Lessons from the Throne

Okay, there is no where this blog can go but down the toilet on this one. Today I thought about the subtle changes that impact life as I sat down on an unsecured porcelain seat?! Hmmmm

Well anyway as I sat down for what I thought was a simple task I was treated to a small amusement ride, absolutely free of charge. I recovered without event and without attracting any sign of alarm from whomever was knocking constantly at the door. Etiquette 101: If once you have knocked and the door is still locked, ...you can continue to pace knowing someone just isn't done.:-)

The rest of the day was uneventful until I arrived home and well, you know I am 50! So I visited my clean and relaxing loo with a deep sigh of relief only to discover that my own seat was a bit loose. Nothing like the earlier event, but still a little wobble was noted. I began to ask myself a couple of questions that took me on one of my bunny trails, so here it is.

I began to wonder how that perfectly tightened bolt became loose, and eventually completely unwound. And without really being noticed until it was several revolutions from sound. This made me think about our own lives. Subtle changes cause us to slowly lose focus, and can eventually derail us completely leaving us to spin recklessly off the security of the "throne". It is frightening how my little mind wanders isn't it?

I often think I have a plan and I am committed to it, focused, never gonna quit or give in. Then like that small plastic toilet seat bolt, I start to turn around, looking everywhere but my target. I either have to stop and "get a grip" or I will end up spinning wildly until I am falling onto a dirty, smelly tile floor. Thought provoking and yet so true!

And what about the rider? Have you ever imagined what impact or effect you have on others who are relying on you to stay true? If we loose our hold on the task others go slip sliding away with us. Wow, who knew this could all come from porcelain?

So as I start my next big project I am going to remember that little bolt. I am going to remember to hold on tight, stay focused and avoid those less than desirable pitfalls that leave you unsatisfied and stained by the, well, you know. And since this is one of those analogies that I will frequently be reminded of I think there is a chance I will remember this one!

Lucy

I can honestly say that of all the reading I have done, the Chronicles of Narnia are my favorites. Every time I have read them I am at a different place in my life, or had a situation present that is reflected in the characters and stories. C. S. Lewis was one great observer of life!

I would like to think I could be the loyal Reepicheep who is small, mighty and unflappable. Well, anyone who knows me knows that is not ANYTHING like me........After all I am TALL :-) and he is, after all, a mouse or rodent of some kind. I am no longer strong, but wimpy with a sore shoulder, wrist, hip, ankle and I no longer am able to keep my mind calm with changes. I am a real disaster. Ha!

I occasionally see a bit of Susan in me, but not often. Foo-foo and all things frilly have never had my attention...mostly because they are not often in my size:-) Edward and Peter are tried and true kings, both tested and steadfast....with some normal brotherly combat from time to time, but never forsaking their family or their king! They have focus on the final prize.

So that brings me to Lucy. I so want to walk with that simple faith, willingness to see/admit my flaws and then move on, not hold on to anything. Just letting go and following the prize. She is the most spiritually free of the children. Not Woodstock free but no guilt, innocent, no remorse, total trust free! She is Mary choosing to sit at the feet of the king instead of Martha losing focus over spring rolls and table cloths and the number of house guests who have showed up for supper.

As I write this I think of my week. What will I focus on, what will get done and what will have to get tossed onto the someday list. What will I be concerned about that I can change now and what will I need to hand over, trusting the King to deal with. Hmmm There are really big things that I would like to fix, but know I can not. I have to let the King work....will I be able to let those things go? What would Lucy do?

She would talk to the great Aslan, He would give her an answer and she would move on, trusting her King had her best interest in mind. I will let you know how it goes and if I am actually able to keep my mind free, untangled, not trying to solve the worlds or my dilemmas but letting the Masters Hand take care of every tiny detail!

New Beginnings

I love a NEW year. It is a chance to start new, fresh. A blank slate so to speak. Now that being said, there are some things that I like to carry forward as reminders or memories of lessons learned. Good, bad or just nuts it is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the past and apply to the future.

As I visit my social network, I have enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, getting to know family better and sharing thoughts or events with those who, like you, are willing to read them. As I have reflected today I have laughed over old times and thanked God I have grown. I have been humbled by those things which were painful or brought sorrow to me or my family or friends. And of course some things are just there, unable to be framed as there is still unfinished or unresolved business.

That being said, it is normal I think to end an old year in this manner, with a list of the years pros and cons, good and bad. And if we are planning for new year resolutions, it is good to have a list to start from. No sense repeating any finished work, or worse still, undoing completed work. For me it is the challenge of letting go of what I can not change and fully embracing those things I can or should.

So, I can imagine that everyone who knows me would love to make suggestions on what I should focus on in 2011. Thank you in advance for your input! I tend to be the one who wants to do it all and I want to do it now! Is there a problem with this? I have friends who for years have told me they are not sure how I cover all my bases, get it all done, run in circles. Well, I am finally thinking I am not so sure I do get all my bases covered WELL. I do many things but don't always get to give each of them the attention I would desire or that they deserve.

So the first thing I think may help me and others is to:

1. Make a list of all required activities and time involved
2. Make a list of all optional/volunteer activities and time involved
3. Make a list of all daily chores and time involved
4. Make a list of most important people, most to less most?!
5. Make a list of how many waking hours are available every day

NOW, on a blank weekly calendar fill it in.....run out of space? I already have and I am not done blogging! Ha. Where did you put "me" time, prayer time, laundry, family dinner, husband, parents, friends, work.....it is really hard. I want everyone in the top box but as I age (I said it, I am aging!) I am finding more value or desire for some things and willing to spend much less energy on others. Perhaps it is because I know some things I can never fix, but a few things I may be able to impact. I must focus there.

I have a lot of work to do on my list this weekend, but I will have it done by Monday. I have put it on my required list! I want to live more intentionally this year, enjoy more laughing this year, get to know family and dear friends even better and serve in the RIGHT place, not just any place. Phew! Think there is any hope for me? I hope so as I tire easier, am slightly less resilient then in my youth and well, I am cranky sometimes, a totally new thing for me. Don't over think this as I am SURE it will pass in a year or 10 :-)

So hormones and age aside, I hope that you will walk with me this year. I truly enjoy my family and friends. I think you all rock and I am constantly inspired to grow, be better in my daily walk. I recall a famous (humerous) quote which reflects how I feel as I learn from some of you. I am thinking that many of you feel the same about me!

"It may be an unwise man that doesn't learn from his own mistakes but it's an absolute idiot that doesn't learn from other people's" Frasier 1996