If you work in an office or anything close to it, you know the candy bowl is a big deal. Some candy bowls are just for looks, some candy bowls are filled with leftover Halloween goodies, but then...some candy bowls are the reason candy bowls exist.
Around my office, there is a lady that is well-known for her candy bowl. She puts out the good stuff and everyone finds a reason to meander by her desk. I have found a reason to walk by for the sole purpose of grabbing a Reese's peanut butter cup. I won't deny it. The thing is, this lady doesn't seem to care that people are taking her good stuff. It makes her happy. Her true motive for putting out such great candy is to give it to others.
Around my office, there's another lady that is well-known for her candy bowl. She puts out some yummy specialty chocolates, but once you've taken a candy...you are afraid to go back. She gives you a look that says, "Taking a piece of my valuable chocolate collection, are you? Well, didn't you take once last week?" You know what I mean - the kind of look that makes you want to run and hide. I tried to tell myself that I could still take a chocolate when I went by her desk, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. She had "spoken" clearly and I think everyone knew it.
Around my office, there's me. I am not well-known for my candy bowl because I don't have one. Chalk it up to lack of motivation, time or just plain forgetfulness - I have yet to purchase or find a candy bowl to fill up with treats. I think about it from time to time but I haven't done squat. I have all of this potential and I REALLY want people to come by with the intent of taking from my candy bowl...but that won't happen until I get a stinking candy bowl. :-)
In life, which one are we? As believers, we are supposed to give off the beautiful aroma of Jesus Christ. Are we generous, loving and full of care for others. When someone really needs us, do we still have that same charm and spirit? Do we merely look like Christians offering the "good stuff" yet we don't extend ourselves beyond our comfort zone? Or, do we not reveal our Christianity to others because we are too tired, lack motivation or whatever or the reason?
I want to have the biggest candy bowl with the most amazing candy in it. I want my candy to be accessible to all and I want to have a gracious smile when someone takes from it. I also want my life to full of the "good stuff" ready to give to others so they can in turn do the same.
Now, I just need to find a candy bowl...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Bathroom Stall Walls
Why do we (girls) write our hearts out on the bathroom stall walls?
I walked into a stall not too long ago and looked around at unashamed proclamations of love, among other phrases and a variety of nonsense. Why is that we feel so free to write our hearts so publicly? Why is that we can to tell our deepest thoughts and feelings to anyone who happens to read these walls?
Is it because we want to be heard? Is it because, on some level, we hope it will be more true when we write it. And, if it's written then it will be read. Are we so loose with our hearts and dreams that we share ourselves on dirty walls surrounding a toilet. If so, what does that mean?
Are we searching for validation? From whom? Only girls go into these stalls. Who are we speaking to? Other girls or ourselves? Are we such crazy-hearted girls that we must stake our claims in bathrooms - for our hearts to be read and reread by those who enter. What if what is written is never read? Is that where our thoughts and feelings die? What happens after the stall walls are full? Do we search to carve out our own space?
Through the madness of it all, there is something appealing about a crazy-hearted girl writing her love on the bathroom stall wall. It's not where I've chosen to tell the world my heart but it's something. What if we go through life and never express what we feel. Confession: I've never written on a bathroom stall wall but I've always wanted to. To be honest, I always thought those girls who did were brave (and a little foolish). More than anything, I was always afraid of what others might think. That's the point though. It's not about everyone else. In that moment of passion and craziness, it's about what's in the heart. What is dying to come out...out on the bathroom stall wall.
At some point, we leave that world behind. I wonder why? (Besides the fact that defacing public property is against the law.) Is that because we become ashamed of our hearts - insecure and unsure of ourselves? I believe we begin to censor ourselves as we mature and I don't think that's a bad thing. But, in our maturation, we can begin to filter parts of ourselves that were never meant to be filtered.
So, how do we liberate those places we've unnecessarily covered? We could start in the bathroom...
I walked into a stall not too long ago and looked around at unashamed proclamations of love, among other phrases and a variety of nonsense. Why is that we feel so free to write our hearts so publicly? Why is that we can to tell our deepest thoughts and feelings to anyone who happens to read these walls?
Is it because we want to be heard? Is it because, on some level, we hope it will be more true when we write it. And, if it's written then it will be read. Are we so loose with our hearts and dreams that we share ourselves on dirty walls surrounding a toilet. If so, what does that mean?
Are we searching for validation? From whom? Only girls go into these stalls. Who are we speaking to? Other girls or ourselves? Are we such crazy-hearted girls that we must stake our claims in bathrooms - for our hearts to be read and reread by those who enter. What if what is written is never read? Is that where our thoughts and feelings die? What happens after the stall walls are full? Do we search to carve out our own space?
Through the madness of it all, there is something appealing about a crazy-hearted girl writing her love on the bathroom stall wall. It's not where I've chosen to tell the world my heart but it's something. What if we go through life and never express what we feel. Confession: I've never written on a bathroom stall wall but I've always wanted to. To be honest, I always thought those girls who did were brave (and a little foolish). More than anything, I was always afraid of what others might think. That's the point though. It's not about everyone else. In that moment of passion and craziness, it's about what's in the heart. What is dying to come out...out on the bathroom stall wall.
At some point, we leave that world behind. I wonder why? (Besides the fact that defacing public property is against the law.) Is that because we become ashamed of our hearts - insecure and unsure of ourselves? I believe we begin to censor ourselves as we mature and I don't think that's a bad thing. But, in our maturation, we can begin to filter parts of ourselves that were never meant to be filtered.
So, how do we liberate those places we've unnecessarily covered? We could start in the bathroom...
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friendships
Small tends to be the ones you make somewhat insightful conversation with. These are the friends you are delighted to see, share a little of what's going on in your life. Usually there is an area of commonality or interest that you both can relate to. Fortunately, these friends do not demand too much emotional energy so you happily welcome them and easily say goodbye to them.
Medium is where the emotional energy begins to come into play. These require a little more depth in conversation which is normally encouraging. You talk about several levels of life and you can end up laughing or crying about the experiences that are so similar. Unlike the size small, these friends aren't quite as easy to say goodbye to so your time together can become lengthy by choice. However, you can go a few weeks at a time without meeting up while you still feel a certain closeness.
Large is when we start getting into the laughing until you cry, crying until you're snotting and a level of transparency that alleviates the fear of vulnerability we all feel. These are the friends you call when something great happens, something horrible happens or you just need to talk. These are the friends that understand when you can't always be there but also hold you accountable when you truly need to be there. These are your lifelong friends that you can count on all along as life happens. They challenge you, they encourage you, they help you see the good in yourself while highlighting where you can be better. You may only have a handful of these friends but their worth is priceless. You never have to say goodbye to these friends and it's a good feeling to know they'll be with you in life's journey.
There are also those who don't truly have a size because they're seasonal friends. These friendships can bring great joy but also great pain when the season comes to an end. Learn from these friendships, remember what these friendships produced in your life but do let go of of these friendships when it's time.
Final thoughts: Cherish your friends, don't cling to them. Love your friends, don't judge them. Have faith in your friends, don't limit them. Hope with your friends, don't doubt for them. Just be the size you're supposed to be, see how each friendship fits and enjoy it!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Holding Patterns
As of late, I feel as though a portion of my life is in a holding pattern. That got me thinking about aviation and the purpose of holding patterns. So I decided to do a little research and after visiting a few resources, here’s what I found out.
“Although a holding pattern is a fairly easy maneuver compared to other tasks in instrument flying, it is a source of confusion and apprehension to many instrument trainees and novice instrument pilots. A better understanding of holding patterns can help eliminate many of the psychological barriers. A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver designed to keep an aircraft within a specified airspace. Holding pattern procedures are designated to absorb any flight delays that may occur along an airway, during terminal arrival and on missed approach.”
What does that mean? Being in a holding pattern is an easy task to achieve but not to sustain. One of the few purposes for a plane being in a holding pattern is because of delays and any unforeseen glitches. I found it interesting that trainees and novice instrument pilots endured confusion and apprehension during this procedure. I can relate to that! When I am working towards a goal and I’m certain I’m on the right route, it’s confusing and frustrating to run into obstacles and/or delays.
“The holding pattern is the most important maneuver a pilot can learn. Pilots must be able to fly it at any time, regardless of weather conditions. Air traffic control personnel are the only ones who can call a hold.”
This is a powerful definition!! The holding pattern is the most important maneuver AND only the air traffic control personnel can call a hold. What a relief. To draw an analogy, if I am in submission to the air traffic control personnel (God) then I must learn to become an expert in holding patterns knowing only He can place me there. No matter how I feel, it’s Him who’s calling the shots – not my boss, not my pocketbook and not the stinking obstacle.
"Holding pattern" means when a plane must be cleared for landing, or has been cleared to land at some defined future time, and must fly circles around the airport until they can land.”
In other words, the landing IS going to happen but it’s not the right time because it’s not clear yet. When I’m flying in circles with my life, it’s because my landing isn’t safe and if I continue to hold, He’ll clear the landing for me.
“Pilots hate to hold. They do, trust me. Pilots are members of the ultimate goal-orientated profession. Their job is to get from point A to point B, and as fast a possible, if you please. Ever watch some pilot’s taxi? Many carry more power than necessary and have to use the brakes just to keep slowing down. Impatient, that's what we are. And, once we get up into our element we really hate to "park it in the sky" and hold. It just goes against our grain.”
Oh how true this is. I know where I’m headed so why can’t I just go?! I’ve come to the conclusion that the Lord has us in holding patterns at times in order to fine-tune our skills, better acquaint us with our “instruments” and “land” us when it’s clear to do so. So, I’ll hold my form, and when it’s time, He’ll give me the go-ahead to move on. **Until then, I'll be ready to flip the switch for my landing gear.** :-)
“Although a holding pattern is a fairly easy maneuver compared to other tasks in instrument flying, it is a source of confusion and apprehension to many instrument trainees and novice instrument pilots. A better understanding of holding patterns can help eliminate many of the psychological barriers. A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver designed to keep an aircraft within a specified airspace. Holding pattern procedures are designated to absorb any flight delays that may occur along an airway, during terminal arrival and on missed approach.”
What does that mean? Being in a holding pattern is an easy task to achieve but not to sustain. One of the few purposes for a plane being in a holding pattern is because of delays and any unforeseen glitches. I found it interesting that trainees and novice instrument pilots endured confusion and apprehension during this procedure. I can relate to that! When I am working towards a goal and I’m certain I’m on the right route, it’s confusing and frustrating to run into obstacles and/or delays.
“The holding pattern is the most important maneuver a pilot can learn. Pilots must be able to fly it at any time, regardless of weather conditions. Air traffic control personnel are the only ones who can call a hold.”
This is a powerful definition!! The holding pattern is the most important maneuver AND only the air traffic control personnel can call a hold. What a relief. To draw an analogy, if I am in submission to the air traffic control personnel (God) then I must learn to become an expert in holding patterns knowing only He can place me there. No matter how I feel, it’s Him who’s calling the shots – not my boss, not my pocketbook and not the stinking obstacle.
"Holding pattern" means when a plane must be cleared for landing, or has been cleared to land at some defined future time, and must fly circles around the airport until they can land.”
In other words, the landing IS going to happen but it’s not the right time because it’s not clear yet. When I’m flying in circles with my life, it’s because my landing isn’t safe and if I continue to hold, He’ll clear the landing for me.
“Pilots hate to hold. They do, trust me. Pilots are members of the ultimate goal-orientated profession. Their job is to get from point A to point B, and as fast a possible, if you please. Ever watch some pilot’s taxi? Many carry more power than necessary and have to use the brakes just to keep slowing down. Impatient, that's what we are. And, once we get up into our element we really hate to "park it in the sky" and hold. It just goes against our grain.”
Oh how true this is. I know where I’m headed so why can’t I just go?! I’ve come to the conclusion that the Lord has us in holding patterns at times in order to fine-tune our skills, better acquaint us with our “instruments” and “land” us when it’s clear to do so. So, I’ll hold my form, and when it’s time, He’ll give me the go-ahead to move on. **Until then, I'll be ready to flip the switch for my landing gear.** :-)
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