PAIN, A NOT SO GENTLE REMINDER

PAIN, A NOT SO GENTLE REMINDER

I enjoy a clear sun shiny day, it lifts my spirit and invigorates my soul. When I am met with a day that is overcast, dreary, dark and cloudy, I remind myself that the sun is still there. Time does not stand still or stagnate. Time continually moves on, moves forward and in doing so constantly creates conditions for change, growth, progress and joy. I was recently thrown into a situation that reminded me of the importance of these principles. I was awakened early last Sunday morning by the most severe abdominal pain I have ever experienced. For hours I suffered trying everything I knew to relieve the pain but to no avail. Every passing minute seemed to be unending. Time was not my friend! Finally, my sweet wife took me to the hospital emergency room. My wife being an ICU nurse facilitated my getting rather timely attention and assistance. Then began the questions, the examinations, the diagnostic tests of blood work, x-rays, CT scan, ultrasound and physical examinations all the while giving me dose after dose of the strongest pain medications yet relief was not found. During this process the OnCall surgeon was brought in to consult as well. This amazing and gifted man was so gentle and concerned. I knew by reputation that I could trust him.  I've never before experienced a doctor like this. He was truly what one thinks of when you think of a physician. He genuinely expressed concern and would with a gentle touch reassure me that he would not rest until I was okay.  All the activity culminated in an emergency surgical procedure to find the cause of such intractable abdominal pain. With patience, confidence and skill, the gifted and intuitive surgeon finally located the unique and obscure condition within my  abdomen causing the severe pain and intervened with the surgical procedure to correct it. As I have passed through the minutes, hours and now days of recovery I have been in awe of the healing process. Feeling a little better each hour and day I can envision my return to good health. No longer is my vision of health impaired by the storm clouds of severe pain. I know that beyond the clouds restored health is shining brightly. When the disasters strike. When the challenges arrive. When the impossible is dropped right in front if us blocking our path, let's remember that we have not changed. Life has not changed. A temporary situation or conditioned has simply occurred. That same eternal physician who was there with us on the sunny day is still there with us when the clouds arrive. The great physician will help us through whatever spiritual, emotional or physical surgery we need if we will but remember He is there and call upon Him for help, wisdom, relief and peace. 

A CRUISE

                 A CRUISE

 

I recently had the opportunity to go, accompanied by my wife, on a cruise for the first time in my life. I've had a week now since our return to collect my thoughts. 

In the early hours of this morning I was reflecting on one night in particular of the cruise. My wife and I had strolled up to one of the upper decks of the ship. We walked outside and sat together on one of the deck chairs. Holding my sweetheart in my arms, we both sat silently as the sea breeze blew into our faces. I looked at the reflection of the moon on the water and gazed all around me where I could see nothing but ocean as far as my eyes could see. For a moment I felt so small, aware of my nothingness compared to the great Atlantic Ocean. I then recalled the words of the psalmist who wrote,"When I consider thy heavens the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

It was a humbling and almost lonely feeling that crept into my soul. I continued gazing out at that now dark and ominous looking sea. I thought of a stormy and tumultuous sea commanded,"peace, be still." by the Master. I thought of his teachings, the worth of a soul, we are literal spirit children of a Heavenly Father, 'what I have done Ye shall do and more.' I felt such a warmth and peace. I no longer felt so small. I was reminded of the great worth and potential that rests within each of us by virtue of our spiritual DNA.  Regardless of the temporal circumstances of our birth or any earthly obstacles, we are each capable of great things. Let's live like we believe it!

A MOMENT

           A MOMENT

Have you paused at all today, to appreciate the simple things? We frequently hear reference to the importance of being grateful. We are presented with lists filled with examples of the things for which we should be grateful. I have recently been impressed with the importance of pausing and briefly meditating on the things in my life THIS DAY for which I am grateful. The things in our present day and even the present moment. Things like; the sunrise, knowing I have a Heavenly Father, the feeling of clean socks on my feet, a warm shower, fresh clean towel, the smell of a dryer filled with recently dried clothes, smell of freshly baked cookies, a vehicle that starts up immediately, a vehicle with air conditioning, the smile, laughter and hug when greeted by a grandchild, a tiny child napping in your lap, a spouse's smile, a hug, a personable and polite employee at a drive through window, a comfortable chair, the sense of taste, the ability to read, living in a free country, the powerful gift of thinking, and pondering. 

These are but a few of the things in THIS DAY for which I am grateful that I have written down in the moment. 

There are so many more things for which we can be grateful in this very day. There is power in gratitude. There is learning in being grateful, there is peace, and healing. 

Take a moment, pause, ponder, heal. 

WHO AM I?

WHO AM I?

I've worked as a psychologist for some 30 years. Clients have shared a wide variety of reasons for seeking help. Several shared the following; they said,"I feel like I'm a fraud. I feel like I'm just pretending to be who I am and no one knows the real me. I live in the constant fear if being discovered."

Are you living an authentic life? Are you genuine as a person? Do you convey to others a person you think they want you to be? Do you live only as a reflection of the people around you so you'll fit in? Sometimes we fear being rejected if we are our true selves. We automatically believe people wouldn't like us, so we create a persona to be when at work, or church, with friends and family. The reality is, you were designed to be unique, you were not meant to be a copy of anyone else. The universe, the world, your community, even your family need you to be who you truly are. When you drop the facades, you begin to live an honest life and the ever present pressures and fear disappear like a vapor. We will reflect in our behavior some of our life's  influences. The miracle of individuality blossoms when we respect those around us by respecting ourselves through living a genuine and honest life. What life are you living?

REST AREA AHEAD

  REST AREA AHEAD

If you've traveled on the interstate highway system in the U.S. you saw signs for 'Rest Areas.' These are generally nicely constructed areas with immediate and easy access just off the interstate that have public bathrooms, well lighted parking areas, usually vending machines and in some areas even onsite security personnel. These little oasis' were built to provide drivers a place where they could literally stop and rest. A safe place to get out of the vehicle, stretch, walk around, have a snack or even take a nap. When utilized, it allows drivers to remain fresh, attentive and alert during their travels. A rested driver is a safe driver. An added benefit is that when you are rested, you can enjoy the journey so much more. You notice the beauty of your surroundings, the changing landscapes, the sunrise or sunset. 

We are each on a journey. Our daily lives are made up of changing landscapes, different weather, even sunrises and sunsets. On this journey, the changing landscapes may be watching our children grow from toddlers into young adults. Perhaps the arrival of grandchildren. The final days and passing of a parent, a loved one, a childhood friend. Whether our journey involves actual travel across the country or is within the walls of our homes, we each have a unique journey. If we hurry and push all day long just to get through and to get done, we may miss out on some of the most precious moments or landscapes on our journey. If we just press and stress forward with the highway fatigue of life, we miss the whole point. Our journey is meant to be enriching, filled with periods of laughter, moments of tears, even silent solitary times of learning and understanding. Please, take the time to pull into the 'Rest Areas,' of your life. It will enrich your journey beyond anything you can imagine. The 'Rest Area,' signs will look something like... a child filled with excitement wanting to tell you all about it 'right now.' A teenage daughter with tears in her eyes, confused at why her boyfriend decided to break up. The gentle touch of a spouse hungering for some time with you all alone. A blossom filled tree you've never noticed before. A friend in tears from laughter. A rain storm that sounds so relaxing and causes the air to smell so clean. A wonderful meal at a restaurant where you took the time to savor each delicious bite. Watch for the 'Rest Area," signs. Take the time to pause, enjoy, and regenerate. You may be amazed at how scenic your journey. You can choose to enjoy your life! 'Rest Area Ahead.'

THE GIANT

           THE GIANT

The towering enemy strides into the Valley of Elah. He stands 9 feet tall, and his coat of armor, made of many small bronze plates, glimmers in the sunlight. The shaft of his spear is wrapped with cords so it can spin through the air and be thrown with greater distance and accuracy. Goliath looks invincible.

But David knows better. While Goliath may look like a giant and act like a giant, in contrast to the living God he is small. David has a right view of his Heavenly Father and therefore a right view of the circumstances. He sees Goliath as one who is defying the armies of the living God. He confidently appears before Goliath in his shepherd’s clothes, armed with only his staff, five stones, and a sling. His confidence is not in what he has but in who is with him. 

What “Goliath” are you facing right now? It may be an impossible situation at work, a financial difficulty, or a broken relationship. With your Father in Heaven all things are small in comparison. Nothing is too big for Him.  Have you spoken with Him lately? By simply closing your eyes and bowing your head you can be immediately in His presence. Talk to Him and then take the time to listen to his reply. With God, you are always in the majority!

SMALL AND SIMPLE THINGS

  SMALL AND SIMPLE THINGS

It’s one of the simplest and most powerful principles on the planet. Can be applied remarkably quickly to most    

situations. Works really well and gives disproportionate    

rewards. If you are not using this as part of problem    

solving, goal achievement or planning process; you are missing out. In fact you are almost certainly expressing    

too much energy, and getting less than optimal results. 

The principle I’m referring to? The Pareto principle also known as the 80/20 rule. In it’s most basic form it says: 

80% of the output is produced by 20% of the inputs. 80% of the consequences are generated by 20% of the causes. 80% of the results are created by 20% of the efforts. You’ve probably heard that before. But have you asked yourself: 

  "Which 20% of my actions are creating 80% of the results I experience on a day to day basis?" Let that question sink in. Even further. When you do, you will start to see    

opportunities to work less and get more, far more often. 

The name of the game becomes...  How can I get greater return with less effort and having more fun? 

Thankfully you don’t need to have super-powers to be able to leverage this law. It requires only that you become more curious about cause and effect… causation and    

consequence in your own life. 

And willing to do a little thinking up front. The great news is, this law can be applied anywhere. For example take the context of a personal    

problem you are facing. 

If you’ve got an area you are struggling with, ask yourself: 

Which 20% of my actions are creating 80% of my problems? This powerful question presupposes that there    

are a small set of actions that are generating a disproportionate part of the    

problem. And guides your super-smart brain to dial in    

on those. Are you doing a lot and getting little in return? Are little actions/behaviors causing you major problems? Could a small or simple change make big differences in your life?Make a change. Simply do something different. By small and simple things great things are brought to pass.