I always try to leave home early, especially when I'm the scheduled speaker! Last night I was so glad I did. The road I was traveling was two lanes, with one lane designated as no parking, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. It was now 6:09pm, and there up ahead in my lane was a parked car. Rats!
As I pulled up behind the parked car, simultaneously in the left lane a car slowed down and stopped, directly next to the parked car. The driver valiantly tried to restart his car several times. It became apparent that his car was disabled and he wasn't going anywhere!
I was stunned. For my way was totally blocked. I could see my destination just down the road as a wave of "oh no" washed over me. Those that know me, know that I'm a pretty determined woman. Fierce sometimes in my determination to not give up. Passionate in my resolve to accomplish the assignment upon my life.
My mind began to look for solutions, for NOTHING was going to stop me from showing up to this important gathering! I got out of my car, and first wondered if I could find who owned the parked car, prepared to knock on the door of the house. Then, the driver and the passenger in the disabled car got out and came towards me. Meanwhile the backup grew and people sat in their cars, watching, probably grumbling. Together, we decided to push his car to the side as his passenger got behind the wheel to steer. Another man joined us, and we pushed the car out of the lane, releasing the traffic flow.
As I got back in my car I realized that now my lane was still blocked and the people who had sat unresponsive were now moving freely. Not fair! Once again, determined not to be stopped by the choices and circumstances of others, I thrust my left hand out my window, used my hand as a stop sign, and forced my way over into the now moving lane. (My Chicago driving habits kicked into gear. Ha!) I will not be denied the movement I desire and need!
Friends, The journey to connect to authentic identity and become all you were created capable of being is much like my drive last night. Obstacles will rise up. Others will block and impede your progress. Moving forward in light of that means that you dig deep, tap into your determination and desire and PUSH the obstacle out of the way!
Some people will help, some will sit complacently by the side and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. It will be difficult, it will be challenging. But you reap the rewards of the freedom to keep on moving and discover that you CAN!
Why was I so determined? Because I was going to speak to a large gathering of people desiring to hear about the impact of sex abuse and find hope in restoration! Obstacle get out of my way! I am a woman on assignment, living out of passion and purpose! I and those who will join me will not be denied.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Living in the moment
We are having an unusual summer in Cincinnati. Cool temperatures with no humidity! I find myself really enjoyng it, but waiting, poised for the REAL weather to show up.
My grandchildren are off playing and I hear the giggles, but I'm waiting, poised for the cry that will come when one of them gets hurt or disappointed.
I catch myself in these thoughts of waiting for the bad stuff to happen, and sigh - then feel the tension in my body. Why is it that living in the moment is so difficult? Why is it that I rob myself of experiencing the pleasure of the moments I'm in?
I find this challenge is something many of us struggle with. It is the history and experience of our past that informs our preparation for the future, and we skip right over the now. And when we do, our expectation of the negative is fulfilled as we pull it in to our atmosphere and miss the pleasure that is available.
Just being in the moment isn't safe. I hear all the "should's" in my head: You must be prepared to manage the emotion that will erupt in a minute. You must anticipate the needs of others. You must not take in the joy because that will make the sorrow even bigger. You've got to be in control so you don't acknowledge your lack of power. All the should's, they rob me.
In this moment my 5 year old grandaughter runs into the room laughing as she brings me her dress up clothes to help her become Snow White.....I look into her eyes, see the joy in her "now". I'm drawn into her world, and decide to drop all my shoulds. Some moments are too precious too miss.
My grandchildren are off playing and I hear the giggles, but I'm waiting, poised for the cry that will come when one of them gets hurt or disappointed.
I catch myself in these thoughts of waiting for the bad stuff to happen, and sigh - then feel the tension in my body. Why is it that living in the moment is so difficult? Why is it that I rob myself of experiencing the pleasure of the moments I'm in?
I find this challenge is something many of us struggle with. It is the history and experience of our past that informs our preparation for the future, and we skip right over the now. And when we do, our expectation of the negative is fulfilled as we pull it in to our atmosphere and miss the pleasure that is available.
Just being in the moment isn't safe. I hear all the "should's" in my head: You must be prepared to manage the emotion that will erupt in a minute. You must anticipate the needs of others. You must not take in the joy because that will make the sorrow even bigger. You've got to be in control so you don't acknowledge your lack of power. All the should's, they rob me.
In this moment my 5 year old grandaughter runs into the room laughing as she brings me her dress up clothes to help her become Snow White.....I look into her eyes, see the joy in her "now". I'm drawn into her world, and decide to drop all my shoulds. Some moments are too precious too miss.
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