by Miriam | Jul 9, 2014 | Uncategorized
My son exclaimed to me the other day, "Mom! Did you see the sunset tonight? It is amazing. Come over here, you have to see it!"
I love that at 17, he cares about sunsets.
When he was little, we would run out into a field close to us and lay down in the green alfalfa and watch the sky turn from blue to orange to red to purple. Sometimes, we would pile into the car and drive up to a high point where we could see our whole valley. Now, he is a dedicated sunset-watcher, as is his sister.
What you practice is what you become.
by Miriam | Jul 9, 2014 | Uncategorized
I was re reading Henry Cloud's Necessary Endings – a must read for anyone who is interested in being deliberate and intentional about their life. He referenced Bill Hybol's use of the 6 x 6 –
What are the top six things that I need to be investing my time in during the next six weeks? Written on an index card, posted where it can be seen, it helps to keep one focused on the majors and not sidetracked by the minors.
a) a fabulous idea I need to be reminded of and implement
b) when people share and pass on greatness, it is helpful, generous, and inspiring for me to do the same.
by Miriam | Jul 7, 2014 | Uncategorized
A young person recently asked if I would meet with her and basically help give her direction in some areas she is wanting to grow in. I liked her boldness – she seemed hungry for input. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure if I should agree to meeting regularly, as I am in the middle of some pretty big transitions and I feel guarded about my energy and time. But after sitting with the notion for almost a week (and inviting God into the question), I agreed to spend regular time with this young woman.
I love that she comes with questions. She remembers our meetings and is punctual. Within a few times of connecting, she has volitionally chosen to trust me and share her story; or at least the dificult parts. In short, she owns the process.
We were talking about how hard it is to grow when you don't know where to start.
And, what a difference it makes to have someone walk alongside you.
Don't ever think your presence doesn't matter to the equation. It's easy to feel like somehow we are immaterial. Yet, as I think of those who have walked with me along my path … those who have helped shape the me that I am today – they very-most-definitely mattered.
They still DO matter.
Many of you reading this are those people. Thank you for your contribution to my life.
And please, continue to give of yourselves … because what you bring is irreplaceable. It's YOU.
by Miriam | Jul 6, 2014 | Uncategorized
I try to keep my e-mail inbox down to once screen – that way, a) I know things are getting taken care of, and b) I don't lose them before they're taken care of. It is somewhat difficult to keep the messages to one screen, however, because I keep several as memory-joggers – to help me keep present things I wish to stay focused on.
The title of one is : "Thinking Lifetime – don't break the chain." It is about remembering that relationships are long-term (or at least could be) and to not allow short term issues to destroy long-term gain that comes from dealing the the now-angst well.
The subject line of another I keep is: Deconstructing Generosity. It reminds me that being generous of heart and spirit and resources is where it's at.
Perhaps my favorite I will reproduce here:
This is from Seth Godin …
Alas, this is the wrong question.
The only way to get rid of the fear is to stop doing things that might not work, to stop putting yourself out there, to stop doing work that matters.
No, the right question is, "How do I dance with the fear?"
Fear is not the enemy. Paralysis is the enemy.
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How do I dance with the fear? That's my ongoing question.
Good things for me to keep in my inbox and see everyday.
by Miriam | Jul 5, 2014 | Uncategorized
My sister-in-law is in town visiting and she is an excellent violin player. Before she left her home, far, far away, I asked her to bring her instrument, so that I could play my cello with her.
Here's the deal:
Harmony, when done right, is AMAZING. It gives me goosebumps and makes me want to cry. There is something so breathtakingly beautiful about notes that are not the same, but perfectly complimentary.
When you have another person who can walks with you in harmony – not mimicking you, but adding to you … it is a beautiful thing, indeed. It is a dance. A duet.
And, both in music as well as in life, when you have accidentals (those are the sharps and flats that don't really belong in the key signature), if they resolve, it makes you sigh with relief; it creates a poignant beauty that is impossible to create if the notes all behave themselves and stay within the boundaries of the key. (When friends work out their differences, it makes the relationship stronger). If those places don't resolve, they leave you hanging. Dissatisfied. Angsty.
Musically and relationally.
by Miriam | Jul 4, 2014 | Uncategorized
Freedom from tyranny.
Freedom to worship as you please.
These are big and global and so, so important. We live in an amazing country.
Yet there are also many smaller, but no less important freedoms. And these don't depend on location – they rely on perspective.
Freedom from self-criticism.
Freedom to live out the best you possible.
Freedom from addictions.
Freedom to make choices to better your circumstances and relationships.
Freedom from self-centeredness.
Freedom to love others well, with a servant's heart.
My goal: to have each subsequent year find me progressively more free than the previous one.
