I sat still a lot on Monday at work. It was my first day back after having my gallbladder out Thursday of the week before. I knew that I wasn't going to lift much,even when I fed the fire I picked the lightest logs. I wanted a nap in the worst kind of way. About two-thirds of the way through the nine and a half hour shift I found myself warring internally over how ridiculous it was to be at work so soon after surgery and being thankful for the low-stress job that I had been blessed with.
One thought seemed to bubble to the top at the end of the mental battle. Somewhere in the process I remembered the story of Henri Nouwen. This scholar who was in such demand as a professor, speaker, and even more recognized as a gifted writer seemed to find his greatest contentment working with profoundly mentally and physically challenged adults. And in that moment I got it. It's all about service.
Next month I'm going to teach a class at my church on personality and spirituality (drawing heavily from MBTI). It is something I am very passionate about and I am quite excited to do it. But...it is something I'm going to do, it is not who I am. I am a servant.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year Reflection Challenge
A friend of mine here at OD and Facebook (and by phone in real life) posted this challenge and it was a nice piece for relfection for me this morning.
Completing and Remembering 2010
In 2010
What were the most important things you learned?
I gained a very different perspective on my work as a care giver. I began to realize that I really loved my job, loved serving. It was a very different perspective than I had going into the position two years ago. It's not just a privlege to have a job, but I treasure the opportunity to gently serve.
What was the most loving service you performed?
Three things immediately come to mind. First, I have "sacrificed" my own life to provide daily care for my grandson Asher. Most of the time this seems like no big thing, but at other times it has impinged on my friendships and personal interests, but I won't not do it. The second thing that comes to mind is the time that I cleaned up after one of my charge's poopy accidents. She was ashamed, but I assured her that it was no problem at all--and it wasnt'. The final thing was serving at the community dinner.
What was the biggest risk you took?
Risk? I'm so not a big risk taker. Oddly, it might have been to start cooking.
How did you encourage others?
Sometimes I think that my middle name is "encourager"--which would sound weird, but anyway...I encouraged others through my writing, by listening, by praying, and leaving uplifting notes.
Who made the biggest difference in your life? How have you acknowledged them?
Nelson. Even after knowing him for over 33 years, Nelson continues to be the hugest influence upon my life. Additionally, I think that my friendship with Heidi has made a big difference in my life. She probably doesn't see it, especially since the one thing she continues to encourage me to do I have been blocked on.
How did you improve your relationships with those you love?
By speaking more plainly and being more intentional in my connections
What were your greatest achievements?
Speaking at the Womens' Retreat in September,
What else do you need to do or say to be complete with 2010? Nothing
Creating 2011
In 2011
What are you looking forward to learning?
More about MBTI and spritual formation and understanding
What undeveloped talent are you willing to explore?
Perhaps not "UN"developed, but UNDERdeveloped: getting my writing published
How will you experience more joy?
I will have my bike to ride all year! I'm going to cook more. I'm really looking forward to doing more with my garden.
What loving services will you perform?
Not sure, but I will be more open to the opportunities that present themselves.
What risks are you planning to take?
Putting my writing out there to publishers and marketing my speaking/retreat ministries.
How will you encourage others?
I will do what I always do, but I think I'm going to do more note/card writing.
How will you improve your relationships with those you love?
I have some thoughts, but need more time to develop them.
How will you make a difference in the world?
I will continue to do the service oriented living that is second nature to me.
What will be your greatest achievements? That will be seen more quickly upon reflection as the year unfolds.
Invite in the New!
Reflect on this past year and move forward with The New Year Make the following lists:
3 things for which you are grateful: A. Precious family and friends; B. freedom to express myself creatively and serve others; C. the grace and mercy of a sovereign God who loves me and wants to be in relationship with me in spite of my limitations and propensity to screw things up.
3 things you are ready to leave behind: A. Fear; B. Negativity; C. Lack of discipline
3 things you would like to forget or be forgiven for: A. Being a poor excuse for a mother (according to older daughter); B.
3 things you will forgive and not carry into next year: I'm pretty up to date on my forgiving, and I will adjust as I am aware...never sensical to carry unforgiveness: it's the burden no one can carry.
Completing and Remembering 2010
In 2010
What were the most important things you learned?
I gained a very different perspective on my work as a care giver. I began to realize that I really loved my job, loved serving. It was a very different perspective than I had going into the position two years ago. It's not just a privlege to have a job, but I treasure the opportunity to gently serve.
What was the most loving service you performed?
Three things immediately come to mind. First, I have "sacrificed" my own life to provide daily care for my grandson Asher. Most of the time this seems like no big thing, but at other times it has impinged on my friendships and personal interests, but I won't not do it. The second thing that comes to mind is the time that I cleaned up after one of my charge's poopy accidents. She was ashamed, but I assured her that it was no problem at all--and it wasnt'. The final thing was serving at the community dinner.
What was the biggest risk you took?
Risk? I'm so not a big risk taker. Oddly, it might have been to start cooking.
How did you encourage others?
Sometimes I think that my middle name is "encourager"--which would sound weird, but anyway...I encouraged others through my writing, by listening, by praying, and leaving uplifting notes.
Who made the biggest difference in your life? How have you acknowledged them?
Nelson. Even after knowing him for over 33 years, Nelson continues to be the hugest influence upon my life. Additionally, I think that my friendship with Heidi has made a big difference in my life. She probably doesn't see it, especially since the one thing she continues to encourage me to do I have been blocked on.
How did you improve your relationships with those you love?
By speaking more plainly and being more intentional in my connections
What were your greatest achievements?
Speaking at the Womens' Retreat in September,
What else do you need to do or say to be complete with 2010? Nothing
Creating 2011
In 2011
What are you looking forward to learning?
More about MBTI and spritual formation and understanding
What undeveloped talent are you willing to explore?
Perhaps not "UN"developed, but UNDERdeveloped: getting my writing published
How will you experience more joy?
I will have my bike to ride all year! I'm going to cook more. I'm really looking forward to doing more with my garden.
What loving services will you perform?
Not sure, but I will be more open to the opportunities that present themselves.
What risks are you planning to take?
Putting my writing out there to publishers and marketing my speaking/retreat ministries.
How will you encourage others?
I will do what I always do, but I think I'm going to do more note/card writing.
How will you improve your relationships with those you love?
I have some thoughts, but need more time to develop them.
How will you make a difference in the world?
I will continue to do the service oriented living that is second nature to me.
What will be your greatest achievements? That will be seen more quickly upon reflection as the year unfolds.
Invite in the New!
Reflect on this past year and move forward with The New Year Make the following lists:
3 things for which you are grateful: A. Precious family and friends; B. freedom to express myself creatively and serve others; C. the grace and mercy of a sovereign God who loves me and wants to be in relationship with me in spite of my limitations and propensity to screw things up.
3 things you are ready to leave behind: A. Fear; B. Negativity; C. Lack of discipline
3 things you would like to forget or be forgiven for: A. Being a poor excuse for a mother (according to older daughter); B.
3 things you will forgive and not carry into next year: I'm pretty up to date on my forgiving, and I will adjust as I am aware...never sensical to carry unforgiveness: it's the burden no one can carry.
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