by Miriam | Jul 3, 2014 | Uncategorized
Our town does one of the absolute best firework shows I have ever seen – the only change I would make is that it would actually be done on the 4th, rather than the day before (due to some sort of scheduling conflict with the company that puts on the show).
This year's was no exception – it was spectacular. And the thing is, it is totally free. It feels generous and one of those amazing conjunctions between small town values and big city budgets. It went on for a full half hour and our relatives, who were with us for the event, commented that the fireworks were even better than the ones at Disneyland. Which, if you've ever been to the Magic Kingdom and seen their extravaganza, you know that this was high praise.
It made me want to be more generous with others – with my time and my resources.
I think that this is how lavishness works – that you tend to want to pass on what you have received.
by Miriam | Jul 2, 2014 | Uncategorized
Do you fight it? Or give in to it?
Whichever you feed – the fighting or the surrendering … that is the part that will grow stronger.
Sometimes comfort is not what matters.
Each anxiety fought and won is one step closer to a more courageous you.
Each time you choose comfort over courage, it is one step closer to a weaker you.
Over the years, these micro-choices make all the difference.
by Miriam | Jul 1, 2014 | Uncategorized
We have guests for a week and they brought their sweet dog. We also have a sweet dog. However, our dog has had some negative experiences with aggressive canines – especially when she was a puppy, and consequently, she looks at every canis doggus as a potential threat. Which means that she approaches with a kill-before-being-killed attitude.
If you introduce her right away, there's lots of snarling, growling, biting and yelping.
However, if you make her wait until she calms down … as in she's so bored she falls asleep (and the other dog too) – they are in each other's presence, but on leashes and cannot touch – then, if introduced in that calm state, she is friendly, inquisitive and playful.
We are like this too.
When we try to engage while agitated, the outcome is usually poor. People become aggressive and self-protective. If we wait until we are calm or better still, if we know how to self-soothe and create calm within ourselves, then the outcome is often very positive. Generally, people become more others-centered, giving, thoughtful, flexible, creative, and generous. It's worth the wait.
I'm thinking this is going to be a great four days for the dogs.
by Miriam | Jun 29, 2014 | Uncategorized
My husband commented that I looked particularly unhappy when I played my cello with the worship team this week.
There were multiple issues – I had a terrible headache, I was somewhat preoccupied with some deep thoughts, and we recently had a change of leadership due to the impending move of the former leader.
Now I like the new leader just fine – we have been friends for almost 30 years. But the other leader – he and I are more like allies – we've talked through some really hard stuff on his end and I just enjoy him, plain and simple.
He brings his own unique self to the table and I will miss being a part of that experience in real-time. He is off on his own Adventure – and I'm glad for him, for sure. But sad for our loss. My whole family enjoys him.
Each of us brings something that is needed and missed when it's not brought. Don't hold back on your unique you-ness. We need the You that only You possess and only You can bring.
Brad, I'm gonna miss you tons.
by Miriam | Jun 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
"I think we have two lives.
The one we learn with;
And the one we live with after that."
-Iris, The Natural
