“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe
The next time it came on the radio the DJs praised the song, so I reluctantly listened to the words to see what it was they liked about it. When I listened I learned the point of 'Small,' it was not that we shouldn't aspire to do big things or have stretch goals, but also to do the little things. "It's visiting the widow down the street Or dancing on a Friday with your friend with special needs These simple moments change the world Of course there's nothing wrong with bigger dreams Just don't miss the minutes on your way to bigger things" by Josh Wilson The song impressed on me the importance of the small things I might have missed.
Note: Arthur Ashe (1943-1993), an American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam titles, winning the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He was only the second athlete of color to win the Grand Slam, following Althea Gibson in 1956. Sadly Ashe contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion during surgery, yet before his death he founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health.
0 Comments
“10 ways to love: listen, speak, give, pray, answer, share, enjoy, trust, forgive, promise.” Will SmithStudents from a local high school joined me at the Assisted Living facility the Sunday after their Valentine’s Day dance – while the young men still had their tuxedos. They were excited to be part of a fashion show for the seniors...another opportunity to wear their formal clothes (and get community service hours doing something fun). The girls brought multiple dresses and the young men took turns escorting them down the ramp to the ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ of the seniors.
Do you have seniors in your life?...grandparents?...parents?...friends? Do you take the time to listen as a way of showing your love? How will you prioritize your activities the next time you’re with them? Lord, help me prioritize my busy to-do list at family events so I allow time to sit and talk with my aging relatives...but more than talk, help me love them with my listening. Amen “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:4-8
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” Steve Jobs“You don’t have cancer.” Like a puzzle piece from a different puzzle, I was having trouble fitting in the referral to an oncologist with this repeated declaration from my doctor. She went on to explain the cyst she removed had a malignant tumor inside it. Then it occurred to me, we’re all alive today and we’ll all die someday. Unlike Steve Jobs who had years of awareness that his life was coming to an untimely end, I think I just assume my life will go on to a ripe old age. But should that make a difference?
Do you have goals? Do you assume you have plenty of time to accomplish your goals? What priorities will you adjust now so that you live each day with purpose and direction? Lord, I desire to be useful to the Great Commission and leave a legacy in my wake. Help me stay focused, allow myself to be creative, and cherish the beauty of this life. Amen “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27 What are your thoughts? Libby
"An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly." UnknownThis morning I was talking to a friend who's house burnt down a few months ago. I ended our call with, "Take care of yourself." I often end an email or phone call with "Take care," whether they're recovering from illness, injury, surgery, grief, or some form of trauma. But, how often do I take my own advice?
For instance, I might spend hours of unpaid overtime driven by the thought that if I work harder I won't be the next layoff. And then there's the struggle I have with saying "No" when asked to do something I know I'm not good at, or I'm already over-booked. Or, struggling with saying "Yes" to myself when I have the opportunity for some self-care, but there is some worthy cause short of volunteers.
I'm still learning which things are not in my best interests, but I'm getting better at being pro-active rather than reacting after I crash and burn. Are you finding yourself reacting with guilt-based responses? Have you thought about those things that are, or are not, in your wheelhouse? What can you do now to identify your pro-active self-care boundaries, and be like the caterpillar who instinctively knows how to take care of itself? Lord, give me Your eyes to distinguish between healthy responses to serving others, versus guilt-based responses that jeopardize my emotional health and peace of mind. Amen
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 What are your thoughts? Libby |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
All
Archives
July 2019
|