Showing posts with label control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label control. Show all posts

29 January, 2016

A Lowly Chunk of Snow

What a difference a week makes. Just seven days ago we awoke to a winter wonderland and were bracing for what was being touted as "snowmageddon" by the weather forecasters. We didn't get as much as we were prepared for but it was enough for slipping, siding and sledding; and... it was beautiful. Today, with the thermometer nudging fifty degrees, there are quickly melting souvenirs cast to and fro. And so, what lessons can be learned from a lowly chunk of snow such as this one?
* To everything there is a season, and a time to every matter under heaven. Ecclesiates 3:1  Nothing lasts forever, so enjoy (or endure) it while you can (or must). That goes for snow, small babies, Christmas cookies, pain and heartache. Tomorrow is another day, God willing, for every one of us.
*We're not in control. Nope, certainly not us: not the local weatherman, or the anchor man or anyone in government or politics, not the doctor, not even our smartest, most trusted and organized friend; only God is in control. All the forces of nature are in His control, this knowledge brings great joy to my heart and a smile to my lips. And yes, I was reminded of all of this today while pondering a lowly chunk of snow; thanks be to God!
Life is Good!

21 January, 2015

Home

"Home"... no other word better conveys peace, comfort and refuge, universally. Home can also be a great motivator. My precious mother-in-law has been away from hers since the Monday before Thanksgiving. From the hospital to a rehab center she's been gone from home for just over eight weeks now. Depending on our station in life, home is the place where we're in control, where we call the shots and determine our own schedule for the day. A medical facility is the exact opposite. Mom longs to go home, to her home; not into an assisted living situation. It's been a long eight weeks... for her, for the family and for her little dog, Linus. At ninety-two years she understands what her options are. Last week Mom's physical and occupational therapists composed a check list of tasks she needs to be able to accomplish, safely, in order to gain her release back home. Since then she has attacked the items on that list with the focus, vigor and determination of an athlete in training; much to everyone's shock and surprise! Up until this week what we had observed was a lack of initiative and motivation on her part. It's clear to me now why that was the case... she didn't understand the objectives and felt trapped, day in and day out, in a restricted situation against her will! Who of us would perform well if that were our perception? Now that she has a print-out of what's required she's enlightened and content; plus, and most importantly, she feels in control once again! What a difference this has made.  An exact release date isn't foremost on her mind either; that will reveal itself in time, but the goal: HOME, is on the table and that's the most significant motivator of all.
Life is Good!