Greetings TSJ Peeps!
This picture really reflects how I see life at the soul level.
Uncertainty is a given in this life. And right now that is highly real for Tom and me.
Sometimes I am the sheep and sometimes I am the elephant. How about you?
It reminds me of the pictures I share of little SJ sitting next to Solomon on my desk. But this mixes it up a bit. I mean…a sheep and an elephant? Wow.
This morning, Mr. Tom snuck into the office and had his talk “with the boys.” That is a clear sign that he is on an “upswing.” That is the good news I want to share.
Like all TSJ peeps and beyond, we are on a journey of daily uncertainty. That is life anyway, even without cancer. But the human soul is magnificent and remembers what really matters and can find peace in uncertainty. They go together.
For today’s reflection I am thinking about uncertainty and magnificence or soul safety. I trust there is Solomon wisdom here along with the simplicity that Solomon Junior (SJ) enjoys … filled with curiosity and wonder and finding comfort in snuggling next to a bigger version of himself.
As The Shared Journey keeps unfolding, I see that I am being led back to my own life story and the lessons that create a thread that I cannot- nor should not- hide. It is clearer to me than ever that my focus is on shepherding the personal and spiritual growth of the shepherds (parents and others) because that is what I know best. It fits…
The most profound lessons and sources of comfort that I have today have come from various forms of suffering at times. But more often, they are lessons about facing the nitty gritty details of everyday life while simultaneously embracing the grandeur of grace that is ever present in one form or another.
Generally speaking, for me life is not soundly an either-or experience but much more often, it is a both-and experience. Sometimes that is called a paradox. I think of it as a mystery. Or as a marriage of sorts – between our mortal human side and the magnificent spiritual or soul side of us.
These things are hard to define and even harder for me to openly blog about. I have been so fearful of being seen as too this or that… too dogmatic, too religious, …too simple, too impractical etc. I have often muted my message out of fear of self-criticism and public criticism. But I must be honest that my passion is personal and spiritual growth through all ages and stages of life. Our growth, our self-care effects others. Especially our families.
I struggle to be brave. Like many of you, I have the super critical inner voice that squelches my natural voice. My soul wants to be more like the elephant than the sheep. Magnificent, compassionate, confident, strong, intelligent etc.
But we still need and want practical strategies to help with parenting in this age. I have not forgotten that, and want to once again share an invaluable resource even though there are oh so many voices to listen to and oh so little time to listen. I highly recommend Dr. Susan Stiffleman whose voice for parents is wise, brave, and encouraging. She is on Face Book. I am sharing a link to the Huffington Post about her that will give you more information: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-stiffelman/. She has a book called Parenting Without Power Struggles that is excellent.
Regarding today’s topic, however, I am encouraging you to join me in being honest about your own self-care.
We must not ignore what our bodies and behavior tell us.
What do you want and need today or at this time in your life? Soul care is as important as physical care. But both work together. It is not either-or. It is both-and. So I am going to get my hair done and spend some quiet time in meditation and contemplation when possible today and tomorrow. I just stopped by to share that with you and encourage you to do one little thing for yourself too.
Are you noticing the many little signs of grace (gifts from invisible Shepherd of Souls) in your day? You can do that even in the midst of your stress. Sometimes even noticing the small “coincidences” or happy thoughts makes a big difference.
Let’s bravely play in the pastures the rest of this day!
Margie
