The Life of a Life-Long Learner

I've always loved the phrase "life-long learner" because if we're alive, we can learn something.  Even more than one thing a day.  On a good day, I'm learning something new all the time.  Sometimes I learn something all over again that I have learned already.  Now that's a trick. But right now I'm getting prepared for the Cancer/Illness Support Group that I'm helping to start.  As I was going through my Bible looking for verses that have helped me through tough times, I am in awe of what that book has.  Truly there's something for everyone.  Right now I'm looking at Psalm 119, which is the longest chapter of the entire bible, so I have had to break it down into bite sized chunks.  I did an in-depth study a couple years ago and have a bunch of notes in the margins. Listen to this: (from The Message) "God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.  Give me insight so I can do what you tell me--my whole life one long, obedient response.  Guide me dwn the road of your commandments."  There you go--Life-Long Learner!!

Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies.....

I'm back into life!  Yea!  This past month has been one of the busiest I have had in many years.  After over seven years of being sick and tired and sick again and always tired, I think I'm coming back to life.  Some of my friends may not even recognize me.  I'm still sick and tired BUT I think I can live my life with more meaning now.  What I have learned over the past years is that I have a wonderful, amazing husband and the best kids ever.  They have been the focus of all my energy (what little I had).  I had to make a choice: focus on them or focus on something else and ignore them.  I obviously chose wisely.  I've been pretty much hunkered down in my house with occasional bursts of activity and energy.  I liked it here.  My house is safe and cozy and comfortable and it was a good place to be.  My friends did their best to help me "socialize" but there were so many days that I just couldn't put one foot ahead of the other to do it.  I have gotten to know my hubby and kids all over again and I can say that even though the kids are grown (26, 25 and 21) they still like to be with mom and dad and we like to be with them!  I've loved the times we've done things together and look forward to so many more.  With one son married and the other dating I have also enjoyed getting to know the women in their lives.  Not surprisingly, they have both chosen wonderful mates.  My daughter and I have a relationship that is unsurpassed IMHO (In My Humble Opinion).  She's the best!  Dave has shown me over and over what unconditional love is.  AND, this all happened when I had days when it hurt to move my eyebrows!  I am blessed beyond belief.  God has kept me by him even when I wanted nothing to do with him.  My faith has been shaken, beaten and stirred during this time, but when I popped up for air a few weeks ago, he was right there cheering me on.  How could I ever ask for more?

My Jump-Start

Today I'm thinking about all the great stuff I have planned to do.  I am in a creative writing class and that is jump-starting my passion for writing. I'm going through all the writing I've done and am amazed at what there is.  This class is the first of many changes that I'm about to make.  What I've found as I go through journals, devotionals, stacks of writings and miscellaneous notes is that I have loved to write for almost my entire life.  My first diary was given to me on Christmas in 1962 when I was 9 years old.  I named it 'Katy'. My first entry for January 1, 1962 says "Dear Katy, I had a Merry Christmas.  I got a barbie doll."  Where is that Barbie doll today?  I could make a fortune!

Anonymous

One of the things on my mind today is how people treat each other when they're anonymous.  Driving in the car it's easy to yell at someone who cuts you off or doesn't use their blinker. I sometimes wonder, though what I would tell them if I saw them face to face.  Most likely I'd say something like, "That's OK.  I've done that, too."  So why don't we treat each other like we are always face to face?  Yesterday I was at the grocery store and I parked, as usual, in a handicapped parking place.  I'm legit--several back surgeries, nerve damage, impaired balance, weak foot--but feel self-conscious and "old" when I take advantage of the "privilege" of parking in the coveted spots.  When I returned to my car someone had left me a note questioning my need to use the handicapped place.  I guess I wasn't handicapped enough to suit this person.  I threw away the note and tried to forget it, but it hurt and embarrassed me.  I wonder what she would have said to my face?  What would I have said to her?  I'm going to practice using my "face to face" mindset even when I'm anonymous.  You never know what a snap judgment about someone will do to someone's feelings.