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Yep, it's been just like that these 7 weeks that Tom's been away. The peace has passed all understanding, made little sense in all its hugeness, so I've just gone with it, splashed around in it and had one marvelous time.
Of course, not everyone understands that. They believe if their husband left for 7 weeks they'd crumble to pieces and so I should have at least cried a lot and crossed off the dates on the calendar and worried about his visiting deep, dark South Africa, as well.
And while I'm at it, years ago friends started saying they didn't understand me. Didn't get how I can appear so happy yet I only had one child, no grandchildren, I live thousands of miles from the family I was born into, I didn't finish college and since marrying, I've never had a 'real job'. Some have assumed I'm actually a closet miserable lady only pretending otherwise.
But dare I say this? Many people never learn to see past their own narrow frame of reference:
Frame of reference: " a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood."
Tons of folks only view other peoples' lives through their own experiences and lifestyle. So if some (poor ol') lady lives a completely opposite way, then the assumption becomes: that lady is missing out, missing the mark, not living fully and therefore incomplete and sad deep inside.
Yes, it's possible to be so huge within our own eyes that anyone living differently appears small and to be pitied. Tsk. Tsk.
God is huge and He created a gigantic world with myriad ways of expressing who He created us to be. And the wonderful thing? He gives us special Grace for special tasks. What would be a struggle for others is made simple and joy-filled in our obedience. What others would consider a void, God fills with Himself... and He is always plenty.
There is more than one way to live and do things, all within the Bible's parameters. Don't worry--I'm not advocating otherwise.
It is possible to live a wonderful life without being pressed from just one ol' basic cookie cutter. In God, with God, through God we can be the complete, unique individual He created us each to be. And truthfully? He's pleased when we finally begin walking that custom-made path.
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"But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation.
But if [the whole] were all a single organ, where would the body be?" ... 1 Corinthians 12:18,19
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Finished (for now) my upstairs bedroom chairs last week:
Polka dots are my new love.
And what am I doing today before Tom arrives home? All the little things I've procrastinated for the past 7 weeks. :)
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Free Kindle books:
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| “The person who can combine frames of reference and draw connections between ostensibly unrelated points of view is likely to be the one who makes the creative breakthrough” | |
3 comments:
Remember that old Stones song from our heyday?? "...I can't get no, satisfaction..." Well, you've sure proved them wrong (still enjoy their tunes, tho). I believe God gave us the power to choose and it makes good sense to opt for a positive outlook. I know people who have faced huge challenges, yet they held onto their peace and hope. Hard times have visited my two kids this year and I have watched them bend under heavy loads, but their faith has kept them strong and they're expecting better days ahead. Love your encouraging words, Debra, and so happy that your hubby is on his way home. Praying for him!
Jesus knew where He came from, He knew what He was sent to do, and He knew where He was going. When you get that confidence of knowing God and His purpose for your life, you will not be affected by the judgments or criticisms of other people.
You know you belong to God. You know His hand is on you. You know His anointing is on you. You know what you are called to do.
Nothing better! Thanks Debra for you encouraging words.
Linda in Mi.
Pam--yes!Years ago it was people's *different* reactions to hard times that really made me realize we have a choice in how we behave/think. That it was not automatic that bad times meant a bad/sad attitude. Having Jesus in our lives should make a difference, indeed. Thanks for praying for Tom!
Linda-- so true! When we know what God's called us to d,o we can stop floundering with doubt and start walking on the path He created just for us. There's nothing else like it!
Thanks, Ladies! Blessings, Debra
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