WAXING POETIC


We all have shared great laughs over the perils and advantages of aging this week.  I will leave this series of posts with this final post on a more serious note.  Although I love to laugh, I also spend a great deal of time and thought on introspection--examining who I am.  One thing is undeniable---Sunday I will enter the last year of my seventh decade---that does not upset me and in fact reminds me of how blessed I am.  A few short weeks ago, I was thinking how glad I would be to have my 60's behind me, they have held some of the greatest moments of devastation of my life.  God kindly nudged me after a couple of days of my pity party and reminded me---some of the greatest moments of blessings of my life had also occurred during this decade.  This has given me cause to stop and consider how I intend to spend the final year of yet another decade.  I have come away with four rules for finishing this decade well.


1.  LOOK BEYOND MYSELF-- A sweet friend was recently lamenting no one had noticed her change of hair style.  I laughed and told her we were all too busy staring at ourselves in the mirror to notice anyone else.  Sadly we are all born with a streak of narcissism.  Though I try to deny it, why else would I color my hair, buy new clothes, and compare myself to others.  It's all about me--not them!  What a silly waste of time and energy.  I am praying for God to cloud my mirrors and help me to look up and out.  I have always been far more blessed by the time spent with others than sitting in front of my mirror.



2.  BE OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY, CHANGE & DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS--The very best me and the very best moments of my life all centered around others--family, friends, ministry partners --other people.  Every plunge into change required courage and was rewarded with moments of wonder and the thrill of new experiences.  Keeping my eyes open and my ears turned to opportunities for spreading the good word of unlimited grace should be my primary focus.  Dare to say yes--even when it is so far from my comfort zone I think it might be the twilight zone. Seize the moment and savor the day.  Make the most of every opportunity God places in your path.  Above all plunge deeply into relationships with the expectation of being blessed by the others God has placed in my life.


3.  DON'T WASTE ENERGY ON NEGATIVE EMOTIONS--Think of any negative emotion--hatred, jealousy, vengeance, fear, worry, doubt, sadness.  Even when we have righteously earned the right to the negative emotion--it is best when we can walk away from the negative and seek the joy all around us.  Search the scripture, David mourned his son, turned away and resumed life.  Ask God for help with leaving the negative behind and seeking the positive. Know and cherish joy.


4.  LOOK FOR GOD--He is there--He is always here--He is present in every moment.  He never leaves us--we turn from Him.  Stay present with God--enjoy His presence--cherish His love.  Know that He is God--He loves us best--He will not forsake us.  Things are always the best they can be when we are practicing knowing the presence of God.  I thank God He woes me, loves me and faithfully cherishes me.


I am thankful for these 69 years--and am looking forward to making a great effort from the depth of my heart to finish this decade well.  Thank you all for blessing me by reading and commenting on my stream of loose association.  I thank God for each and everyone of you.  May He richly bless you as you have richly blessed me!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
 for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18


9 comments

  1. Look Lulu. I agree with all you say here and I wish you a Splendidly Happiest Birthday ever and a long and healthy life beyond it too. But if I may, I wish to add another bit of advice to your list - develop or improve your sense of humour. Life can be miserable, especially when we are hurt by others, or when our health fails us, but somehow, even in our darkest moments, we should try and see the funny side, even though it might elude us and those around us.

    I have found that humour has helped me often, even when things were at their worst in my life.

    I remember once I was locked in my hotel room, because I had placed the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the wrong side of the door, inside the room, and therefore I could not go out because the sign said so. I eventually phoned reception and they sent someone to open the door for me from the outside.

    When I got to the hotel in the evening, someone had placed the sign on my hotel room door. So I could not enter my room because it said "Do Not Disturb". The reception sent someone to open the door for me and they gave me the sign. I did not know where to put it because I did not want to lock myself in again. I did not want to put it on the bathroom door in case I needed the bathroom at night. So I put the sign on the window to stop burglars getting in.

    Also, on another occasion, in Athens, I hit my head hard against a low doorway and ended in hospital. The doctor asked me: "Did you not see the warning sign?" I replied: "Yes, I did. But I do not speak Greek!"

    To be fair, the sign also had a drawing of a man hitting his head against the low doorway. I thought it was an instruction I had to follow so I hit my head hard on the doorway.

    Keep smiling and may you always be happy beyond your dreams and wishes.

    God bless.



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  2. GREAT advice, Victor!! Thank you for beginning many of my days with a dose of laughter!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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  3. I have said this plenty of times, you my friend, do not look 69 or anywhere near 70. You are quite lovely and beautiful, smiles.

    I second Victor's thoughts; hoping you have a Splendidly Happiest Birthday ever and a long and healthy life beyond it too.

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    1. You are kind, My Friend & I love you for it. It's only a number- a big one- granted- but still a number!😆
      Blessings, My Friend!

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  4. Amen to your post today!! A great way to begin 2018, but, then again, why wait?!? We should begin TODAY!
    Praying that we'll all write down your suggestions (plus Victor's) place them in our Bible, and read them each day as part of our devotional. Thank you!!

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    1. I am flattered and thankful for that suggestion. Plan to put mine on my mirror and read it daily!
      Blessings!

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  5. Happy Birthday, Loralu, and many more!!!
    Yes, your advice here is absolutely wonderful. We should stop making it all about us, and all about God and others instead. And those negative thoughts? Let's vow to banish them. They only drag us down and prevent us from serving others with a glad and loving heart.
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Martha! Looking for the positive!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!