After several overcast days, this morning the sun was shining brightly through my window. I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see small crumbs scattered across my kitchen counter.
“Where did you come from?” I said aloud. The immediate answer was obvious. Since I live alone, they had to have come from me.
Apparently, I had not paid enough attention to keeping this area clean. It was easy to ignore until the sun illuminated this problem spot.
Truthfully, this is only one area of my home that has been neglected during a tumultuous year. But I digress.
Back to the crumbs on my counter. As I was wiping them up, I found a few more that had been hiding. It didn’t take long to draw an analogy to my life.
The crumbs represent negative thoughts, grumbling, making excuses, etc. These thoughts don’t cause an impact on my personal well being until they start to add up. I look the other way and either pretend they don’t exist or they aren’t important. Sooner or later though, something illuminates my bad attitude and I wonder where the negativity came from.
To keep from getting to this point, a daily practice of gratitude is necessary. Being thankful clears away the crumbs of negativity. Instead of grumbling because I have to drive on winter roads, I am grateful to have a safe, reliable vehicle. This is but one of the many examples I can think of.
When I concentrate on all the blessings in my life, the crumbs are dealt with and my attitude improves.
How do you keep the crumbs from accumulating on the counter of your life?
Month: November 2024
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Crumbs on the Counter
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An Unplanned Project
Have you ever had an idea or inspiration that seemed to take on a life of its own and flourished beyond your wildest expectations?
That is exactly what happened to me several months ago. A friend and fellow writer sent me a message about something I posted on social media. She gave me not only some beautiful encouragement but also a challenge.
The idea intrigued me and I started thinking of how I could make it my own. I mentioned it to a few others and although the response was positive, I pushed the idea to the back of my mind.
You see, we were only a few months into my husband’s brain tumour journey. Life was often overwhelming and I didn’t feel capable of taking on a major challenge.
This is where the project took on a life of its own. The initial people I’d run the idea past, submitted stories. Apparently, in a moment of weakness I’d given a timeline for submissions! Now I had to either apologize and return the writings they had done specifically for me or make a plan and move forward. I chose the latter.
After setting a firm timeline, I started contacting other writers. One night, when I was praying about who else to contact, I felt led to reach out to some friends and family members who were not part of my writing circle. Some said yes immediately and others needed more encouragement.
My book was taking shape. I forgot to mention to you that during this process I felt God tell me this project was to be used as a fundraiser. It made sense that the total profit would be donated to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. After I reached out to them and received permission to use their name in promotion for the book, everything came together quickly.
Flowers of Remembrance is a collection containing the memories evoked by certain flowers. The writers range from 15 to 85 and their stories (and mine) will encourage you to stop and reflect on memories surrounding special flowers in your life.
I can think of no better place to hold an event for this book than a flower shop. Flower Whispers in Airdrie, Alberta will be the site for this on Saturday, December 7th. I’d love to see any who are able to drop by for a visit and refreshments from 1-3 pm. You can do your Christmas shopping and support an organization that hold a special place in my heart. More details are on my website www.timewithtandy.com under the Book tab. -
Out of Step
picture credit Unsplash Many years ago, my husband and I signed up for ballroom dancing classes. As we headed to our first lesson, my mind conjured up visions of Brian and I gliding gracefully across the floor.
The reality was far different. In fact, we were so awkward the instructor said she felt sorry for us! It turned out that the problem was me. I unconsciously tried to take the lead. Only one can lead and it wasn’t my job.
I was told to close my eyes and trust my partner. When I did that, our movement became smooth. Once confident I could follow Brian’s lead, I’d open my eyes again. Whenever we were out of step, it was because I was fighting for control. I spent a large part of our lessons with my eyes closed!
I’ve discovered this also applies in my relationship with God. I have a tendency to want to go my own way (or lead) and expect God to follow. The habit of thinking I know what’s best is a hard one to break. What is needed of me is to close my eyes and trust.
This is required even more when I’m in a season of uncertainty. I may not know what direction to take but as long as I follow His lead and stay in step with the one who knows the dance of my life, I need not be concerned. God knows where He is taking me and His ways are better than anything I could imagine.
“I know the plans that I have for you, declared the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster; plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 -
Tormenta
When I first sat down to write this, a hurricane was crossing the Caribbean Sea and heading for Mexico. It was expected to hit the Yucatan state in a few days. There was a chance it would miss the area our friends lived in, but as we know, sometimes storms change direction.
The same is true in life. Everything was going well for us when, seemingly out of nowhere, a massive life storm hit. A hurricane strength wind picked us up, spun us around and destroyed our carefully planned life.
We survived the initial onslaught, a little battered but still standing. Then we entered the eye of the storm where the calm lulled us into a false sense of security.
Too soon, we were back in the fight, buffeted by gusts that threatened to defeat us.
The Spanish word for storm is tormenta. To my mind, this is apt, as life storms certainly torment us. Their effects can be long lasting.
Sooner or later the storm will move past. The question remains as to the damage it has done and if we have survived it.
In my personal case, only one of us survived the storm of a terrible disease. We remained strong for as long as possible and held to each other and our faith.
Now, I, as the remaining one, am forced to start the rebuilding process. It is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It is also necessary in order to honour the wishes of my loved one and fully live and appreciate the days I’ve been given.
To help me I turn to 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”