The Grass Is Green Enough

Optimist or Pessimist? Which type of person am I? Glass half full, or glass half empty? That's a good question. I guess it depends on the day. Some days, I'm an optimist, everything is rainbows and butterflies. Other days, molehills are mountains, and the world is coming to an end. To be honest, I think I have the capacity for both. But here's the thing I've learned, I ALWAYS have a choice about my attitude, how I choose to handle whatever life hands me, and what I am going to focus on. Is my mind parked on remembering - and being grateful for - the positive moments? Or am I only focusing on whatever went wrong today? Monday was a good example. We took Connor to visit Auntie Val while she was house/horse sitting for a friend. We thought it might be fun for him to meet Tahoe the horse. The visit got off to a bumpy start, however. As soon as we got out of the car, Connor tripped on the sidewalk and skinned his knee. He didn't just cry, he let out a blood curdling s

I n Hawaiian, ohana means family. This week, I got to enjoy ohana in Maui with our oldest daughter, her husband, and my 14-month-old grand baby. Sweet to be sure! We've taken in blue skies, sandy beaches, sunsets, rainbows, a petting zoo, under water sea life, sitting in the shade under the giant banyan tree, and great food. Lots and lots of food! Don's favorite has been Local Boys Shave Ice. Well, I'm not sure that shave ice qualifies as food. But we've had it three times! My favorite has been the opportunity to just slow down and take in the beauty around me. The birds' songs, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, the sand in my toes, the breeze softly brushing the palm trees, so soothing and relaxing. For a moment, all my cares are gone. My word this year is QUIET. Maui has definitely nurtured that. "I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:2)

As 2018 begins, I've asked God to give me a new word to focus on. Last year was ABIDE. A good one for sure. This year, I sense Him taking me in the direction of QUIET. Not so much the absence of not talking (how could I ever do that?), but more about experiencing more quietness of my soul. I want to be more peaceful, calm, serene, still, tranquil, and untroubled. Conversely, I want to be less intense, less intrusive, and less meddlesome in my loved ones' lives. They don't need my codependent "help" or unwanted advice. What they need are my prayers. These are a few scriptures that have come to the surface: For thus said the Lord, "In quietness and in trust shall be your strength." (Isaiah 30:15) "Be still (quiet) and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) "I have calmed and quieted my soul." (Psalm 131:2) "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet y