We write things every day. A post on a friend's Facebook wall. A tweet sharing exciting news. A caption on an Instagram photo. Words, written words are everywhere. Yet the written word that we partake in every day seems to fall short of feeling. We all receive text messages from friends and we don't know how to interpret them. Are they mad? Is it just a statement? What is the underlying meaning? It's part of the world we now live in, this uncertainty when it comes to the written word, yet it holds power over us in ways that we don't realize.
I received a hand-written letter from my grandmother today. I'd like to say that again... a hand-written letter. I know what you're thinking, of course it's hand-written, it's your grandmother. This is true, but Patricia has a Facebook and is quick to pick up the phone. The power that her handwriting held was astounding. There is no "undo" or "delete" when it comes to a hand-written letter. You write in the moment and I think there is something to say about feeling and meaning the words that you write.
I'm a total hypocrite as I sit here writing this blog post on my computer. I constantly change the wording in my sentences and delete words, but I also believe what I am writing. There is something so wonderful about the simplicity of a hand-written note and I love it. Don't be shocked if you get a letter in the mail from me sometime soon. I kind of love the idea of bringing hand-written letters back. I'd like to apologize in advance for my handwriting, though.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Actions speak louder then words
Faith is personal. It is something all your own and no one can take it from you. But, God calls us to share our faith and His name. While many people rely on reciting scripture, I have always had the intention, or simply hope, that my faith and God's word would shine through my actions and my words. It's a difficult task. We all fall--me, both figuratively and literally--but Christ's love is worth getting back up for.
A friend confirmed my hopes tonight when she shared her own revelations about faith and God with me. I apologized that I never said anything about my faith to her, that I had never helped her along in her faith. With complete serenity, she told me that I did. Looking back, she can see God's hand through our friendship and encouraging words. It is so simple and, yet so powerful to know that my day-to-day actions are seen as more then movements. It's a great reminder that, while we are constantly being judged and scrutinized by others, we also have the power to show compassion toward them. Actions are a dynamic thing that so often get over looked.
I've always had this notion that blog posts are supposed to be at least two or three solid paragraphs. Yet, this is all I have. I am still wrapping my head around the idea; I had so many thoughts running through my head that I needed to at least get one written down. So, here it is: God loves us and He calls on us to do different things, lead different lives, and share His good news in different ways. Lead a life that God would be proud of and let your actions be your words.
A friend confirmed my hopes tonight when she shared her own revelations about faith and God with me. I apologized that I never said anything about my faith to her, that I had never helped her along in her faith. With complete serenity, she told me that I did. Looking back, she can see God's hand through our friendship and encouraging words. It is so simple and, yet so powerful to know that my day-to-day actions are seen as more then movements. It's a great reminder that, while we are constantly being judged and scrutinized by others, we also have the power to show compassion toward them. Actions are a dynamic thing that so often get over looked.
I've always had this notion that blog posts are supposed to be at least two or three solid paragraphs. Yet, this is all I have. I am still wrapping my head around the idea; I had so many thoughts running through my head that I needed to at least get one written down. So, here it is: God loves us and He calls on us to do different things, lead different lives, and share His good news in different ways. Lead a life that God would be proud of and let your actions be your words.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Life is sweet
So many times I see posts or Buzzfeed links to articles on how to live a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life. I click on the links and read the articles and, many times, repost them. It's a never ending cycle. However, what I have failed to realize until now is that every time I clicked on those articles I was saying, consciously or not, that I believe my own life isn't healthy enough, that I'm not happy, and that there are simple steps I can follow to make my life more meaningful. These articles are asking me to "buy in" to the idea that even when I'm at my best, I can be better. Constantly. Better. It makes me tired just thinking about it.
What I've come to realize is that it's a never ending cycle of disappointment. I read an article that told me I didn't know ABC about being in my 20s and I could be happier if I did XYZ. These social pressures make me look at my parents, who grew up before this huge social media presence, and ask if they were happy in their 20s. How could they be? They didn't have these articles and social media posts helping them be happier and healthier. Yet, I reflect on this past weekend when my brother and his fiancé (now wife) said their vows surrounded by family and friends. I could feel the love and friendship radiating from each and every person in the room. That is a life worth living for and a life to strive for, but I can guarantee that you won't find that in a Buzzfeed article.
Just a few days away from the clutter of social media made me realize that I'm tired of trying to perfect my life. When I block out social media, I can see that my life is pretty great. Sure, I fall and go through tough times, but who doesn't. Those tough times don't mean that I'm any less happy than my neighbor. Those harder life moments are where I lean on my faith, family and friends. I want to turn my focus to the here and now. I'm choosing to be happy with the life that Christ has given to me. It is enough. So to all those articles that tell me I'm missing something in my life... Thank you, but I'm content with my life. I want to be proof that life is just as sweet as I choose to make it. So, I'm making it a double fudge, ice cream sundae with M&M's, whipped cream and a cherry on top!
What I've come to realize is that it's a never ending cycle of disappointment. I read an article that told me I didn't know ABC about being in my 20s and I could be happier if I did XYZ. These social pressures make me look at my parents, who grew up before this huge social media presence, and ask if they were happy in their 20s. How could they be? They didn't have these articles and social media posts helping them be happier and healthier. Yet, I reflect on this past weekend when my brother and his fiancé (now wife) said their vows surrounded by family and friends. I could feel the love and friendship radiating from each and every person in the room. That is a life worth living for and a life to strive for, but I can guarantee that you won't find that in a Buzzfeed article.
Just a few days away from the clutter of social media made me realize that I'm tired of trying to perfect my life. When I block out social media, I can see that my life is pretty great. Sure, I fall and go through tough times, but who doesn't. Those tough times don't mean that I'm any less happy than my neighbor. Those harder life moments are where I lean on my faith, family and friends. I want to turn my focus to the here and now. I'm choosing to be happy with the life that Christ has given to me. It is enough. So to all those articles that tell me I'm missing something in my life... Thank you, but I'm content with my life. I want to be proof that life is just as sweet as I choose to make it. So, I'm making it a double fudge, ice cream sundae with M&M's, whipped cream and a cherry on top!
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