Still writing...

Ok, so maybe I've changed my mind about this blog. It keeps calling me back. Maybe it's my "Egypt". It's unfinished. But, won't it always be? Aren't we all? Unfinished that is...

Anyway, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I took a "time out" from Facebook. One would have thought it was crack. Because, I had impulses, withdrawals, and persistent compulsive thoughts about checking/not checking it. But, it was good timing. I missed much of the ignorant arguments about race, gender, marriage, rape...I didn't miss them per se. But, I was unaware for the most part. And, that was an incredibly blissful gift.

I had another medical procedure. Let me say...taking care of myself is time consuming. But, I'm pretty confident that the value overrides my irritation. But, having a procedure during a busy work-week, amidst civic obligations was pretty frustrating. If you are feeling charitable...please support my friend Liz and I and donate to our Heartwalk team.

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1033009&supId=379109754&msource=CHIODOFB

My son and I catered a wonderful dinner for our congregation. It was a pseudo-Seder-Passover-Lent-Tenebrae-Ish service. We had a wonderful friend come help for service. But, all the food cooking, menu, prepping was done via the two of us. I mean seriously? My son (16 btw) and I cooked for 120 people. And, we didn't kill each other or come to major blows. How cool is that? If that doesn't reinforce faith in God and that anything is possible, what will? I am blessed and proud of us both. But, I am so very proud of my kiddo. He was professional and calm, exhibited and incredible work ethic, and created a wonderful meal.

I might be writing today more for myself, than for it to be read. Thanks for reading though...and it's still a blessing and a gift. I suppose today, I'm more just praying. I'm so very thankful for this life. I'm thankful for the gifts and the struggles. I feel God's presence in a way that is undeniable. God gives us courage to do what's scary. That voice that tells us to stand up for what is right, when the potential for loss is great...some of us call it our "gut" or intuition. I simply say thanks. Thank you God for my voice. Thank you God for allowing me to stand up for a business decision or a friend who has no one to stand up for him/her. But, moreover...Thank you for giving me the courage to stand up for myself. Thank you for allowing me to see that when I choose myself...it's not me diminishing the rights of others. But, allowing your light and grace to shine through me. The emotions and traumas of others deserve respect and dignity. But, they should not dictate our emotions or actions. Nor should they be validation for abusive behavior.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. 
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. 
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” 
― Mother Teresa

I read this quote every morning. It feeds me. Mother Theresa reminds me that though I am a BIG personality, rough around the edges, as a friend says "A straight shooter"...I am obligated to love, do what is right, good, fair, and kind in regards to others...But, I am also obligated to do what is right, good, fair, and kind in regards to myself.


Also...it is National Autism Awareness Month...

Having a son on the spectrum this issue is close to my heart.

Light it Blue!

For more information visit:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Peace,
M