It is Wednesday!
Welcome to WW!
Yes, it is that time in the week for TSJ peeps to check in with Solomon, SJ, Lovey and/or Margie for who-knows-what will come up?
Today I have been thinking about “bad weather days” because lately bad weather causes me a lot of work as I try to keep grass mowed, windows clean and driveway free from buds and pine needles etc. so my house will show its beauty. I want it to look its best for possible buyers. And I want them to see what a special place this is so they can love it like I do.
I accept its flaws because I love its inherent beauty. And I think that statement is what the Chief Shepherd says about us. But I digress…
Trying so hard to look good has led me to think about how I feel on “bad hair days” (and I know I am not alone in this one). They cause unnecessary angst. It can lead to a “bad feeling day” for many of us. Which is more likely to detract from our beauty than bad hair because when we feel negative about ourselves we act different. People catch the vibes.
This picture I am sharing with you I sent to my sister on Sunday. It was taken after an open house and I was tired but deeply grateful for a beautiful day. It was perfect for showing off our park-like back yard.
I tried to take another picture this morning to show you the same spot when it is totally covered with nature’s shedding of buds. Also the lawn looks shaggy, all a result of wind and rain. But the camera refused to let me show you exactly how messy the deck is now. And maybe it is just better to revel in beauty anyway.
Reading this, you can possibly see why this week the Boys (Solomon and SJ) have been having discussions about emotions . . . what they are and what they mean. SJ has been all over the place emotionally. Solomon tends to maintain a sense of the Bigger Picture and always seems free from anxiety.
Solomon does, however, have strong opinions about what is wise and enduring vs. what is transient and vaporous. He says bad days or bad moments serve to teach us about the Bigger Picture. He says we are learning the knowledge ancient shepherds gained about life in the fields dealing daily with challenges of Mother Nature. As we learn we become better shepherds ourselves. That is, if we are willing to seek guidance, take time to reflect and move on without indulging in self pity or blame etc.
What SJ sees as all important and dramatic, Solomon sees as opportunities to reflect and possibly redirect one’s mind. In fact Solomon recently had me read one of my own blog posts to remind me to check out the lens I am using to “see” things. You may enjoy a glance it it here (after you finish today’s blog.)
Bad Hair Day for you? Remember these things:
What A Difference A Day Makes – What seems awful today will seem doable tomorrow. What hurts today will feel a wee bit better tomorrow. Life is always in motion.
What A Difference A Loving Conversation Makes – Talk it over with one who loves you. What triggers shame and blame can turn into hope and happiness with words of understanding and encouragement. Being with those whom we love and love us – flaws and all – can lighten our load. When we feel “heard” we feel more understood and learn to understand ourselves better too.
What A Difference Turning Troubles Into Gratitude Makes – There is a mystery about turning grumbling into gratitude. Honestly, more times than not it does help. And that wisdom has been passed down through generations.
What A Difference Sleep and Rest Make – Even our Chief Shepherd rested. There are many ways to rest. Sleep is good for the body and the brain. Rest is good for gaining new perspectives and relieving stress.
Solomon has been making sure I hear the lessons he is teaching young SJ because he knows I need them. My days have been filled with sadness, joy, fatigue, hope, love, worries, faith and doubt. I have practiced all the above as I inch my way forward into an uncertain future and stay alert for guidance with a grateful heart.
I am seeing how true it is that emotions are simply energy in motion. They are transient and it helps to remember that. They can teach us so much.
The bigger picture comes when we learn to immediately look for the Shepherd in our field and remember we are being cared for even in the valleys. Always. There is always a Bigger Picture unfolding.
So says Solomon. SJ says, “It works for me too!” 🙂 And I say, “Me too.”
Happy shepherding and being shepherded!
Margie
