Many believe that Valentine's Day is a ploy foisted upon us by the greeting card companies. Perhaps because I am a hopeless romantic or perhaps because I write romance novels, I prefer to believe differently.
The French poet Pierre Reverdy wrote, "There is no love. There are only proofs of love." Upon first reading that, I struggled with the concept. Surely the people I love know of my feelings for them. Could they not see it? Further contemplation yielded an unequivocal truth: How can anyone know of my love unless I show it? Merely feeling it is not enough.
In writing workshops, we learn to use strong verbs. I believe the same is true for love. To show love, use strong verbs. Hug. Give. Uplift. Serve.
Can a hug change a person's day? Scientists have documented the importance of touch. Without it, babies fail to thrive and wither. The same applies for everyone. We all need the healing power of touch.
What else can I do to show my love? Can I give more of myself? Can I uplift others? Can I serve more? Of course. Of course. Of course. Then comes the big question. How? How do I give, uplift, serve? By bearing others' burdens. I can do that by looking not just with my eyes but with my heart.
I have been the recipient of many acts of love. A card in the mail. A sincerely given compliment. A hug from a friend when I am feeling low.
So, for today, I am grateful for Valentine's Day as a reminder to not only feel love, but to show it.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 44, February 13
In our living room, we have a picture of Christ with His arms outstretched creating the world hanging above our piano. It is no secret that the act and art of creating fascinates me. Since this is my blog, I'll continue with that theme for today.
Creativity demands persistence, vision, skill, and a host of other attributes. One quality that is frequently overlooked is that of risk-taking. The individual who has created something takes a risk everytime he or she puts it forth for others to view.
Everyone knows that the iconic movie STAR WARS was rejected dozens of times before one producer decided to take a chance on it. The mother who tries a new recipe prays her family will like it. The artist who paints a picture holds his breath when he shows it, whether to his family or at a gallery opening. The composer who writes a song wonders if it will reach inside the heart of his listeners. The writer who submits a story hopes the editor will buy it. (Ironically, two days ago, when I wrote about creativity, I received two rejections of short stories.)
Risks come in different forms: financial, physical, emotional. Whatever the risks, though, the truly creative person knows he must share what he has fashioned. The desire to touch others, to better the world in some small fashion, compels him to do so.
Christ, the ultimate Creator, risked His very life when He brought forth His gospel. Some people accepted it; others rejected it and Him. Yet He knew he had to to take that risk and suffer the consequences.
So, for today, I am grateful for those individuals courageous enough to risk sharing what their hands and minds, and hearts and spirits have created.
Creativity demands persistence, vision, skill, and a host of other attributes. One quality that is frequently overlooked is that of risk-taking. The individual who has created something takes a risk everytime he or she puts it forth for others to view.
Everyone knows that the iconic movie STAR WARS was rejected dozens of times before one producer decided to take a chance on it. The mother who tries a new recipe prays her family will like it. The artist who paints a picture holds his breath when he shows it, whether to his family or at a gallery opening. The composer who writes a song wonders if it will reach inside the heart of his listeners. The writer who submits a story hopes the editor will buy it. (Ironically, two days ago, when I wrote about creativity, I received two rejections of short stories.)
Risks come in different forms: financial, physical, emotional. Whatever the risks, though, the truly creative person knows he must share what he has fashioned. The desire to touch others, to better the world in some small fashion, compels him to do so.
Christ, the ultimate Creator, risked His very life when He brought forth His gospel. Some people accepted it; others rejected it and Him. Yet He knew he had to to take that risk and suffer the consequences.
So, for today, I am grateful for those individuals courageous enough to risk sharing what their hands and minds, and hearts and spirits have created.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 43, February 43
I like pennies. I like them for their fabled good luck. I also like them because they remind me of Abraham Lincoln. It is fitting that the penny, the humblest of coins, bears the likeness of Lincoln.
We all know of Lincoln's log cabin beginnings. Let's fast forward to his presidency. Contrary to what we might believe, Lincoln was not a popular president. Members of the Republican (his own) party and the Democrat party alike reviled him.
Lincoln devoted himself to saving America. Unlike politicians of today whose sole purpose seems to be that of self-aggrandizement and indulgence, Lincoln was a true statesman who worked to preserve the United States as a nation and then to heal the scars inflicted by the war.
When Lincoln was invited to the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery, he was not listed as the main speaker, an intentional slight by those in charge of the ceremony. Edward Everett delivered a 13,000 word oration which lasted over two hours. In contrast, Lincoln's dedicatory prayer took only a few minutes. Yet Everett's words are largely forgotten, while Lincoln's brief remarks continue to be quoted today. " ... of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
So, for today, I am grateful for pennies ... and for Abraham Lincoln.
We all know of Lincoln's log cabin beginnings. Let's fast forward to his presidency. Contrary to what we might believe, Lincoln was not a popular president. Members of the Republican (his own) party and the Democrat party alike reviled him.
Lincoln devoted himself to saving America. Unlike politicians of today whose sole purpose seems to be that of self-aggrandizement and indulgence, Lincoln was a true statesman who worked to preserve the United States as a nation and then to heal the scars inflicted by the war.
When Lincoln was invited to the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery, he was not listed as the main speaker, an intentional slight by those in charge of the ceremony. Edward Everett delivered a 13,000 word oration which lasted over two hours. In contrast, Lincoln's dedicatory prayer took only a few minutes. Yet Everett's words are largely forgotten, while Lincoln's brief remarks continue to be quoted today. " ... of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
So, for today, I am grateful for pennies ... and for Abraham Lincoln.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 42, February 11
Two days ago I wrote about recurring themes in this blog, including that of quilts and friends. One wise reader pointed out that another theme that made repeated appearances was that of creativity.
With that in mind, I decided to describe some creative friends. One friend is an expert in organization, organizing everything from papers to her family's appointments. Nothing escapes her notice. Another friend homeschools her seven young children. What energy and imagination that must take, to teach children of all different ages, making reading, history, and social studies come alive.
A woman in our church knows how to stretch a dollar. Her myriad of skills include canning everything from turkey to green beans, baking delectable whole wheat bread, and finding bargains others have overlooked. Still another friend possesses a dry sense of humor that makes her a delight to everyone fortunate enough to be with her. Other friends have turned their homes into havens for their grandchildren, turning once empty nests into places of fun and learning.
Like friends, creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. Too frequently we tend to limit our definition of what it means to be creative. Creativity is more a matter of the spirit than of the mind.
So, for today, I am grateful for friends who color outside the box.
With that in mind, I decided to describe some creative friends. One friend is an expert in organization, organizing everything from papers to her family's appointments. Nothing escapes her notice. Another friend homeschools her seven young children. What energy and imagination that must take, to teach children of all different ages, making reading, history, and social studies come alive.
A woman in our church knows how to stretch a dollar. Her myriad of skills include canning everything from turkey to green beans, baking delectable whole wheat bread, and finding bargains others have overlooked. Still another friend possesses a dry sense of humor that makes her a delight to everyone fortunate enough to be with her. Other friends have turned their homes into havens for their grandchildren, turning once empty nests into places of fun and learning.
Like friends, creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. Too frequently we tend to limit our definition of what it means to be creative. Creativity is more a matter of the spirit than of the mind.
So, for today, I am grateful for friends who color outside the box.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 41, February 10
Like Moses of Biblical times, I am "slow of speech." When the public speaking genes were passed out in heaven, I'm certain I was off reading a book or attending a garage sale. I have no eloquent words, no powerful way of expressing myself. My voice is on the soft side and tends to get shaky at the mere thought of speaking in public. Angry storks, not gentle butterflies, fill my stomach.
For the most part, I accept that, just as I've accepted other limitations. That is not complacency but, rather, awareness of what I can and what I can't do.
My husband Larry is a gifted public speaker. He possesses a command of the language and a flair for getting his thoughts across that continue to amaze me. We occasionally tease each other that he is the speaker and I am the listener in the family.
It hit me then: My gift is listening. Whether in a congregation or workshop or one-on-one with a friend, I am a good listener. Just as I am an appreciative audience of musical perforomances, I am also an appreciative listener.
My ruminations led to another idea. What if I brought my heart as well as my ears to the art of listening? Would the experience of listening to a speech or a cantata not be richer? Would I not be of more service if I listened to the meaning, the sorrow behind a friend's words?
So, for today, I am grateful for hearing ears and a listening heart.
For the most part, I accept that, just as I've accepted other limitations. That is not complacency but, rather, awareness of what I can and what I can't do.
My husband Larry is a gifted public speaker. He possesses a command of the language and a flair for getting his thoughts across that continue to amaze me. We occasionally tease each other that he is the speaker and I am the listener in the family.
It hit me then: My gift is listening. Whether in a congregation or workshop or one-on-one with a friend, I am a good listener. Just as I am an appreciative audience of musical perforomances, I am also an appreciative listener.
My ruminations led to another idea. What if I brought my heart as well as my ears to the art of listening? Would the experience of listening to a speech or a cantata not be richer? Would I not be of more service if I listened to the meaning, the sorrow behind a friend's words?
So, for today, I am grateful for hearing ears and a listening heart.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 40, February 9
In re-reading earlier postings, I realized that several topics have made repeated appearances, among them quilts and friends. Why my fascination with these subjects, I wondered. As I examined them, I found that I was intrigued by the diversity in the quilts, and in friends.
The quilts my mother gave me are made of different fabrics, different patterns. The stitching varies from quilt to quilt, even square to square, as various people sat and quilted over cups of tea and gossip. There is a Nine-Square, a Sunbonnet Girl, a Woman with Parasol, and others. Each is beautiful in its own way.
In the same way, my friends are made of different fabrics, different patterns. One friend writes exquisite poetry, weaving beauty with every word. Another excells in all things musical, playing the piano, organ, flute, composing songs, and working as a music therapist for Hospice. Still another finds joy in creating one-of-a-kind scrapbook pages and greeting cards. One friend writes inspirational romance novels, touching the heart and soul of all those who read her words. A friend and cousin writes cookbooks, flavoring recipes with family stories and history.
My friends put me in mind of a flower garden, each bringing a different color, a different scent to the whole: pansies and roses, tulips and daffodils, lilies and violets.
So, for today, I am grateful for that which is unique ... in quilts and in friends.
The quilts my mother gave me are made of different fabrics, different patterns. The stitching varies from quilt to quilt, even square to square, as various people sat and quilted over cups of tea and gossip. There is a Nine-Square, a Sunbonnet Girl, a Woman with Parasol, and others. Each is beautiful in its own way.
In the same way, my friends are made of different fabrics, different patterns. One friend writes exquisite poetry, weaving beauty with every word. Another excells in all things musical, playing the piano, organ, flute, composing songs, and working as a music therapist for Hospice. Still another finds joy in creating one-of-a-kind scrapbook pages and greeting cards. One friend writes inspirational romance novels, touching the heart and soul of all those who read her words. A friend and cousin writes cookbooks, flavoring recipes with family stories and history.
My friends put me in mind of a flower garden, each bringing a different color, a different scent to the whole: pansies and roses, tulips and daffodils, lilies and violets.
So, for today, I am grateful for that which is unique ... in quilts and in friends.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 39, February 8
Two days ago, I wrote about the plumbing problems in our basement. After trying to deal with it ourselves, my husband and I finally called a plumber. Two men arrrived and, within forty-five minutes, had snaked the drain and cleared the blockage. Once again, we had sinks that worked, good water pressure, and a bathroom floor not covered with guck.
I marveled at the men's efficiency and the seeming ease with which they dispatched the problem. I still can't bring myself to be grateful for plumbing disasters, but I am grateful for people who possess the skills and know-how to take care of them.
Everyday, our lives are filled with men and women who serve us. Plumbers, mechanics, bankers, contractors, lawyers, doctors--each brings expertise to make my life easier and more managable. How many times have I said "Thank-you" to any of these people? Too infrequently, I'm afraid.
Certainly, we pay others for their services. That is only right and proper. "A laborer is worthy of his hire." Still, they deserve my thanks, my acknowlegment of their efforts and skill.
So, for today, I am grateful for plumbers.
I marveled at the men's efficiency and the seeming ease with which they dispatched the problem. I still can't bring myself to be grateful for plumbing disasters, but I am grateful for people who possess the skills and know-how to take care of them.
Everyday, our lives are filled with men and women who serve us. Plumbers, mechanics, bankers, contractors, lawyers, doctors--each brings expertise to make my life easier and more managable. How many times have I said "Thank-you" to any of these people? Too infrequently, I'm afraid.
Certainly, we pay others for their services. That is only right and proper. "A laborer is worthy of his hire." Still, they deserve my thanks, my acknowlegment of their efforts and skill.
So, for today, I am grateful for plumbers.
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