It is slightly embarrassing to admit that I am finally returning because I remembered how to sign into my blog after a long absence. Anyone else relate to this, I wonder.
It is hard to believe how life can change in a few days and the impact still be felt a few years later. So, with that, I update that I am on the 2nd year of leave from teaching. This time has given me opportunity to heal, learn, and see the gifts that abound from what seemed like the end of what I knew and loved to be doing with my life. It is all still unfolding.
Today I say: Trust and hope are present. Fear, I comfort you as "my worried friend trying to keep me safe" in the words of Christina Rasmussen. (No relation, but author of an important book on grief." Future though uncertain will certainly become my present moments. As I breathe through it all and practice my faith walk, I am secure.
It is good to be back.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Monday, February 13, 2012
Cookie time
What is it about Girl Scout cookies that fills me with bubbles of happiness the first time each year a student looks at me wistfully and asks if I want to buy any Girl Scout cookies? I know it is not easy to ask, but if only they knew how I was waiting for this day.
"Oh yes I do!" Then I begin to choose, wondering how can I get all of the ones I want in the quantities I want and not look like the Girl Scout cookie addict I seem to turn into.
Lucky for me...in a school my size, Girl Scouts abound and they won't know how many I have purchased from any of the others.
Oh happy day!
"Oh yes I do!" Then I begin to choose, wondering how can I get all of the ones I want in the quantities I want and not look like the Girl Scout cookie addict I seem to turn into.
Lucky for me...in a school my size, Girl Scouts abound and they won't know how many I have purchased from any of the others.
Oh happy day!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
HOPE
HOPE is one of my favorite words.
Total mouth movement is required to say it. No mere mumbling can produce that word...HOPE
Somehow fitting because total involvement is also needed to HOPE.
Sometimes, though, unless I pay attention, it can easily go missing. Yet, it is not elusive.
HOPE can be sturdy and steady, not fragile, easily broken or lost. I can hold tightly to it, not like a misty vapor that wisps this way or that way according to what blows through.
HOPE can fill my heart and mind with joy in the face of discouragement or despair.
Not easy to give pessimism the heave ho, but HOPE does it every time.
Helplessness hates HOPE.
Total mouth movement is required to say it. No mere mumbling can produce that word...HOPE
Somehow fitting because total involvement is also needed to HOPE.
Sometimes, though, unless I pay attention, it can easily go missing. Yet, it is not elusive.
HOPE can be sturdy and steady, not fragile, easily broken or lost. I can hold tightly to it, not like a misty vapor that wisps this way or that way according to what blows through.
HOPE can fill my heart and mind with joy in the face of discouragement or despair.
Not easy to give pessimism the heave ho, but HOPE does it every time.
Helplessness hates HOPE.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
She showed me a picture today.
The road winding through the woods.
(A common metaphor, I know)
Yet, still, as it curves beyond the trees
Comfort lies in knowing
The way is clearly marked though not fully seen.
Follow, follow see where it leads.
(A common metaphor, I know)
Yet, still, as it curves beyond the trees
Comfort lies in knowing
The way is clearly marked though not fully seen.
Follow, follow see where it leads.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Days like These
Sometimes my body just needs to stop and rest. If I don't listen, then it simply shuts down for a while. Such is the case this past week. Yet, I was unable to stop the world for a while to let myself restore to health. Result....heading into week 2 much the same.
While I care for myself today, wrapped in a blanket with tea and elderberry, tissues and moisturizer for peeling nose nearby, I am remembering how I cared for my children on their sick days. Using our special "sick blanket" while drinking lots of juice and watching favorite videos seemed to restore both body and soul. They were glad to let me take care and comfort them.
I wonder why it is difficult to take the time for "guilt free" restoration. I also wonder why it is difficult to honestly look at what might be causing my body shut-down times. And where does courage come from to not only face those things, but changing what needs to be changed.
To choose not to be captive in a prison of my own making.
When my head clears up, I will ponder this for possibilities.
While I care for myself today, wrapped in a blanket with tea and elderberry, tissues and moisturizer for peeling nose nearby, I am remembering how I cared for my children on their sick days. Using our special "sick blanket" while drinking lots of juice and watching favorite videos seemed to restore both body and soul. They were glad to let me take care and comfort them.
I wonder why it is difficult to take the time for "guilt free" restoration. I also wonder why it is difficult to honestly look at what might be causing my body shut-down times. And where does courage come from to not only face those things, but changing what needs to be changed.
To choose not to be captive in a prison of my own making.
When my head clears up, I will ponder this for possibilities.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Lesson Learned
Lesson learned this week:
Intent does not equal impact.
Except...I already knew this from years of living and interacting with people from many cultures and perspectives not my own. When I see this truth confused, I try not to feel surprised, instead acknowledge miscommunication leading to misunderstanding has occurred and move on.
Easier said than done.
Easier said than done.
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