Contented
Posted: January 10, 2012 Filed under: Parenting, Spirituality, Thoughts 2 Comments »
credit: Flicker
I realized something yesterday. It was during a job interview process and the subsequent rejection that I realized something about myself. I’m not very hungry. What I mean by this is, I’m fairly content with the life and journey God has me living.
I’ve spent a lifetime trying to attain peace and contentment. It isn’t easy, and I’m not sure I’ve “arrived.” However, I’m much more content than I was 30+ years ago.
When my career was threatened a few years ago. I shrugged. That isn’t to say I wasn’t stressed and that it wasn’t a horrible situation – but I knew who I was, where I was going, and where my values lay. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my family, my calling, or my convictions in order to satisfy someone who didn’t agree with me – no matter how powerful he was. It just wasn’t worth it. Next thing I knew, I was unemployed.
Five Strategies to Help Your Kids Hear You
Posted: October 24, 2011 Filed under: Parenting, Thoughts 1 Comment »
I think my parents would be amazed to hear me say I learned something from them. Oh sure, they taught me to make a bed, tie my shoes, and be polite – but what about the truly big things? I actually learned a few of them. Unfortunately, I was about 25 before they sunk in – and had already failed miserably.
My Dad always said, “Don’t wish your life away.” For instance, don’t wish you were 16 so you could drive; don’t wish you were 21 so you can drink; don’t wish you were 25 so your insurance will be cheaper; and so on…. After a lifetime of wishing I was 16, 18, 21, and 25 – I finally figured out what he meant. He was right!
Estranged
Posted: September 6, 2011 Filed under: Parenting, Spirituality, Thoughts 2 Comments »
A few years ago I was burned out, tired, exhausted, and only slightly depressed. It was not a good time. I had given my heart and soul to my life’s mission, and now I was paying the price. I get that, but apparently others didn’t.
In the midst of that process, I grew cranky, directive, and not all that pleasant to be around. That is no one’s fault but my own. I most likely needed a sabbatical, some counseling, and some good down time. Unfortunately, none of that was available. Well, we did take a five-week vacation, but that actually hurt my reputation with my employer and job. Indeed, I made some mistakes and lost some very dear friends in the process. And before I had an opportunity to repair the damage, we were transferred.
