For your consideration….
Some scars are visible. Most are not. All of us have unseen scars. Hey, there is a reason we have so many therapists.
Today’s message wants us to consider the emotional scars we get from our family. Just that thought is painful. Our mental model tells us that our family is our safety net and it pains us to think we can get scars from it. Yet if we step back and think about it, we know we do. Whether it is the middle child syndrome, favoritism of one sex over the other etc. Whatever it is, we tend to carry it forward. We tend to keep it as part of our identity. We let it define us. Maybe we even hold grudges. Why? Because we are bound together as family.
We are asked to think about who we would be if we did not have our particular family. Who would we be if we had a different role in our family? It is probably impossible to imagine and that’s as it should be.
There are no coincidences.We did not get the wrong family. We got the exact family we needed to grow into the adult we need to be for our life lessons. This may be a tough concept to consider. Years ago when I was first confronted with it, I was adamant that there was no way I was meant to be in a family with my step-father. But if I step back, I realize what an important role that played into the person I am.
Often our family is our toughest test. We are asked to love them unconditionally. Just as God accepts us and keeps us in the family, we are asked to consider doing the same to ours. We are asked to consider accepting, respecting and loving who we are, scars and all. And doing the same with our family. After all, it isn’t like we have to live with them anymore. We can afford to be generous, loving and kind.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water. Often our headaches are due to lack of enough water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Accept the perfection of each moment.
What made me smile yesterday…..
-A happy lawn.
-A great day with Mac just walking around and browsing.
-Catching up with Alex, Shannon, Jackie and Jody.
-Texting back on forth with Mac, who was making her first pizza from scratch.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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