(Remember to click on the green header for easier reading on your mobile devices)
Happy New Year to our TSJ Friends!
It has occurred to me – that if you think about it – we could greet each other all the time with a greeting such as “happy new minute!” And be just as accurate.
Because the wish is really a wish for people to experience the power of hope in new beginnings.
Of course using a year is a manageable unit in marking time, especially since we use it in businesses, school years and birthdays! It is rather fun to celebrate a year gone by and welcome a new year into our lives.
No matter in new minutes or new years, when we wish each other happiness we really know that life is a combination of happiness and discouragement, of successes and failures, of love and loss, and of peace and chaos etc.
In fact, several of us (including me), have already experienced some or all of the above and we are only 9 days into 2019.
Several of you readers have already lost a loved one within this past week or two. Several of you have lost your confidence or are disappointed in love.
Some of you are excited, however, about new projects, new relationships, new life. Our church family, for example, is excited about a first baby girl born to our pastor and his wife. New year, new moments, new life.
Meanwhile several of our people are being challenged by health issues, major surgeries or scary diagnoses, while others are struggling with worries about their children. The TSJ community is the same way.
So, I completely embrace the idea of “The Shared Journey.” And I know that what I want to do with life is to practice showing love and encouragement wherever I go. I know you do too.
I believe wholeheartedly in encouragement.
With each other’s support and collective wisdom, we help each other have the strength to face each new moment with courage and also knowing what Solomon has taught us – we can trust our “Chief Shepherd.”.
After all, Solomon says a good shepherd knows the sheep’s moods, fears, needs and desires. And keeps a close eye on them while they wander here and there and when they lie down and when they get up. When they are playing and when they are wandering away.
Speaking of playing, every now and then I play with new ideas (or old ones revisited) and new strategies to help us in time of stress or worry, especially when it is time to go to sleep. I try them out on myself first!
Today I have a simple one to share. And you can laugh at it. That is a good strategy too. But here is my idea:
Simply Smile.
Yes, you read that right! When your heart is breaking (or just aching) and your mind whirls with questions and you feel powerless and disheartened and simply do not know what to do to feel better . . . simply smile. Yes, all alone in the dark (or wherever you are), simply smile.
Why? I do not completely understand the power of mind and body connections. But I know they are real. Ask any yoga teacher. Anyhow, there is something about the act of smiling that triggers a different response in your brain.
For added benefits while you are smiling (if you make it a real smile – not a fake squeezed one) – just whisper two words to your Chief Shepherd:
Say “Thank You,”
When you thank Him for this moment only, with a smile on your face you will be open to a mini miracle – a slight shift that can make all the difference between despair and worry vs. hope and compassion.
It is as beautiful as a rainbow that pops up after a storm.
While I am struggling myself with feeling heavy on several matters for several dear people whom I love, I notice this has helped me be able to greet the next moment with more ease and hope. Even when I feel discouraged or powerless! Now for a personal story::
I remember years ago when I was very distressed and depressed from going through a divorce etc., I called my dear friend in tears. She knew I was more discouraged than usual so while she talked with me on the phone, she sent her husband over to pick me and bring me to their house for the night.
When he banged on the door and I let him in he saw a very sad girl. I said, “I just want to hang here and die right now.” I wanted escape from my troubles but was not suicidal.
He knew me well so he knew it was okay.to ignore my drama and humor me.
You know what he said? “Well then pack your bags and put a smile on your face, you will look better that way for your funeral.” I laughed (!) through the tears and went to their home where I was nourished by a warm fire and friendship. They encouraged me and talked sense into me. That is the shared journey in full action.
So, if you are troubled in life right now, try this . . .
Simply Smile
Say Thank You . . . and as soon as you can…
Find a friend or coach to encourage you.
And drift off to sleep. Or as I did this morning when I realized I was looking unkempt I decided to clean my house. In this case my “house” was the body I live in and it needed a shower.
Then I smiled in the mirror. For practice.
And I was ready again for a new moment in my new year.
Perhaps this will help you too. Solomon models a smile for us every week.
Happy New Year and happy new moments. One moment at a time.
Remember! Simply Smile & Say Thank You and – when you can – find a friend or coach to encourage you.
Love Solomon and Margie
