Reflections: The Promotion

“Happy End of 2013!!” so screams the entire world today.  I am writing this as I prepare to present a short work that is uplifting and inspiring for a new generation. The fact that I was even asked to present is humbling – I do quite a few presentations, but I never see myself as someone who would be called to perform in opening for others. Interestingly enough, I had an immediate bout of Writer’s Block.  I never understand this idea, that why, when at the moment where I can show how the skills and talents have been developed, I crack.  Maybe it is performance anxiety, a nervousness that I will not live up to the expectations of other.  Or maybe it is the fact that at this moment it time other people’s emotions are involved and you can easily become swayed either way in the struggle.   It is a mystery because I find myself increasingly downplaying new elevations in my life as if they don’t shine for all to see, without even the reshaping of my lips..

 In preparation for completing a level, we are often taught to celebrate the accomplishment with either a momento or a ceremony. We remember the work we did to reach the goal, long hours invested into a single thought or idea to ensure the best work could be done. Over that time, we find ways to strategically simplify and work smarter, innovating the process to be more refined and distinguished.  A promotion is validation that the foundation has been well laid.  Not everyone is able to make it to the next level, so we must also be humbled by it. In the very same nature, we must reminder ourselves of the skills we do have and continue to use them in

As I sit here reflecting on the work I must do, the unfinished plans and even the wonders of what is next, I am reminded that all of this is just the beginning.  God, in Genesis 1:31 takes some time after working for constant 6 days to think back about these accomplishments; “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”  But God also knew that it was just the first step in the story, the newest plan, the missing link in the life that had already been there.  God understood that the promotion meant taking on a new role and adjusting from the Creator to Overseer of the world whose very core he build from nothing.

With this year swiftly coming to a close, after surveying all that was lost and gain, I recognize my eligibility for a promotion.  When the official word of 2014 is on the horizon with the only thing stopping me a performance to finish, I’ll remember every time I’ve directed, acted, written or performed in my entire lifetime. I’ll think of the new experiences 2013 brought and the seeds planted poise to bloom as early as January. I will bask in the honor of being among the chosen, in how I am not even deserving of the space and time, and proceed with care, caution, tenacity and excitement on the way to the next level. This year, like this level in our lives, has made it complete revolution and it is time we recognized just how important that is. 

Consider creating a 2013 report card: 13 accomplishments of the year.  Be sure to list different categories such as family, school, work and reflect on something you did right in that area. When 2014 reaches its low or mediocre moments, refer back to your previous year report card as a reminder of what you can achieve.  

Rejoice!

Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; 

make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.

~ Horace

Congratulations!  It is officially the holidays and many of us are preparing for – or in the midst of – a celebration. We search old libraries and files for programs we have seen, icebreakers we have participated in and events we have experienced hoping to consider them inspirations for our own reenactments. There are traditions, rituals and familiar celebrations that bring a smile to our faces and tingly sensation to our hearts.  Gift exchanges of trinkets we have been hoping for and clothing we never wish to see again (this season or the next) rear their heads and cement memories by their presence.  But these observances are less about the things associated and more about how we feel around and during the jubilee.  After all, A Christmas Story was not so much about the fact that Christmas existed, but Scrooge’s attitude toward the season based on his past experiences.

Celebrations remind us of what we can appreciate; they are the inner expressions of how we relate to everyone else around us. They are the collective fellowship when people can come together in peace, love and unity, sharing hopes and joys from one to another.  These gatherings feed, uplift and encourage the spirit of all who partake in the festivities.  They are also a way for us to document important events – most of our milestones are also recognized with special acknowledgement.  Even Jesus’ miracles and exploits often occurred around present festivals and observances.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reads, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

So as this season moves forward, rejoice in the simple act of being in the room with others and collectively thinking about the joy it brings.  If you can not be with family or those you love, be grateful and rejoice for the moments we have in the here and now. 

Consider looking in the mirror every day for rest of the holidays and say, “I rejoice for I have done, I rejoice in my present circumstances, I rejoice for all things that are to come!”

Love's Holiday

Photo from http://everythingexclusivemag.com/tag/holiday-love/

The holiday season is full of cheer – a large variety of décor is seen all around, music plays freely on the radio station, a constant reminder that there indeed is something special taking place.  And a celebration, it truly is!  Around Thanksgiving comes Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish Feast of the Lights, then later Christmas, Kwanzaa and of course the celebration of the New Year. Holidays are synonymous with vacations, school breaks and days off from work, which means there will be interruptions in the normal routine.  With that many events occurring, coupled with the excitement of focusing of pending rest time, it is easy to fall into impatience with anyone or anything providing obstacles to reaching our holiday plans.

Let’s face it; we do tend to act out of character this time of year. It may be that we have become stingy with the stapler or found ourselves on the very last sheet of notebook paper or obsessing to figure out how to get that perfect gift for the cousin we only see this time of year.  The anticipation of the peace, ironically, can cause dissension on the very path to achieving it.  What then must we do? How can we maintain our regular attitudes and disposition while embracing our holiday cheer?

We have to use the cheer as an enhancement – recognize how it affects us and build our own new routine around it.  Know that the normal schedule will be interrupted and we will have to adjust.  Ephesians 4:2 reads, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” At the end of the day, the season really is about love; it is Love’s Holiday and we have an obligation to share that. 

Consider keeping your thoughts on the motivation of the season, instead what comes with it; let’s spread love to everyone we meet.

...and Let it Begin with Me

“You have peace," the old woman said, "when you make it with yourself.”

~ Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Have you ever seen someone who just could not keep their focus?  Every five minutes they move on to another subject, constantly thinking of the next item on the agenda. This could be a little frustrating to those surrounding them, anxious for them to sit down and complete something.  But how can they if their minds are fragmented, divided, and overwhelmed by the many details, and lack the attention to proceed.  

But what if it is us?   The discord in our minds so distracting that we are not sure if we can finish. How can we even move forward in any conceivable way when are struggling to make sense of the space we are in?  How can we continue our journey when the direction is unclear? We do so by returning to the peace within ourselves.

During the Advent season, we celebrate observing Peace on Earth, but we have to know how to achieve it.  We obtain it spiritually by taking time out to pray and listen for God’s response.  We obtain it mentally when we organize our priorities and work, little by little, to make them settle.  We obtain peace emotionally when we consider our feelings an investment and only use that sentimental currency for those things that will bring a positive profit in your life.

In Ephesians 4:3, Paul writes that we should be “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  We can only be on one accord once we have found what, within ourselves, brings us peace and work toward maintaining it at every turn.  This peace will encourage us to fellowship as persons actively seeking to be whole in Christ.

Consider letting the peace from within grow, grow and grow until it spill over into unifying fellowship with all we meet, see, hear and touch.

A Moment to Hope

It’s almost been one year!  To celebrate, next week, you will be able to download for free an excerpt of 30 Days of Peace and Praise, a compilation of this year’s best post with matching activities.  The complete book will be available for purchase by e-book and by hard copy soon.  

For Advent, we'll take on each element around the theme of "For Today".

Hope is passion for what is possible.

 - Soren Kierkegaard

In a season where we go from being thankful to thirsty for goods overnight, our mood seems a little schizophrenic.  We often move from sharing, feeding those less fortunate and spending quality time with loved ones to instant competition to best others in finding the perfect gift for these same loved ones.  How can we operate in this way, giving and taking in quick turn?  It seems rather, well, impossible to consider our own beauty, the grounding that has kept us, in the crazed moments.  The glimmer of hope seems to be yet diminishing in a season that is based around the very idea, each of us caught up in the frenzy of the present.  In the frenzy, we can lose ourselves, temporarily abandoning the morals we have come to know as our own foundation.

How can we return ourselves to that place of remembering the season?   We can be reminded of our space and place in this season by taking a moment to hope.  Henri Nouwen writes, in Out of Solitude, “A life without a lonely place, that is, a life without a quiet center, easily becomes destructive.”   Just a small minute to reflect on what the end of the year, what the moments of these holy days, what the coming of Christ truly means.  For many, this is a new beginning, a reminder that no matter what has transpired this year, there is no stronghold that can stay over you when it is time to move forward.

Understand that we are not here to be perfect, only to live the best we can in truth and love. Matthew 12:21 reads, "...and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”   Hoping sets the ambiance, the mood, the tone, the theme and our expectations of a situation.  Hope is the positive thought that changes our disposition, our mindset, our entire attitude toward the seasons of our lives.

Consider today taking the time to just remember the attitude we want to assume for this season in our lives. Write it down. When you feel things start to spiral or become a frenzied moment, read what you wrote as many times as necessary.