Never give up; you never know until you try.
Newsflash: it's summer. Well, duh. Many of us in the U.S. are engaging in the usual summer activities--cookouts, yard work, losing weight to fit into summer clothes, taking vacations, and having and attending yard (or garage) sales. In summer, we eat lighter and try to be lighter. That can mean everything from weighing less physically, to feeling "lighter" emotionally, to getting rid of excess "stuff" in our houses.
I've written before about some of my job searching issues and how I've had to cling to God to get me through some tough times. It's true now, it has been true before, and it will be true forever that we can cast our cares on God because He loves us. (As I noted in my June 6 post but that bears repeating). In short, we can "lighten up" in summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Payoff
Never give up; you never know until you try.
I met a young woman a few months ago and took a few minutes to learn about her life. She looked "down," so I shared a few words of encouragement. My time investment was just a few minutes, and each time I've seen her since, I've dedicated a few minutes to asking how she is and encouraging her. She always seems to have only a few minutes to talk, but we pass those minutes pleasantly. Despite her circumstances, she's "open" and interested in others, always asking how I am.
We crossed paths again today, and she broke into a big grin when she saw me. We passed a little time together, catching up on our respective job searches, and she was off again on another errand. She caught me off guard by hugging me, but it was a pleasant surprise. I was glad she felt comfortable doing so; she's learned that I really care what happens to her. I hit the jackpot.
I'm sure you're ahead of me and have surmised the moral of today's story: kindness extended to others pays off. Even if someone never lets you know by hugging you or verbally expressing it, she appreciates being treated kindly, respectfully. I certainly do. Kindness pays off, making others' day brighter, and it even makes yours brighter, too.
I met a young woman a few months ago and took a few minutes to learn about her life. She looked "down," so I shared a few words of encouragement. My time investment was just a few minutes, and each time I've seen her since, I've dedicated a few minutes to asking how she is and encouraging her. She always seems to have only a few minutes to talk, but we pass those minutes pleasantly. Despite her circumstances, she's "open" and interested in others, always asking how I am.
We crossed paths again today, and she broke into a big grin when she saw me. We passed a little time together, catching up on our respective job searches, and she was off again on another errand. She caught me off guard by hugging me, but it was a pleasant surprise. I was glad she felt comfortable doing so; she's learned that I really care what happens to her. I hit the jackpot.
I'm sure you're ahead of me and have surmised the moral of today's story: kindness extended to others pays off. Even if someone never lets you know by hugging you or verbally expressing it, she appreciates being treated kindly, respectfully. I certainly do. Kindness pays off, making others' day brighter, and it even makes yours brighter, too.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G
Never give up; you never know until you try.
Recently, I've encountered several situations outside my comfort zone. I've intentionally put myself into those situations; and guess what? I've survived! Like using our physical muscles, we may be a bit sore afterward, but for me the recent episodes have resulted in a pleasant soreness.
Like the soreness after a workout, with increased effort, discomfort of being outside the familiar soon dissipates and disappears entirely as the unfamiliar becomes familiar. The zone of discomfort becomes the zone of comfort. Then it's time to s-t-r-e-t-c-h- again (if we want to continue progressing, growing stronger.)
So stretch on, readers! Today you may manage to lift only 10 pounds, but with persistence, you'll soon be amazing even yourself with your strength. And always remember--God is on your side and will help you.
Recently, I've encountered several situations outside my comfort zone. I've intentionally put myself into those situations; and guess what? I've survived! Like using our physical muscles, we may be a bit sore afterward, but for me the recent episodes have resulted in a pleasant soreness.
Like the soreness after a workout, with increased effort, discomfort of being outside the familiar soon dissipates and disappears entirely as the unfamiliar becomes familiar. The zone of discomfort becomes the zone of comfort. Then it's time to s-t-r-e-t-c-h- again (if we want to continue progressing, growing stronger.)
So stretch on, readers! Today you may manage to lift only 10 pounds, but with persistence, you'll soon be amazing even yourself with your strength. And always remember--God is on your side and will help you.
Monday, June 6, 2011
What Do You Do?
Never give up; you never know until you try.
What do you do when you’ve done all you know to do, yet a situation remains the same? It absolutely refuses to budge. Like a car mired in mud, you can’t go backward, and you can’t go forward. You spin your wheels, burning rubber, gas, and your patience.
As anyone who has read my blog knows, that’s been me in my job search post-graduation. I’ve had a couple part-time temporary jobs, but I’m still searching for the full-time permanent one, even if it isn’t my dream job. I just need to pay my bills.
As I’ve noted before, this has been an excruciating process for me, and I’ve handled it with varying degrees of poise. God has met my needs and kept me going, though not in ways I’d hoped. Again, as I’ve noted before, I’ve often told Him just how I feel, and He hasn’t zapped me yet for having the nerve to tell Him how I want Him to do His job. God is great like that. (Insert huge sigh of relief here.)
So I come to the answer portion of this post. What do you do when you’ve done all you know to do, yet a situation remains the same? Maybe what I’ve done:
1 If one area refuses to change, work on changing something else you are unhappy with.
2 Embrace the changes being wrought in you—at least the good ones.
3 Cast it on God, because He cares for you.
What do you do when you’ve done all you know to do, yet a situation remains the same? It absolutely refuses to budge. Like a car mired in mud, you can’t go backward, and you can’t go forward. You spin your wheels, burning rubber, gas, and your patience.
As anyone who has read my blog knows, that’s been me in my job search post-graduation. I’ve had a couple part-time temporary jobs, but I’m still searching for the full-time permanent one, even if it isn’t my dream job. I just need to pay my bills.
As I’ve noted before, this has been an excruciating process for me, and I’ve handled it with varying degrees of poise. God has met my needs and kept me going, though not in ways I’d hoped. Again, as I’ve noted before, I’ve often told Him just how I feel, and He hasn’t zapped me yet for having the nerve to tell Him how I want Him to do His job. God is great like that. (Insert huge sigh of relief here.)
So I come to the answer portion of this post. What do you do when you’ve done all you know to do, yet a situation remains the same? Maybe what I’ve done:
1 If one area refuses to change, work on changing something else you are unhappy with.
2 Embrace the changes being wrought in you—at least the good ones.
3 Cast it on God, because He cares for you.
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