For your consideration….
I remember when my oldest daughter was in preschool. I usually did not get to pick her up from school. So when I got off work early one day, I was excited to go in a pick her up. As I looked in the window, I could see they were having a closing circle. All of the students were in this circle with their teachers holding hands. Except my daughter. She kept breaking out of the circle and acting up until one of the teachers gently held her by the shoulders in front of her. I was devastated. I could not believe she would be a disruptive student. I called the school and asked how long this had been going on for and why I had not been called. They told me that children go through stages. If after consistent correction for a couple of weeks, the behavior did not change, they would have called. Shannon had always been a great student and they were sure all would be well in a week or so. And it was.
As adults, we know this about children. Many of the stages are well documented. But all children are different and have different triggers. They go through many many stages that are not part of the norm.
Our message today tells us that these stages do not stop as we grow. Indeed, throughout our lives, we have continuous ups and downs. Sometimes they are moments, sometimes a few hours, sometimes a few weeks or months. We don’t want to necessarily think about them when we are on the down side. But our message asks us why not? We already have a lifetime of “stages.” We know that we will get to the other side. Think about that. And think about how we are already on our way to it.
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.”
-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go, there can be no darkness.
-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 least 10 deep breaths.
-Remember, when life gets tough. It is just a stage. You are already a step closer to the other side.
What made me smile yesterday…
-A beautiful day.
-Watching Conner.
-A chill afternoon at home.
-Bob and I went to see “Song of Freedom.” It is based off of a true story. Everyone should see it.
-A new book.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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