The Blessing of Commonality

Imagine going through life and having nothing in common with anyone you met. How lonely would that be? I didn't realize how much I draw strength and hope from finding one person who shares common feelings, experiences or struggles. The circumstances can be completely different, but when those circumstances bring about the same struggle, it creates a bond that cannot be explained. Life is no longer as lonely and solitary because another human being understands just a little of what you are thinking/feeling.

Ahhhh . . . like water to a thirsty soul . . .

On Snowboarding and Trust

This year is our year for snowboarding. I learned a few years ago, but I'm still in the process of learning. I was trying to teach Matt this year and in doing so I realized something. Learning to snowboard is a lot like learning to trust the Lord.

When snowboarding, typically a beginner will plow down the mountain on one edge, or do the falling leaf. Learning to turn is the hardest thing in snowboarding (and obviously the most important). A beginner has to point their board straight down the hill to begin a turn. It feels like a total loss of control and like the craziest thing to do when you know you don't want to be going straight down the hill. When a beginner finally grabs onto the idea of having a brief moment of feeling out of control to make the turn, it is the beginning of freedom. However, if a beginner never takes that step of "feeling out of control", they will never learn to turn.

Trusting the Lord is somewhat similar to learning to snowboard. There comes a moment when an individual has to let go of their grip on life, on trying to control circumstances, etc. in order to learn to trust. There is this very real feeling of being "out of control", but in that moment, the Lord brings rest and confidence in His plan in our life.

Perhaps I need to snowboard more to remind me of the importance of feeling "out of control".

Be Honest, Be Yourself

Why do people always tell me to be honest and let the real me "shine through"? Is it possible that I have done so and found it to be unproductive? Let's be honest, there are people out there that are difficult and we find it hard to be around them for whatever reason. Maybe they take your things without asking, talk behind your back and you find out from another friend, or maybe they have an annoying habit of talking non-stop. Whatever it is, I am sure you know someone that rubs you the wrong way, annoys you to death and you wish you could get of whatever situation it is that you are in with them. Someone has to be that person that people find annoying or hard to be around. Maybe if I let the real me "shine through", people would realize that I am that person. Unfortunately, this is not a theoretical situation. This is me. So, I have come to the conclusion that it makes more sense to remain behind my mask. If you know of any good reason to take the mask off, let me know.

12 Things I am Grateful for this Christmas . . .

12. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to snowboard this year.

11. The joy of the Christmas season.

10. The beauty of snow covered trees.

9. The laughter of friends and family.

8. Knowing that I have a warm home where I can retreat at the end of a long day.

7. Being a part of a wonderful, loving church body.

6. Christmas music.

5. Days off surrounding Christmas.

4. The finances to be able to buy gifts for others.

3. A wonderful husband that loves me and encourages me to grow.

2. Friends that love me and try to make up for the fact that my family isn't local.

1. The fact that we have a reason to celebrate this season; the incredible love of God in sending a solution for our sin, Jesus Christ.