Hello TSJ Friends and Fans,
Solomon is absolutely smug today. I am supremely happy. I think if you look at me carefully, you will see something I call the parent glow.
And Solomon is smug about this for a lot of reasons. By “smug” I am talking about that “I told you so” look or “I have known this all 
along!” look! I am sure you too have either given or received such a look yourself. And Solomon gets away with it because he is so very gentle and loving, no matter how much turmoil I may be in.
Anyhow, I am practicing more of what I believe to be important … exercising my courage, confidence and compassion muscles on myself while enthusiastically encouraging others to do the same. They are like vitamin C on our path to well-being. As parents, teachers, shepherds, and spiritual seekers of wisdom we are often like the Cyclamen flowers in my office.
The other day the two plants sitting beside each other in my office were completely wilting. And it inspired some personal reflection. I chuckled. Their pitiful wilt reminded me of me and many of our TSJ peeps when they land in the chair for some coaching in areas that are depleting their energy.
At times all of us wilt. And with those who encourage and believe in us no matter what, we recharge. Just as those plants cry out for rehydration, we need rehydration and nourishment. Only with attention to what is needed can we be the people we know deep down we are meant to be. Yet, like me with my plants, we get too busy to notice.
So before I share why I have a parent glow today, Solomon and I decided to pass on one little tip for all parent shepherds and parent coaches 1and personal growth seekers.
TIP: Pay attention to your needs in order to pay attention to others’ needs with compassion and an open mind. Pay attention! Then give attention!
Notice things you are saying and feeling that are not your highest and best self coming through. And immediately get the watering can. Rehydrate. Refuel. Rest. Renew and Remember. Remember it takes awhile to fully absorb help that is available. But do not lose hope or purpose. If you seek help, you will surely find it. And if you look at it as an adventure of learning, you will be surprised how God sends you what you need at just the right time. My plants took a while to perk up and so do we!
So many times in my life and especially in my journey of grief after Mr. Tom was diagnosed, treated for cancer and died, I was amazed at the number of little miracles that came along regularly. And it was always when I was wilting! I called these little miracles, “Just in time Grace.” The only thing we are required to do is receive grace, like my plants received the water I gave them. We do not earn it. That is why it is called grace.
So Solomon is smug because of my renewed interest in all things to do with parenting. After all he reminded me the other day he came to TSJ to help us learn how parents are like shepherds. And just at the point I was pondering and praying about what that means for the blog, I have have been inspired by my children: some of my own children and some of my TSJ “children.”
This past week I had a long and moving conversation with my stepdaughter, Amy. She is so real and so wise. She is a salve to my soul. Growing. Searching. Learning. Her husband too. They are a team and they are battling all the competing forces in this world. They want to raise responsible, courageous, independent and family-oriented children in a world that seems to work against the importance and richness of creating trustworthy and sustaining relationships. She and I explored how our own yesterdays influence our todays and how we can learn from mistakes. And how important it is to heal in places we have been wounded in order to embrace the present.
Then last night my son Joe was here from Texas on an overnight trip through Rochester. He and Mr. John and I enjoyed an evening of conversation in many areas. He and his wife are taking on a new adventure in caring for a young family member who is going through a tough time. To listen to their journey of sacrifice and hope was humbling and inspiring.
Then, I want to mention I took a walk with a dear TSJ friend who, as school counselor, shared that she happened to have gone to a workshop on dealing with children being raised in the cyber world. When I was about to say this is what worries me most, she shared with enthusiasm and passion that the speaker made it clear that we still need to practice basic parenting guidance in this advanced age of technologies.
While I was on the walk, I could swear that I heard Solomon jumping with joy. Or maybe it was the beating of my own heart filled with love and renewed commitment to explore the world of parent shepherding with you from time to time. Stay tuned!
With love and encouragement. Remember: If you are feeling depleted at all…Pay attention. Give attention. To yourself. And look for help. “Just-in-time grace” will happen. I know it.
Margie
