Good Morning TSJ Peeps!
Many of us are battling cold, snowy weather as we go about our daily lives. Some seasons seem to create work and even chaos along with the beauty and opportunities for playing in the snow or curling up with a good book or movie by a fireplace.
Speaking of seasons, as you “regular peeps” of this blog know, we are in an emotional winter season here at TSJ. It is a time of regrouping, transition,, and healing from Tom’s long battle with cancer and his departure in December at TSJ headquarters.
The moment he left for new and delightful pastures to be with the Divine Shepherd, we were thrust into a period of change. One brief moment changed everything.
Instant (especially unwanted) change is real hard for most – if not all – of us.
At such times we become keenly aware that life is precarious and has its seasons. Wisdom writers have said this for ages.
Despite the winter season, however, “The Boys” and I have been discussing of late … there can be no life and growth without the planting of seeds. Solomon, SJ, and I will spend our lifetime harvesting the results of seeds that Tom’s life (words and actions) scattered on the fertile soil of our hearts here at The Shared Journey and beyond.
But right now we are experiencing a winter season and spending time with close friends and family, kind of a like warming ourselves by a fire glowing in a fireplace. A gathering of sorts, regrouping, for new discoveries and adventures to unfold on our shared journeys.
Sometimes seeds remain in the ground for some time. And then one day when conditions are just right we see the evidence they were in process all along. They are unseen but deep in the soil (or soul) of awareness waiting to burst forth in due time. I always enjoy seeing spring flowers peeking out from under the melting snow.
In truth, our new lamb (“Lovey”) given to TSJ is like a flower peeking out from the snow. She was given in love to us by someone who knew she would scatter seeds of love along with Solomon’s seeds of wisdom and SJ’s seeds of wonder (curiosity and awe) here at the headquarters.
Seeds are the currency of new life and growth.
Words, thoughts, and actions are seeds planted by peeps. Like pennies, however, sometimes we think what we say and do is insignificant in value. But like a penny also, without just one penny you cannot complete a dollar!
Things we say and actions we share are ways that we influence the world and bring goodness to our immediate pastures. They are like seeds planted for future enjoyment and life.
Some seeds will mature into flowers, plants, or trees. To do so, they need certain conditions for maximum growth. They need good soil and the right amount of light, air, and water.
Peeps have certain needs for growth too. I was reminded the other day of the six basic human needs that Tony Robbins, life strategist, author and speaker often states:
~ Certainty/comfort
~uncertainty/variety
~significance
~love and connection
~growth
~contribution
Words are like seeds. Acts of kindness are like seeds or stater plants!
Solomon, SJ, Lovey and I are committed to planting seeds of love, wisdom and wonder in the year ahead as we share life’s journey with you.
As you can see in the above picture, they are having little meetings right now (while I am away and they are reporting to shepherd Tim) gathering ideas on how best to proceed forward. They are teaching Lovey about how much Tom meant to them and the legacy he left to us. They are discussing how to help each other find balance in those six requirements for maximum growth in order to help peeps do the same.
One thing we know for sure at TSJ is that how well we live affects how well others live too. It is the ripple effect. We must help each other by being gardeners of growth in one another.
Solomon had SJ send me a text that said,
“We have discussed the importance of remembering words and actions are like seeds planted for future enjoyment or pain. We choose joy. Solomon says seeds have power to produce miracles.”
Check out those six areas and see what needs nurturing.
Enjoy your day in the pastures remembering you are planting seeds all day long!
Solomon and Margie
