From the Heart
A journal is a notebook of thoughts, experiences and mental musings. When you look back at what you have written, you understand where you were mentally or … you wonder, “What was I thinking, and why?”
Over the past nine months of the pandemic, I have kept a journal. It is a simple, unlined notebook on our kitchen table. It includes thoughts, reminders, answers to the Indianapolis Star Jumble, phone messages, Medicare information, to do lists and a lot of ‘etcetera.’
I just happened to meander through it while putting together my thoughts on this week’s column. In other words, I hadn’t a clue on what I was going to write about.
I apologize that some of these thoughts were borrowed from others and I do not know the original author.
Here are my thoughts and borrowed thoughts from my pandemic journal …
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Brokenness makes you appear fragile to others and there is strength in a common bond. Being broken does not make you less valuable.
A simple sacred safe place is found in the words “me too.” Never underestimate their value.
Having the answers doesn’t always make things better. It’s just a foundation from which we can make our decisions.
Just because someone looks like they have it all together doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Looks can be deceiving.
A pretty speech is not a promise kept. Actions speak louder than words.
Promises mean everything when kept. Sorry means nothing when promises are broken.
Beware a mouth writing checks you can’t cash.
Never allow the negative spew from an angry tongue to outweigh the positive spattering of a kind tongue.
Never take advice from an idiot. Okay, you can laugh.
It is only when we understand the character of God that we can truly trust Him. Seek and ye shall find.
God invites us to the table with our questions. Will we sit long enough to get the answers?
Faith is not having all the answers or when life doesn’t make sense … but we trust God.
Trusting God when He allows us to hurt is a true test of our faith. Our hurt can be used for our good. Think about that.
Peace comes not in everything being okay but in knowing who can make it okay.
God is found in the messiness of our life not just in the prettiness of it.
One of the most difficult things in life is accepting our reality.
A mentor can hold the watering can of someone’s success.
Empathy is in the foundation of a real friendship.
Watch how you are spending your emotional budget. Is that person worth it? What is the cost to your sanity or damage to your heart?
Beware the words “you shouldn’t feel that way.” Don’t tell me how I should or shouldn’t feel.
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So, my friends, these are the thoughts in my mind and scribbled onto the pages of my pandemic journal. Take them with a grain of salt and a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea.
And don’t forget to count your blessings!