Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

I'm not sure where you are, but here in Michigan, spring has gloriously sprung. We have just come off a week of record high temperatures in the 70's and 80's complete with plenty of sunshine. As a habit, no matter the conditions, I very intently refrain from complaining about the weather. Hot, cold, rain, sleet, -it is what it is. With all the advances in technology, it is one universal condition that humans have not yet learned to control. No use in lamenting the dictator that is Mother Nature. However, there is no doubt that weather has an impact on our collective psyche. This feels so good, and people around here just seem happier, and nicer. It really is the surprise of it that delights us. If March felt like this every year, we wouldn't be nearly so appreciative. But why do we not revel in a cold dreary day? A day that gives permission to curl up under a blanket and watch a great movie. Or, if you insist on being productive, go ahead and find a closet or a drawer to organize. This philosphy can be applied to all aspects of our lives. After all, there are no highs without lows. There is no light without darkness. Whatever the condition of the day, there is something worthwhile to be embraced. Thank You, God, for the change in the weather.  

Forgive Me

"Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life." --George MacDonald

Did you know that three of the AA 12 steps are devoted to forgiveness? It is a very difficult process to confront  and make amends with the wounds we have suffered in the past. Especially considering that most of our wounds were at the hands of those we love most. When spiritual leaders speak of forgiveness, we are reminded that our own sins have been forgiven, and so we are to glorify God by forgiving our trespassers. And if that's not motivation enough, then consider that we inherently forgive more for our own sake than for that of our transgressor. We sincerely want to release that pain and move forward without the burden of anger and resentment.
I can empathize and rationalize the offenses of everyone around me. I know they have a good heart, and they are doing the best they can. They're probably having a bad day, or worse. Who knows the depths of their pain? But, there is one person that I find extremely hard to excuse. Me. So now, I forgive myself! -For every negative thought or criticism that I have for myself, be it real or imagined, I'm forgiven. I have the best of intentions. I'm doing the best I can.  Granted, I am a child of God, and children are always in the process of learning, mostly by making mistakes. But I get wiser and kinder everyday. In the iconic words of Alexander Pope, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."  -Ahhhh, it certainly is.

'Tis Sacred to Receive

By God, we women are givers. Sharing, caring, nurturing, serving, giving to others is what we do. It's who we are. Who needs something? A friend? A family member? A complete stranger? Well, run -don't walk! Get in there and help! Of course, we get something in return. We anticipate, we crave the comfort and satisfaction of being needed, loved, and appreciated even. Better yet, we experience a deep sense of connection to all human-kind.

Why, then, is it so difficult to be on the receiving end? I am coming to a disconcerting realization that I am a most ungracious receiver. I become nearly mortified at being offered a free lunch, or even a soft drink. Does not everyone see how blessed I am, for heaven's sake? To accept would be nothing short of putting my indulgent wants ahead of the needs of my potential donor. What if they can't pay their bills now because they left the entire tip? Reason tells me that is somewhat silly logic. Conscience tells me it's arrogant.  I would like to change. Far be it for me to deny someone else the pure pleasure of giving.

So next time someone gives me something, I will smile and say "thank you, thank you very much". Practice with me, girls. I know some of you feel the same way. I've had dinner with you.

My Sacred Temple

I am fast approaching 44 years old. I weigh more than I ever have, including during any of my 3 pregnancies. I pluck random hairs from my chin several times a week. Many of the fleshy areas of my body, including my chin, are becoming quite jiggly. But, you know what? I am strangely more proud and feel better about my body than I ever have. I have been on a spiritual journey and I am learning to love myself, including the sacred temple that is my body. Hallelujah to getting older! 

I so desperately want to pass on that hard-fought wisdom to my daughters. I can tell them how beautiful and wonderful they are a ga-jillion times, still they dwell on their perceived shortcomings. I can only hope that they find, in the words of our dear departed Whitney, "the greatest love of all", in quicker time than I have. Thank the Lord, they both seem to be much more evolved than I was at their age. -"Word" to your mother ...and to their mother... and to my mother.