Tuesday, June 15, 2010

When I was a child

Yes, yes, I'm a child. This was recently proved to me a few weeks ago, when my grandparents gave me a sticker, explaining that they'd been to our family doctor and he'd sent me a sticker (of a little lamb; my first thought was that maybe he'd gotten saved and the lamb was a reference to the Lamb of God. Alas, not so much) via them. Then, when I went again, today, he gave me not one, but two stickers. These were of raccoons.

But it made me laugh to think that I garner such childish perks. I like!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Patience

Has anyone ever read or watched Character Builder books from the Agapeland people? Because when I was a nanny I used to watch the little dramatized book versions thereof, and sometimes I think back to those and consider what good lessons they are.

For instance, right now, I'm not finding much in the way of patience. I'm actually a little irritable, to tell the truth, and I keep thinking of those Agapeland lessons and pondering that I should be more like a little child.

(Side note: I have been solidified in everyone's minds as a little child, but I'm talking more spiritually than mentally.)

I need to view things and actually think, first off, "What would Jesus do?" I need to think, "But I should love everybody!" I need to want to share, not just feel obliged.

Oh for the traits of a little child.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Muse

I love to muse about things. Not just in sort of a "Where is that magazine," she mused, kind of way, but in the way that I ponder things to the point of tedium. Sounds silly, but I honestly like to just think about the same thing until I've exhausted its' charm, and I can move on.

I used to sort of laugh at people who consistently listened to the same CD until they knew it, I knew it, and everyone in the vicinity knew it. It seemed like a waste--why would you dwell on those same 10 songs when there's a myriad of songs you could listen to instead? The variety was compelling.

But now I see the beauty of the familiar. There's something about humming along to a CD and knowing exactly which bar of the song has a half note, something about knowing exactly which song is next, and how many times the intro is played. In the same way, there are some books that I just keep on coming back to, because I love knowing which parts to look forward to.

Likewise, the same ol' trains of thought (my musical theory? I still think about that sometimes when I can't sleep) that keep chugging through my head. It's a good thing I'm not easily bored by repetition.

Right now I have, from the library, a CD by Libera, and, while most of it is in Latin, I find myself singing along. I usually have no idea what's going on, and those boys sound better than I ever will, hands down. I only wish I could have their ranges of voice. Sigh.

I'm not sure where I was going with this, by the way, except to say that it's a good soundtrack to think to. And, incidentally, I think every child should have a subscription to Muse magazine.

That's all.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Out of mind

We all pretend we've put things behind us. But true forgiveness isn't all about really getting those things behind us, I don't think, but rather specifically acknowledging that the issue is done and truly forgiven. You can't just nod and smile and expect it to mean "We're good," but in order to really wash that slate, the more helpful thing to do is talk to the person and say, "Thanks for coming clean to me about stealing my rotary phone. I had a tough time when I realized it was you, but I realized that it was just an object, plus, we use cell phones now, so I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry I froze you out these last few days, and I absolutely forgive you."

I know, I know, it's more awkward to actually say the words, but in the long run, isn't it worth it? I know, for my part at least, that I always feel much better when I've actually talked through the issues with someone. Maybe I've wronged them--well, I'd rather talk to them instead of just secretly hoping they'll forgive and forget. It's tough to go through life just sort of assuming that EllenMae has forgiven me for that time I ruined her bridesmaid dress, but always secretly wondering why she shys away from we when I'm holding kool-aid. It's better to talk to her, to hear the forgiveness. At least, in my opinion.

I don't know, maybe you guys would rather avoid the awkward talk and move on. I certainly prefer not to have the awkward talk, but the relief of knowing that it's over is better, in my opinion.

Just something I was thinking about in my "spare time."