Hello Dear TSJ Peeps!
First of all, Welcome New Subscribers! The joy it gives me to welcome you to sharing life’s twisting and winding journey is hard to describe.
As the “regulars” to this blog know, I use the metaphor of pastures and Chief Shepherd (God) as ways of talking about the journey of life, especially as spiritual seekers.
Solomon and SJ (“The Boys”) often help Light the path and lighten our load as we turn troubles into triumphs.
Today is no exception! Solomon (the mature voice of wisdom) is encouraging SJ (Solomon Junior-the younger aspect of himself) to climb.
Obviously Solomon knows who really needs the lesson. He has heard me go through self-doubt and concerns that border on (but don’t quite reach) full out worry this week as yet another buyer withdrew their offer.
Chief Shepherd has used everyday shepherds to guide me through the ups and downs of facing the grief journey of sorting through Tom’s things and following the plan he and I made together to sell our home and move to a smaller place that would demand less of me. And this week there were others who loved our home and wanted it badly but . . . ran into troubles of their own.
We are back to being on the market yet again waiting for “the right buyer” to come along. And while I have been observing a myriad of emotions flowing through my heart and mind, I have been most privileged to discover hidden treasures in each disappointment.
Just when I needed it most, one message came through a card that one of our friends (who did not know things were tough at the moment) sent through snail mail. It came on the right day. Hmm. I do keep thinking about “just in time grace” again these days!
And believing that you too have your moments and may appreciate the same reminders I need at times, Solomon made perfectly clear this morning what to share with you.
I heard him on the stairs encouraging SJ to “Just take the first step.” He repeated, “Come on, SJ, all you have to do is take that first step. And by the way, Chief Shepherd and I along with many other Shepherd understudies, will be here for you as you climb!”
I listened. Be still my heart. I grabbed my camera because how else would you readers know?
Truthfully, I had already thought about sharing the quote on the card with you! But now I knew I must. so here is the quote:
” You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
It has helped me several times this week and is about more than selling, buying or moving.
It is about what we all must do each day. It is about how to proceed when we are blessed with a dream, a vision, a way to live with more love in this world. It is about doing what toddlers do! Take the first step. Tumble maybe. Learn to hold on to the coffee table maybe. Or if we are older, and we get weary climbing we can hold onto the railings . .
What might you need to do today to take that first step in the direction of your heart’s desire to be a better parent, teacher, spouse, shepherd, leader, director, minister, coach, partner etc.?
Simply put…what might we do this very moment to have courage to be better versions of ourselves, since we all are on an improvement plan!
Remember, you don’t have to see the outcome. And you actually cannot. But we all tend to waste a ton of time and energy planning for every eventuality. In the end, it is a journey of ups and downs, successes and mistakes, and tons of learning.
In fact each day is a mystery and an adventure. It takes that first step (usually to the bathroom) in the morning to enter your day.
Playing in the pastures here at TSJ!
Happy shepherding, one and all.
Solomon and Margie
