Bag of Rocks

Have you ever carried a bag of rocks around with you?  For most of you, I know you haven't. When I was working I often did 5th Steps for individuals in the 12 Step Programs.  One way I used to illustrate how heavy their resentments weighed on them was for them to bring a bag of multiple sized rocks to the session. One person reported years later how she finally ditched the rocks, feeling years lighter!

Have you been watching the hostage situation? Well, here we are thousands of miles away, comfortable in our own environment so it's easy to not get too involved.  Then there are the fires, floods and then everyday situations like a car being in the garage 

Have you ever just pondered bigger pictures asking how these huge situations could ever parrallel our own?  They often seem so far removed we almost have no comparison; maybe that is true but an awareness came to me that would argue this assumption. 

How are each of us hostages in our own life?  Resentments not forgiven, illness, infirmity, no transportation, financial issues...there are so many. 

I look and hear how the past many months have affected the far east hostages physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually but let us ask ouselves how our own "hostage situations" affect us and those around us.  Addictions? Violent behavior? Passive aggressiveness? Broken family relationships?

Let us pray for the far away hostages, those in our own country and ourselves, for insight and resources to deal with it all. However, not one of us is immune from being hostage in our own environment. The bag of rocks we carry with us can then be cast far and wide which will have such a healing effect on each of us!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Only Imagine!

 I can only imagine! Loss of life, loss of home, neighborhood, schools, church, grocery, future insurance...and the devastation isn't done. Where do masses of  folks evacuate too??? Fires in L.A. continue to rage; very minimally contained!

A local person on the news yesterday was discussing what meant the most to her at that time.  It doesn't help to say, "well, you can rebuild," but the biggest was knowing the public cared, was sending hugs and was expressing care and concern.

It was heartwrenching when one local did not even know where he would sleep that night!  Can you imagine not knowing where you'd lay your head at the end of the day? World Kitchens was there helping to feed. Folks don't even have a knife and fork of their own to eat with.

It's easy to sit in my comfy home and complain about the cold or snow while bundling up in front of the TV but really, how will you and I do something concrete to help the disasters that continue to ravage us?  Floods, fires, hurricanes...a huge picture is painted in front of us...when will we begin to believe that something major must be done?  Denial of climate issues is killing us.

And in the meantime, how will each of us do something to help, in some way, the local population in L.A. now.  Can you only imagine if you and I were in their shoes? What would help each of us? Then pass that kindness along!

Hire a Kid!

 

During my confinement after neck surgery this summer I had "hired" my 15 year old next door neighbor to help me scoop my cat boxes in the basement. Well, it's six months later and lots has transpired since.  I have taken him fishing to a friend's pond, made a wonderfull fish fry for him and his family outside in my Weber grill  and find him just "hanging out" here, playing with my two cats, and above all talking about everyday stuff.

His parents profusely thank me for my time with him.  Of course, I thought I was the more fortunate UNTIL they all started telling me some other more serious situations going on. Now I get it!

Again, this brings me to the reality that our mission in life changes, often from the "doing" mode to the "being" mode. And yet, our life is still very important in each phase of our being.  We may be sad or grieve the changes and transitions we encounter but as we have little chats with God, I believe we will see from our heart what role we play, albeit differently than how we would like, but what does God want from us?  What does God want from you?  So, if you deside to "hire a kid" for your own needs, you may find a bigger situation than you ever imagined!!

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