Dear TSJ Friends,
I started writing to you this morning and ran into an overwhelming sense that I had a longing for something I could not readily identify at first. Something like being hungry but not sure what you are hungry for,
But as I sat here in the office and listened, the muse spoke. Solomon seemed to think I need some time for reflection and renewal. He was so right.
So I spent two hours in quiet reflection and prayer. It was honestly like drinking a tall glass of water on a very hot day. So the day unfolded with me feeling peaceful in whatever presented itself. But before I go to bed this night I want to share with you a discovery I made from something I wrote in last week’s story.
You may remember last week I wrote a story – a memory (Every Kid Needs an Aunt Mable and Uncle Charlie). And in that process, I came to realize more fully than ever before that in writing our stories we learn something about ourselves. It seems to pop right out of the unconscious part of our minds!
I have heard and read that this is true for most artists….writers, painters, composers, musicians, quilters, cartoonists, actors etc. When we put pen to paper or needle to material or notes to the page, surprises happen.
So the story about how an uncle and aunt – ordinary (but special) people who made a big difference in my life – was a reminder that because they saw the best in me, I experienced the best in me! I believed them as they were consistent and kind.
It has triggered my memory of another similar experience.
When I was a young woman on a summer mission project in Saraguro, Ecuador, I did not speak any Spanish when I arrived. But the people I worked with in the medical clinic were so exited when I learned a few words that I kept at it. (It seems their other summer volunteers had not been motivated to learn Spanish for such a short time.) But their excitement about my efforts became mine and I was highly motivated to learn quickly.
This I know about myself …I learn best when encouraged and am severely inhibited when fearful or discouraged.
Of course this is not just about me. It is about all of us.
I was completely surprised when I wrote, “they saw the good in the girl.”
They saw the good in me! I did not.
When we see “the good in the girl or in the guy” what happens? It is like turning on the light behind their eyes.
We send scurrying the doubts and fears that imprison them. This is not always easy. I know that I tested my uncle and aunt’s patience quite often. I remember well them taking turns to spend time with me because I had so many questions and so much enthusiasm when I visited them!
I invite you to join me in spending some time this week noticing the good in the girl or the guy in you . . . and others.
Finally, I am grateful for your calls, emails, texts, and time spent together. Please feel free to keep in touch. Also, I am still doing consultations outdoors but the weather may change soon and we will have to do Zoom or FaceTime consults again. Of course there is always the phone!
We are taking the next two weeks off from writing WW but will see you here again in two weeks!
Most of you are parents or teachers or both. Solomon and I wish for you a positive start to the school year and we will be here to support you in your shepherding and personal growth.
We believe in you!
Margie
