Saturday, September 10, 2011

Why Are We Here?

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Leo Buscaglia


This quote, posted by a friend on FaceBook, struck a place in my heart.

I have always thought of myself as a caring person, but I have come to realize, later in life, that truly caring about someone means being a truly humble person. Sounds so easy, but if it were, there would be many more caring people in our world.

Humility smacks of being a pushover, being humiliated, being a doormat. But in reality, it is none of those. It simply means that you realize that we are all flawed and, as such, make mistakes and need understanding and forgiveness. Why would one worry so much about what others think of them, when most people are so wrapped up in themselves that they would welcome your interest and caring?

Here's the rub - just doing good things but for the wrong reasons, (like glorifying yourself) and not actually caring about others, what you have is false humility; you are a fake; you are in reality, a liar. It ain't easy being a truly caring person.

The one big reason I know that a should work on myself in this area is that I think of how truly caring God is. He knows my weaknesses and loves me anyway. Should I do any less?

I am blessed to have lots of people in my life whom I love, and who love me. I like to think that they know they can always come to me, talk to me, and ask me anything. I value them over myself. Now I must trust that I can expand this part of who I am to include those that I feel inferior to, that I think don't like me, and even those with whom I am frustrated or angry.

Remember to say the kind word, give a hug, encourage, listen, smile!

It is a good goal, I think. I will keep running the race....

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Summertime at the Beach

"The Island"

This was the summer of fun, of no regrets, of relaxing, of feeling that being with family is the best time ever spent.

This was the summer of laughter: The Ultimate Dog Tease and the Not So Great Mystic Cat, on Youtube, going to the Mauraders game with Jenny and Tim, and having any conversation with Ben.

We felt complete, like a family should, even when it was just Ray and me.

The weather wasn't perfect, but it was.... calm, rough, hot, cool... no matter, we loved every day.

The first week we had regular morning visits from manatees, dolphins, and a pair of ospreys. Glorious!

We are happy to be home, but are ready to go back next year. I am so thankful and feel so blessed. 

PS   Oh my word! How could I forget Lily's "Oh my word," Sandi's pancake breakfast and homemade sour cream donuts, and Patrick's drawing/coloring awesomeness!