5 THINGS I LEARNED IN A CRISIS....
*I'm a crier. I don't want to be a crier, mostly because of the swollen eyes and headache that usually follows, but I can't help it. My eyes leak and there's nothing I can do.
*Overeating is a comfort. There--I said it. Several days ago I actually gathered up the raw courage to confront the scale. The results gave me a sucker punch in the gut--the 8 lb. larger gut.
*Time management goes so far to the backburner it isn't even on the stove. Writing--what's that?
*Family is a beautiful gift. Being part of a large extended family shows enormous love from above, and the blessings are amazing. Sometimes we (I) look to God for things in answer to prayer, but He seems to like to answer with people.
*In fact, it's all about people. I'm a hermit so this one really gets me. The time has come to branch out and get back into the world. Since I quit working "out there" I've enjoyed tucking myself away in the privacy of our home, but now I realize that relationships are a good thing that need to be cared for and cultivated. In the end, it's what we have to show for our lives. As I mentioned above, God answers prayer with people. Am I part of someone's answer? I need to be, even at the risk of being hurt.
Are you a hermit like me? Or do relationships come natural? Are there some you need to work on today? Don't put it off!
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Weekend Memories
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15 comments:
Oh Georgiana, prayers for you. And thanks for the good reminder to take care of the relationships in our lives. It is so much easier and safer to be a hermit, but I like your point that God answers prayers with people. Who am I there for?
God has many times impressed upon me the inner whisper that I may be the answer to someone else's prayer. It never ceases to awe me.
I find it extremely instructive to step back and look at how I am interacting with a crisis, a disappointment, or a dry spell. It shows me a lot about how I work best and what I need, what motivates me, what charges my internal battery and what doesn't.
Beautiful vulnerability today G!! I love you!! You are an amazing friend and our relationship started because of a shared interest in writing but by no means is based on that alone!! And I'm so glad you have realized this about relationships - they are SO important and I think your decision is start investing more in the people in your life is a great one, you will be so blessed and encouraged. You're a great friend already, I'm not talking a about investing more in me =P But I really think this decision will do a big thing in your life. I like what you said about at the end, its what we have to show. So true!! We can't take material possessions with us when we die. But we leave a legacy through our friends and family. I'm sorry you had a rough couple of weeks but I know God will work things for good - sounds like He is already doing so in you, step by step. And don't worry about the extra lbs, they'll come back off.
I'm a crier too. Not all the time, but in the middle of February when everything feels and looks bleak--yeah. The slightest thing will set off the water works.
I just checked out "The Happiness Project" from the library. I read the first chapter and it made me think. You're right, people are so vital. Thanks.
You've had good reason to cry lately. I wish I could be there and give you a hug and talk and share.
I've been known to pull up the drawbridge to avoid relationships. It's hard to be vulnerable, to let yourself be open to being hurt, knowing that eventually, because people are messy, you ARE going to get hurt.
I'm glad you took the friendship risk with me.
I haven't worked outside the home in 7 years except for some real estate stuff. I hate working so many hours now but the relationships are challenging and enjoyable and I find I did miss them. But I miss my solitude in the house too.
I'm a total hermit. In fact, it's easier to maintain relationships online than in person.
And, dude, I cry too. A lot.
I find a blend of both ... well tended, personal relationships along with solitude, works best for me. The connections we forge with others are so nourishing in different ways, there are some I couldn't do without!
Thanks for the prayers, Linda! Much appreciated, especially for our extended family members, for whom life will never go "back to normal."
Cassandra, I agree--it IS awe-inspiring to know that we are an answer for someone else. I pray it happens more often.
I love you too, Betsy! And we know God loves us by the people He surrounds us with :D Funny, the response I got on the quiz on your blog--about taking risks because they are worth it. Haven't done that in the recent past, but the time has come. PS. I hope you're right about the extra lbs coming off.....
Jill, you're right about bleak Feb. I will have to look up The Happiness Project, as I'm not familiar with it. I'd like to see what's in that first chapter!
Erica, I am so blessed to have you in my life! I agree that people in general are messy, so naturally relationships will be too. Of course, if nothing else it makes good fodder for fiction. Hee hee. And I'm so waiting for that hug :D
Terri, if I had to go back into the workforce like you, I'd probably miss my solitude, too. That said, it sounds like you're walking where God wants you to be, and it's all about embracing the season. I'm interested to follow your journey as you continue taking those steps.
Elana, it's so nice to know a fellow hermit and crier :D I've always thought how much easier online relationships are too, but I suppose the vulnerability exists on either side of the keyboard.
Joanne, you put it exactly right, and I wish I'd thought of that word: nourishing. Relationships really can be if we let them.
Georgiana, LOVE the raw honesty in your post. Thank you EVER so much by THIS MINISTRY. Yes.
Sigh. I am definitely not a hermit, mainly b/c of my momma's Southern genes. But I am TOTALLY a crier.
Patti
I am a crier too! Even when I just have to have a serious conversation with someone, I get teary - it's terrible and I wish I could control it, but I can't. I'm also a hermit. I've always been introverted. Even as a kid, I was perfectly happy playing by myself. I think it can be a good thing because we get to know ourselves first and foremost before we can get out and start fostering relationships with others. Good for you for making the goal to get out and cultivate your relationships :)
Patti, glad to see another crier! I guess you also have the Southern genes going for you if that helps to not be a hermit. I'm trying to work against nature here ;)
Julie, you make a great point that we have to know ourselves before entering more deeply into relationships. And I can't seem to control the crying either lately, even over small things! I needed a tissue last night to watch the Olympics. Sheesh.
Georgiana, you're brutally honest and so brave. I'm an overeater too. Junk food gives me so much comfort during a crisis.
Although I'm a relationship person there are times when I have to really work at getting to know someone. I find the older I get the more I'm willing to do the work. Isn't that funny? I wonder what that means.
That's a good question, Sharon. Maybe it's because we have more confidence to enter relationships because of the wisdom we've gained over the years. Wisdom might be the extra "protection" we need. Hmm...deep thoughts for a Wednesday ;)
I love how open you've been in your posts lately. Love seeing your heart out there and ministering to others through your pain.
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