Change
Change. There’s no escaping it. This statement alone assumes that change is something to be avoided. Certainly, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or financial problems would fall under that category. When difficult changes are forced upon us, as they most assuredly will be, we are left feeling that we have no choice in the matter. But we always have at least two choices when dealing with painful change — the choice to deny it, or the choice to accept it. For me, denying change, which I have done more times than I’d like to admit, has always created more pain and stress than accepting it. I’m not suggesting that reflecting upon and analyzing difficult change shouldn’t get its full attention; I’m only offering that there are . . . well . . . some situations that we just cannot change. And change is one of those situations. It can leave us feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed, desperate, or, at the extreme, broken beyond all hope. But eventually all of those feelings can, and will, change. Even change changes. In accepting change, I try to remember that change involves two parts–endings and beginnings. Perhaps something is leading us in another direction, not because our current situation needs to change, but because . . . well, there’s just something else waiting for us. It may come in the form of a subtle whisper or a loud wake-up call. It may sneak up on us after years of being lulled into a sense of security in a job, relationship, or attitude about life. It may beckon us, or force itself upon us. Either way, change can fill us with intimidation, skepticism, and fear. For me, this is because I want to know (ahead of time) where the change will lead me....
This is the Path
THIS IS THE PATH This is the path. The one you’re on. The way will be straight and level, winding and steep. There will be mountaintop experiences, and valleys of the unknown; stars of light, and caves of darkness. You will wander and wonder, “Is this the right way?” This is the path. The one you’re on. There will be days of peaceful rest, when you allow yourself to be still. And others, when you cannot travel fast enough to leave the present and get to a new destination– if only to discover that you must pack up your courage and journey further. This is the path. The one you’re on. There will be nights of fear, when you wrestle without sleep for want of answers. You will cry out, “Send me a light in this wilderness, Oh God– some kind of sign that this is the right way!” Perhaps you will receive it . . . or perhaps not. Either way, This is the path. The one you’re on. Some days your feet will be sure of your direction. And others? They will stumble and trip upon the smallest rocks of doubt. Still . . . you walk, staying the mysterious and divine course that life has offered. Then one day . . . when you release the need to know the outcome– when you expect no answers at all– You will realize, without a doubt . . . This is the path. The one you’re on. This . . . Is . . . The . . . Path. Written by Melodie Lane ©2014...
Presence vs. Presents
Over the holidays, three of my brothers and their families and I celebrated Christmas Day together. We spent the afternoon at the nursing care facility where my dad, 87 years young, is in memory care, and my mom, who would be horrified if I shared her age publicly, lives in an assisted living apartment. Weeks beforehand my siblings and I had agreed to forgo giving each other Christmas presents.
The Top
Every year for the past six years, I have gone hiking with my life-long friend, Gloria. Before I moved back to Minnesota, she would travel to my home in Texas for a week of hiking in parks throughout the state. During my last year in Texas, we decided to venture further from home and hike the McKitrick Range in Guadalupe National Park. The weather was gorgeous, a mild 50-60 degrees. A footnote: neither one of us are what I would call ultra hikers in terms of physical fitness, but we enjoy the adventure of a good 3-4 mile hike. After hiking for a couple of hours, we came to a fork in the road. One way led downhill to the grotto; the other upward to the mountain ridge. We chose the ridge hoping for greater views and because I generally have this inner need for uphill battles. After climbing steeply for about a mile, we took a 10-minute break. I was sensing that Gloria was ready to turn around and hike back out; however, knowing me as well as she does, she let me make the decision. I decided we should continue the upward climb in spite of our dwindling water supply, slightly sunburned arms, and overly-stimulated muscles. Ever since I can remember, I have always been driven to reach for the top. Most people would say that’s a good goal to live by. And most of the time I would agree. But sometimes, we need to take a second look at the standards that we set for ourselves. They may be too low, and then again, they may be unrelenting. After hiking for 5 miles–mostly...Follow Your Angel Video – “Stay With Us”
Followers… I’ve created a short web show for you to enjoy. It combines one of the most beautiful songs I have heard, “Stay With Me,” sung by the St. Olaf Choir. Enjoy!...
