I paused. I had no idea. In fact, my mind drew a blank. The word I used to describe myself was “numb” but how I was feeling was at peace. I am at peace with my current situation. At peace with where I am as a person. It threw me for a loop. The second half of 2009 and into the new year, I have been focused on doing this and doing that. There has been a sense of urgency. I have also dealing with my current “battle” along with the fifty million other irons I have in the fire.

I woke up this morning and out of nowhere there it was – Peace. Phillipians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I don’t fully understand the whys, but I am peace. My heart and my mind are at peace. I have no wants at the moment, but truly content (which might I add is out of character for me). I am a busy person who usually cannot stand to be still and unproductive. After careful consideration, I assume that I must need this time of rest for what lies ahead. I am in the “eye of the storm”.

When people hear “the eye of the storm” they usually picture a hurricane or tornado. These storms kick up strong winds, create chaos and cause destruction. In the eye, winds are calm and sky is clear. The air pressure is significantly lower right before the storm’s onslaught resumes. It is during this brief moment that you can catch your breath, get your bearings, and prepare for what is yet to come.

You can look at the eye of the storm in one of two ways: 1) dreading that there is more to come or 2) rest, knowing that the storm is more than half over (and victory lies ahead). It’s not how you go into the storm that matters, but how you come out of it.

When you’re in the eye of the storm, rest in the peace of God. Take advantage of the decrease in outside pressures and renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31). Although the storm is not over, victory is near.

*Thanks again, John!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Turn the Other Cheek

The past few months I have been dealing with some unscrupulous behavior. I almost reached my breaking point last week, but with the hope and the belief that God does not put more on you than you can handle, I’m still standing. Many know I am a laid back person. My mantra is “You don’t bother me, I won’t bother you.” However, as you also may know some people like to ‘test the waters’ so to speak. They underestimate who you are and what you stand for. As I sit here dreading another week in a dysfunctional environment I am reminded of the saying most appropriate at the moment – “Turn the other cheek.” Lol. I chuckle because in an actual physical altercation this would not be my choice of action. Luckily, in my case this nonviolent approach is appropriate as no physical punches have been thrown.

In looking at the scripture, one is told to turn the right cheek and then the other. Well, after both cheeks have been bruised, your feelings hurt, and your loyalty betrayed, then what? I’ll tell you. Continue forward. This is not the time to turn to the left or the right. Whoever has just assaulted you is more than likely standing in your path and they are there to thwart your progress. Keep your focus and your eyes stayed on what lies ahead. Don’t look back once you’ve passed them. Where you are going they cannot follow. You are bound for a higher plane, founded on higher expectations, and summoned by a higher calling. Nothing can hinder you. What God has for you is for you.

Turn the other cheek and keep it moving.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Let Your Light Shine

I decided to post one of my quotes I wrote earlier in 2008: “Darkness mutes the world; colors dull and edges soften, blending until reaching perfect visual confusion.” Why? One of my close friends* recently wrote that in 2010 she will be “shining my light as bright as I can regardless of others.” Both quotes seemed to go hand in hand. In order to prevent perfect visual confusion, better known as blindness, your eyes need to have access to light. We all know that while standing in a dark room that is familiar in the daytime, the eyes lack information thus creating confusion and disorientation. Depth perception and sense of direction disappear.

Metaphorically speaking, negativity, procrastination, hopelessness, and anything else that keeps you from moving forward are like darkness. They muddy goals and blur dreams. What you could once see clearly and knew as your truth (what you were put on this earth to do) blends with the mundane and can easily suck you into mediocrity. Your drive and passion weaken and all but vanish as a result.

In this new year, let your light shine as bright as you can regardless of those around you. Illuminate the path toward your dreams and stay away from detours. Stay focused and don’t let your light grow dim or go out. And by all means cast your light on those who are blindly searching for the match in the darkness.

May 2010 be the year of clarity, direction, and a passion to take hold of what is yours.

* Thanks Michelle!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

How Much Is In Your Glass?

I woke up this morning thinking about the glass half empty/half full concept. It just seems so flawed to me. What designates the glass as being half empty or half full? Looking at it are they not one and the same?  The only difference, once again, is the person’s perception. Two people can drink their perspective glasses to the half way point and you can ask them the same question: How much is in your glass? One can respond that it’s half empty while the other will say theirs is half full. Now could the reason for saying the glass is half empty be that they do not wish to share what they have left? Vice versa, is the person who says their glass is half full offering to share with their fellow man?

I began to ask myself, why can’t one say that their glass is full instead of half full? When your glass is full you have more of everything; more joy, peace, resources, and encouragement to give to those whose glass is only filled halfway. Furthermore what is wrong with saying your glass is over flowing? After all, Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." So if you are stingy and hold onto your half empty glass because you would prefer not to share, pretty soon your glass will be completely empty. You will have nothing for yourself and no one will know that you do not have anything. It is only those that give of themselves and help others that will be in the minds of others increasing their chances of receiving when they need it most. What goes around comes around.