Lesson #1 for this year...

I said yesterday that I have learned many things this year while on this journey. Today I wanted to post one of those lessons...

First a disclaimer: many of the lessons, I am still learning, so be patient with me, (and with yourself, if you decide to join me) if you're keeping track!

Lesson #1: Every choice I make will either bring life or death. The words I speak are powerful, because Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Each word we speak, either brings life or death to the situation or person we are addressing. This is a hard lesson to learn for those of us who like to talk a lot!

I also learned that each time I eat things that do not bring health to my body, or go without the rest my body needs, or worry about an insane situation to the point that I cannot sleep or eat, I am commiting what is known as an act of self-violence. In my mind, this self-violence also includes some of the things we put in to our mind, our intellect each day. We do this through the things we read, hear or look at on the TV or internet--the ability to think and reason is a gift from God...we need to be alert and informed to be able to to that to the best of our ability.

I had never considered this before as I would spend most of my time studying or researching or what ever...not taking time to think about what I was actually eating...or how inactive my body was becoming.

Maybe it is because I just celebrated a milestone birthday, but I think that it may be true what they say 'that life begins at 50'! Of course, from where I'm sitting/standing/walking/stretching, it's a little louder. The breathing, or creaking of the bones or the voice...

I remember when I turned 45, I thought then, "I've lived my whole life to be this age!" I loved that year...for what ever reason. But, like my grandma AnnaBelle always said (and she'll turn 89 this November, Lord willing), "Honey, You are only going to be (50) for ONE year...enjoy this age!" I love that about her, so practical...don't get too excited about an age in the future that you're going to become, or an age when you were at your best 'way back when'...enjoy this one...this is the only time you'll be here!

And so, the moral of this story is: what ever age you are: do not commit self-violence, instead do everything, as far as it depends on you to take good care of yourself. AND, while you're doing that: be aware of the way you speak...bringing life or death? Simple. Really.

Here is a list of a few of the books I have read this year that have given me insight and have helped me sort this out:
My Bible
Courage in the Call by Gordon T. Smith
Margin by Richard A. Swenson, M.D.
Rest in the Storm by Kirk Byron Jones
Clergy Self-Care by Roy M. Oswald