For your consideration…
This message felt like a warm hug when it came in and made me laugh.
Yeah, that’s my mom and that’s what she always said, “Oh stop it, a little bit of dirt won’t hurt you.” albeit usually not with a smile. The irony is not missed on me that both of my girls, my youngest especially, throw anything away that has a passed expiration date, dirt on it, spots, etc. I was raised so much differently and like my parents sometimes on a farm. Eggs are bad if they float…never look at the expiration date. If the cheese has mold, we cut it off. We played in dirt. That is what “play clothes” were for. It washes off. It is unclear how my girls can explain growing up healthy despite my questionable old-fashioned food habits.
Of course, today’s message is not about going out and playing in dirt. It is just a fun example of perspective and balance. We have all lived through the last couple of decades of the peanut butter saga. First, everyone ate peanut butter and jelly, then no one could have them in school due to children with legitimate peanut allergies, to separate areas in the cafeteria for students with peanut allergies although still not in the classroom, to finally a rethink. Perhaps, abstinence is part of the problem. Indeed, now most doctors recommend introducing a “little bit’ of peanut to babies and see how they do. The thought is that this introduction creates tolerance. One day while teaching about why “no peanute,” in the classroom, one of my young fives said, “My mom lets my baby sister lick peanut butter off of a spoon.” Ahhh, how far we have come.
Just another example again of perspective and balance and my mom would add, “common sense.” Once again, we are asked to think for ourselves, consult with our Spirit and ask does what makes sense? Is it true?
Do we really think “a little bit of dirt will harm us?” dirt being a metaphor for lots of things. Of course, not brush it off and move on.
That is the HOPE. and so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least10 deep breaths.
-Bruch it off. Stay balanced.
What made me smile yesterday…
-A beautiful day.
-Alex and James fixed my computer.
-Fun with Shannon makes the centerpieces for AJ’s grad party.
-I needed enough ribbon for one more gift. I had five wrapped all the same for a shower and ran out of ribbon for one. Ugh. Facebook marketplace is amazing.
-A good book.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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