A Reflection

This is what choosing to "see" joy looks like to me when I take EARLY morning Pennsylvania walks.  Most of you know that I am a real baby when it comes to leaving the security of my own home....

You see, the thing is, when I go to PA, it does not happen. The extreme anxiety, the home-sickness for weeks and the last minute "I don't wanna go's" even when I know that Snoopy has to fly the little plane.  I seem to be able to see, feel and experience things differently than anywhere else (besides South Africa) and it is a beautiful thing. Just what I need (probably four times a year until at least retirement age...sorry Mr. Shuck!!)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9

 
Here is a look at what I see and ultimately, how I feel....

A sturdy metal roof & strong red bricks that provide strength and protection...a weathered fence that stands strong inside a small concrete hedge to protect the surroundings..a parked bicycle that is ready for free and random pedaling...life that is thriving and the perfect splash of color against the weathered fence and the old red brick...a tiny patio that is the perfect place to sit and watch the trains go by, to watch the mountain of trees change colors and to watch the snow fall....even the right place for trash cans to be tucked away... years and years of history...age...a place nestled and protected between others...a sense of security & peace.

Do not get me wrong and think I am just in la la land...dreaming of "a white Christmas" and just plain cuckoo...(hold your comments, Mr. Shuck!) I am sure that it also has rusty pipes, leaks, saggy rain gutters, broken windows, damaged interiors and weak spots...shall I even dare say.. a rodent..or two (ugghh) but..

Don't we all ??? I do..and I will admit it all day long..if you'll listen...BUT (here comes the point)

It is the "Bless in the Mess" that we MUST find. (key word "Must")

Really, I can not tell you how necessary and IMPORTANT it is to slow down and become more aware and intentional because there are messes at every corner (and on the walks in-between the corners!) and if you choose to only focus on the messes (or better yet, choose to ignore them) whelp, sadly...you will miss experiences and the beauty of everything else around...

and for the Love of Pete...don't do that!

Messes, no matter how messy they are, keep us on our toes, keep us focused,  on track, tuned in and aware of changes that happen, the changes that need to be made and the possibilities of something better!

Thank you PA..for assisting me on focusing and renewing my spirit again. 

Comments

[Tina]

Such a nice post! I have a friend I met over the net who lives in PA. She has even been to Texas to visit me! I hope to go to visit her someday and see the beautiful state.Glad you had a nice visit!
I posted on FB about you coming to Dallas to do a class, actually, I live 3 hours from Dallas but thought it would be a good location for you to come.You said to have my local scrapbook store contact you, well I'm going to do that! Thanks for all your inspiration, loved taking your online workshops and look forward to more!
Tina D.

[Deb J]

Good stuff. Glad you love PA so much. We all have those places dear to our heart and God is so good to use those places to grow us if we let him. Like you said, "Choose Joy."

[stephanie]

Thanks so much Tina..I hope we can figure something out...or maybe you can head over to PA next time I visit there...