Here's a funny little story that I'd thought I'd share here:
A man leaves a day before his wife for their vacation in the Caribbean to finalize all of their plans. He sends the following email to her--or so he thinks. He mistakenly sends it to the wrong email address. Instead, a preacher's wife receives it. Her husband had just died the previous day.
The email reads:
Honey,
I just checked in. I'm finalizing all the arrangements for your arrival tomorrow.
Yours Truly
PS: It's really hot down here!!
About Me
- Bondservant of Christ
- I'm a born again Christian who wants nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else but God's will to be accomplished in my heart and life. I have not arrived; I'm just excited to be on this amazing journey learning of God's goodness. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14)
Saturday 11 August 2007
Sunday 5 August 2007
When A Job Ends...
It can be awfully hard to leave a job that you absolutely love--110%. You just wonder if you'll ever find another place of employment like it. And then there's all your co-workers that you have to leave behind. It's a crazy and emotional time!
I just experienced this the middle of July.
July 17, 2006 was the first day of a year of bliss. Seems funny to be talking about my job like that, I know. But I truly loved my job and my co-workers. I had so much fun at work that I looked forward to it as much as my weekends. No, I'm not out of my mind--that's the measure of how much I loved it.
Funny, it lasted a full year--to the exact day! I was only hired on a temporary basis. My boss said it could be 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks--don't really know! Well, it was a complete year. I never would have thought it would have lasted so long--I was on a monthly contract, so each month I wondered if I'd still be around the following one. It was a rollercoaster ride, for sure. But it was the best one I've ever been on!!
One could not have asked for a better boss. She was everything I could have hoped for. She took a chance and gave me a break--one that I'm forever indebted to her for.
Then there's the co-workers. WOW! What a great group of people!! They are such good friends! That's what made the job. That's what made leaving it so incredibly difficult! It was especially hard to leave my best friend--or "buddy" to be exact. This co-worker is very dear to me--she's my best friend. I was her assistant for the last 7 months, working right alongside of her in her office. It was literally like moving in and living with someone. Not only did we prove we were compatible, but we also formed quite a tight bond. I've never had a friend like her before. Seems kind of odd too, considering she has kids my age and a few years older. She could make me laugh like no one else could. The daily banter that went on between us was uncommon. We got along great and made a pretty good team--she was the brains and I was the brawn.
I guess that's the part I miss the most--never being alone and always having a trusted friend there to back you up whenever needed. What a priviledge it was to work with and learn from her.
But, the time came--my time there has ended. My final day was bittersweet, to say the least. My co-workers made it as upbeat as possible. We shared many laughs and held back the tears. It was a wonderful time, but also a rollercoaster of surpressing emotions that wanted to come bursting to the surface. I thought I held out pretty well--until the end of the day when my "buddy" and I parted. That's when I started to come unglued. I knew our parting would be the most difficult. I managed to keep myself pulled together until I got to my car--to it, not in it. That's when the waterworks started. Cars are nice for that--especially when travelling on back roads.
The thing that strikes me is that everyone tries to surpress and hide the tears. Yet, that is what shows the other person the depth of the friendship. It was very comforting and heartwarming to see that I had touched my co-workers in this way.
It was a great experience--one that I would not want to trade for the world!
Now I've started a new job. I'm looking forward to what awaits me. Hopefully I'll have great co-workers in this position too. I know that my boss is a good one--he's been super nice to me already (only been on the job one day so far...)
As they say, when one door closes another one is opened. Nothing left to do but to walk through it and see what lies ahead...
I just experienced this the middle of July.
July 17, 2006 was the first day of a year of bliss. Seems funny to be talking about my job like that, I know. But I truly loved my job and my co-workers. I had so much fun at work that I looked forward to it as much as my weekends. No, I'm not out of my mind--that's the measure of how much I loved it.
Funny, it lasted a full year--to the exact day! I was only hired on a temporary basis. My boss said it could be 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks--don't really know! Well, it was a complete year. I never would have thought it would have lasted so long--I was on a monthly contract, so each month I wondered if I'd still be around the following one. It was a rollercoaster ride, for sure. But it was the best one I've ever been on!!
One could not have asked for a better boss. She was everything I could have hoped for. She took a chance and gave me a break--one that I'm forever indebted to her for.
Then there's the co-workers. WOW! What a great group of people!! They are such good friends! That's what made the job. That's what made leaving it so incredibly difficult! It was especially hard to leave my best friend--or "buddy" to be exact. This co-worker is very dear to me--she's my best friend. I was her assistant for the last 7 months, working right alongside of her in her office. It was literally like moving in and living with someone. Not only did we prove we were compatible, but we also formed quite a tight bond. I've never had a friend like her before. Seems kind of odd too, considering she has kids my age and a few years older. She could make me laugh like no one else could. The daily banter that went on between us was uncommon. We got along great and made a pretty good team--she was the brains and I was the brawn.
I guess that's the part I miss the most--never being alone and always having a trusted friend there to back you up whenever needed. What a priviledge it was to work with and learn from her.
But, the time came--my time there has ended. My final day was bittersweet, to say the least. My co-workers made it as upbeat as possible. We shared many laughs and held back the tears. It was a wonderful time, but also a rollercoaster of surpressing emotions that wanted to come bursting to the surface. I thought I held out pretty well--until the end of the day when my "buddy" and I parted. That's when I started to come unglued. I knew our parting would be the most difficult. I managed to keep myself pulled together until I got to my car--to it, not in it. That's when the waterworks started. Cars are nice for that--especially when travelling on back roads.
The thing that strikes me is that everyone tries to surpress and hide the tears. Yet, that is what shows the other person the depth of the friendship. It was very comforting and heartwarming to see that I had touched my co-workers in this way.
It was a great experience--one that I would not want to trade for the world!
Now I've started a new job. I'm looking forward to what awaits me. Hopefully I'll have great co-workers in this position too. I know that my boss is a good one--he's been super nice to me already (only been on the job one day so far...)
As they say, when one door closes another one is opened. Nothing left to do but to walk through it and see what lies ahead...
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Nothing Else Like It...
Nope, there's nothing else like it in the world like it. Nothing can replace it. Nothing can come close. It gives you so much more than just a warm feeling. Where I come from, you look forward to it all the year long. And when it comes, you just can't get enough of it. It doesn't stay near long enough for most people's liking. But while it's here, everyone enjoys every moment of it.
What am I referring to? Summer. Ahhhh...the word spells peace, relaxation, and warmth. I can't get enough of it!
Where I live there are 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Construction. But amid the brigade of dump trucks, backhoes, and crews fixing winter's potholes, the sunlight shines through--and that's what we wait all year to see and feel! There's nothing else like it!
'nuff said. I'm off to soak up some vitamin D while I can...
What am I referring to? Summer. Ahhhh...the word spells peace, relaxation, and warmth. I can't get enough of it!
Where I live there are 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Construction. But amid the brigade of dump trucks, backhoes, and crews fixing winter's potholes, the sunlight shines through--and that's what we wait all year to see and feel! There's nothing else like it!
'nuff said. I'm off to soak up some vitamin D while I can...
Tuesday 19 June 2007
Friends of Old...
This often puzzles me:
We go to school for years, often growing up with the same people we started with in kindergarten. We spend vast amounts of time with these people--they are a major part of our lives. Then comes high school grad. It is here that many of us go our separate ways--to different colleges/universities or out in the workforce. It's at this stage of the game that the friendships we've created and the times we've shared seem to become a distant memory. It's happened. We've drifted apart.
But why is this?! Why do we let our friendships dissolve into history? What sense does this make?
Maybe it's because of my personality--friendships and relationships are very important to me. It comes very naturally for me to try to make every effort to keep in touch with those who I was close to and that I don't see anymore. More often than not I'm left on a one way street, so to speak. I'm the one doing all the talking but there's very little communication on the other end.
Am I all by my lonesome on this line of thinking!?!
It just gets me to think that we spend so much time with these people--truly enjoying their company and companionship--and then just throw it off like it never happend. That's a lot of time and energy invested into those friendships! I really can't understand why anyone would just want to disregard it after all of that.
Well, I could go on but I would pretty much be saying the same thing over and over again...enough of my ranting for today...
We go to school for years, often growing up with the same people we started with in kindergarten. We spend vast amounts of time with these people--they are a major part of our lives. Then comes high school grad. It is here that many of us go our separate ways--to different colleges/universities or out in the workforce. It's at this stage of the game that the friendships we've created and the times we've shared seem to become a distant memory. It's happened. We've drifted apart.
But why is this?! Why do we let our friendships dissolve into history? What sense does this make?
Maybe it's because of my personality--friendships and relationships are very important to me. It comes very naturally for me to try to make every effort to keep in touch with those who I was close to and that I don't see anymore. More often than not I'm left on a one way street, so to speak. I'm the one doing all the talking but there's very little communication on the other end.
Am I all by my lonesome on this line of thinking!?!
It just gets me to think that we spend so much time with these people--truly enjoying their company and companionship--and then just throw it off like it never happend. That's a lot of time and energy invested into those friendships! I really can't understand why anyone would just want to disregard it after all of that.
Well, I could go on but I would pretty much be saying the same thing over and over again...enough of my ranting for today...
Friday 8 June 2007
Inspiring Lines
Two little lines have peaked my attention and thoughts the last couple of days:
Don’t just count the days; make each day count.
This one comes a little more naturally for me--I've always tried to be positive and thankful in every situation I'm thrown into. Sometimes it's hard, but I've tried to adjust to my surroundings and roll with the punches with my usual carefree, happy-go-lucky spirit. This line hit home, though. It put into words how I try to live life.
For example, one day when I found out I hadn't landed a job I had interviewed for, my best friend said "Will you just try to show a little disappointment for once!!"
I seriously hope this attitude is contagious--it's far better than wallowing in misery. It helps you get over life's blows far easier.
It also makes you think of another line: "This is the first day of the rest of your life." It, too, makes you think--I can't change the past, but I do have a say in what I choose and do today. I can make a difference--somewhere, somehow. But it's up to me to step out and dare to make that difference.
The harder you work at what you should be, the less you’ll try to hide what you are.
Isn't that the truth?! Sometimes we're so wrapped up in trying to keep others from seeing our faults and insecurities that we fail to do something about them. Who do you admire more: The guy who goofs up but tries to cover it up or blame it on someone else or the guy who stands up in front of everyone and admits he was wrong. I admire the second by far--it takes guts to do that!
Something to think about...
Don’t just count the days; make each day count.
This one comes a little more naturally for me--I've always tried to be positive and thankful in every situation I'm thrown into. Sometimes it's hard, but I've tried to adjust to my surroundings and roll with the punches with my usual carefree, happy-go-lucky spirit. This line hit home, though. It put into words how I try to live life.
For example, one day when I found out I hadn't landed a job I had interviewed for, my best friend said "Will you just try to show a little disappointment for once!!"
I seriously hope this attitude is contagious--it's far better than wallowing in misery. It helps you get over life's blows far easier.
It also makes you think of another line: "This is the first day of the rest of your life." It, too, makes you think--I can't change the past, but I do have a say in what I choose and do today. I can make a difference--somewhere, somehow. But it's up to me to step out and dare to make that difference.
The harder you work at what you should be, the less you’ll try to hide what you are.
Isn't that the truth?! Sometimes we're so wrapped up in trying to keep others from seeing our faults and insecurities that we fail to do something about them. Who do you admire more: The guy who goofs up but tries to cover it up or blame it on someone else or the guy who stands up in front of everyone and admits he was wrong. I admire the second by far--it takes guts to do that!
Something to think about...
Monday 4 June 2007
English ~ It's a Crazy Language!
I was surfing the Net the other day and happend across this interesting tid-bit:
Ins't taht cool?! Reading it made me recall an article a high school teacher once handed out to the class:
It has often been pointed out that communication would be simpler if English spelling were not so unnecessarily difficult; for example, cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. A gradual program of changes would wipe out these anomalies.
In the first year, ‘s’ would be used instead of the soft ‘c’. Sertainly sivil servants in all sities would reseive this news with joy. Then the hard ‘c’ could be replased by ‘k’ sinse both letters are pronounsed alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerikal workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter. And English would look more like German.
There would be growing enthusiasm when, in the sekond year, it was anounsed that the troublesome ‘ph’ would henseforth be written ‘f’. This would make words like ‘fotograf’ twenty persent shorter to print.
In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated shages are possible. Governments would enkourage the removal of double leters, whish have always been a deterent to akurate speling.
We would al agre that the horible mes of silent ‘e’s in the languag is disgrasful. Therfor we kould drop them and kontinu to read and writ as though nothing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began, and peopl would be reseptiv to steps sutsh as replasing ‘th’ by ‘z’. Perhaps zen ze funktion of ‘w’ kould be taken on by ‘v’, vitsh is, after al, half a ‘w’.
Shortly after zis, ze unesesary ‘o’ kould be dropd from vords kontaining ‘ou’. Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.
Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventuli hav a reli sensibl riten styl. After tventi yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis, and evrivun vud find it ezi tu understand etsh ozer.
~ The Vancouver Sun
'nuff said.
Hvae a graet day!
Aoccdrnig to a rsaeerch at a Birsith Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmotnat tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Ins't taht cool?! Reading it made me recall an article a high school teacher once handed out to the class:
It has often been pointed out that communication would be simpler if English spelling were not so unnecessarily difficult; for example, cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. A gradual program of changes would wipe out these anomalies.
In the first year, ‘s’ would be used instead of the soft ‘c’. Sertainly sivil servants in all sities would reseive this news with joy. Then the hard ‘c’ could be replased by ‘k’ sinse both letters are pronounsed alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerikal workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter. And English would look more like German.
There would be growing enthusiasm when, in the sekond year, it was anounsed that the troublesome ‘ph’ would henseforth be written ‘f’. This would make words like ‘fotograf’ twenty persent shorter to print.
In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated shages are possible. Governments would enkourage the removal of double leters, whish have always been a deterent to akurate speling.
We would al agre that the horible mes of silent ‘e’s in the languag is disgrasful. Therfor we kould drop them and kontinu to read and writ as though nothing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began, and peopl would be reseptiv to steps sutsh as replasing ‘th’ by ‘z’. Perhaps zen ze funktion of ‘w’ kould be taken on by ‘v’, vitsh is, after al, half a ‘w’.
Shortly after zis, ze unesesary ‘o’ kould be dropd from vords kontaining ‘ou’. Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.
Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventuli hav a reli sensibl riten styl. After tventi yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis, and evrivun vud find it ezi tu understand etsh ozer.
~ The Vancouver Sun
'nuff said.
Hvae a graet day!
Wednesday 30 May 2007
Driving Pet Peeves...
I am not one given to road rage. In fact, I dare say I am one cool and collected driver. But that doesn't mean that certain things don't urk me.
Take for instance this situation: you're cruising down the stretch--no one in front and no one in back. You've set the cruise control on and are just sitting back enjoying the moment when some numbskull pulls out right in front of you and pokes--forcing you to jam on the brakes to avoid a sure crash. This person obviously has no common sense--let alone common courtesy. Either that or they really need glasses 'cause they couldn't see you coming! But seriously, what sense does this make?! I think I am a magnet for this sort of experience--it is a rare thing if this doesn't happen each day I go to work. The crazy part of it is that it usually takes place out in the country. (I think the farmers have a coalition against city and town folk driving along their country highways. But that's just my opinion...)
Then there's the speeding tailgaters--you know the ones: in your rear-view mirror you see a little dot--some may call it an 'iota'--way in the distance. 15 seconds later you look in the mirror again. Suddenly that little iota is now a crazy lunatic right on your tail. The only thing that brings you a little relief is when the stream of oncoming traffic clears so he can pass you and get on with the NASCAR race he was in just moments before. But there's one problem...he doesn't pass you...he stays right where he is...close enough to be hitched to your car. What is wrong with these people? What happens if something (like that crazed person in the first scenario) cuts me off and I have to jam on the brakes? I would have a very hard time getting anything into my trunk as it is now compressed and sitting in my back seat. Like, where on earth did these people learn to drive?! I know I never took that course!!
Sometimes after a hard day on the road I start thinking it wasn't so bad in the old days--you couldn't live life in the fast lane; there weren't any instant gratification outlets: drive-thrus, microwaves, high speed internet, cell phones, et al. Our forefathers just took life as it came--through a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears. But I think they also enjoyed life more than we do now. They took the time to stop and smell the roses. Perhaps we should slow down in our hectic rat race of daily living--think about what we have to be thankful for--and communicate that appreciation in all of our circumstances. Just a thought...
Happy Trails!
Take for instance this situation: you're cruising down the stretch--no one in front and no one in back. You've set the cruise control on and are just sitting back enjoying the moment when some numbskull pulls out right in front of you and pokes--forcing you to jam on the brakes to avoid a sure crash. This person obviously has no common sense--let alone common courtesy. Either that or they really need glasses 'cause they couldn't see you coming! But seriously, what sense does this make?! I think I am a magnet for this sort of experience--it is a rare thing if this doesn't happen each day I go to work. The crazy part of it is that it usually takes place out in the country. (I think the farmers have a coalition against city and town folk driving along their country highways. But that's just my opinion...)
Then there's the speeding tailgaters--you know the ones: in your rear-view mirror you see a little dot--some may call it an 'iota'--way in the distance. 15 seconds later you look in the mirror again. Suddenly that little iota is now a crazy lunatic right on your tail. The only thing that brings you a little relief is when the stream of oncoming traffic clears so he can pass you and get on with the NASCAR race he was in just moments before. But there's one problem...he doesn't pass you...he stays right where he is...close enough to be hitched to your car. What is wrong with these people? What happens if something (like that crazed person in the first scenario) cuts me off and I have to jam on the brakes? I would have a very hard time getting anything into my trunk as it is now compressed and sitting in my back seat. Like, where on earth did these people learn to drive?! I know I never took that course!!
Sometimes after a hard day on the road I start thinking it wasn't so bad in the old days--you couldn't live life in the fast lane; there weren't any instant gratification outlets: drive-thrus, microwaves, high speed internet, cell phones, et al. Our forefathers just took life as it came--through a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears. But I think they also enjoyed life more than we do now. They took the time to stop and smell the roses. Perhaps we should slow down in our hectic rat race of daily living--think about what we have to be thankful for--and communicate that appreciation in all of our circumstances. Just a thought...
Happy Trails!
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Point of Grace in Concert
WOW! What an amazing performance! Point of Grace has been my favourite CCM group since they emerged in 1993. But living up in Ontario, Canada isn't the best spot to catch concert tours. Oh sure, big personalities will often times come to Toronto, but that's one city I don't like to frequent. I'm just a small town girl--big cities intimidate me very easily. So for the past 10+ years I've been patiently waiting for the girls of POG to come to my area. They finally made it, and it was sure worth the wait!!!
It was held in a fairly small church (I've seen far bigger, but for that matter, there are lots that are far smaller too). I had a great seat--3rd row center. With my camera ready I was set for a great night! (I think half of the spots in their eyes were from my camera...shhhhh)
Denise, Heather (who was very pregnant with her 4th), Leigh, and Shelley came on the platform and belted out "Day by Day". The interesting thing to note was that their pianist was none other than Michael from another CCM group, Avalon--he emerged from behind the ivory at one point to sing the hit "Testify to Love".
Shelley took the mic and addressed everyone--introducing the crew, etc. and just making the ususal concert small talk. She is quite humorous! A natural entertainer. She had the entire audience in stitches several times during the night.
At noon that day, the four of them had lunch in a little cafe in downtown London. They had a great waiter, Tony, whom they had given tickets to see the show that evening. Looking out into the crowd, Shelley said "So, Tony, are you here?...long pause...Yeah, well, thanks for coming out..."
They sang many "old" songs from their records as well as a few from their up and coming album "How You Live". Shelley also sang my personal favourite, "Jesus Will Still Be There" (so I was definitely a happy camper).
It was a great night filled with great music and fellowship.
After the concert, the POGsters signed autographs and posed for photos. I had been banking on this--I'd spent the previous week and a half working on a portrait of the four of them. When it was my turn with the Fab4, I pulled out my sketch and they each signed it for me. They were all so warm and friendly--taking a genuine interest in what I had to say in the brief moments I was there with them. They were so genuine, too. Especially Denise, whom I spoke with the most.
Altogether it was a most enjoyable experience. I don't get to many concerts or similar events, so this was a very special treat for me!
Point of Grace is one group I definitely encourage everyone to see live! :)
It was held in a fairly small church (I've seen far bigger, but for that matter, there are lots that are far smaller too). I had a great seat--3rd row center. With my camera ready I was set for a great night! (I think half of the spots in their eyes were from my camera...shhhhh)
Denise, Heather (who was very pregnant with her 4th), Leigh, and Shelley came on the platform and belted out "Day by Day". The interesting thing to note was that their pianist was none other than Michael from another CCM group, Avalon--he emerged from behind the ivory at one point to sing the hit "Testify to Love".
Shelley took the mic and addressed everyone--introducing the crew, etc. and just making the ususal concert small talk. She is quite humorous! A natural entertainer. She had the entire audience in stitches several times during the night.
At noon that day, the four of them had lunch in a little cafe in downtown London. They had a great waiter, Tony, whom they had given tickets to see the show that evening. Looking out into the crowd, Shelley said "So, Tony, are you here?...long pause...Yeah, well, thanks for coming out..."
They sang many "old" songs from their records as well as a few from their up and coming album "How You Live". Shelley also sang my personal favourite, "Jesus Will Still Be There" (so I was definitely a happy camper).
It was a great night filled with great music and fellowship.
After the concert, the POGsters signed autographs and posed for photos. I had been banking on this--I'd spent the previous week and a half working on a portrait of the four of them. When it was my turn with the Fab4, I pulled out my sketch and they each signed it for me. They were all so warm and friendly--taking a genuine interest in what I had to say in the brief moments I was there with them. They were so genuine, too. Especially Denise, whom I spoke with the most.
Altogether it was a most enjoyable experience. I don't get to many concerts or similar events, so this was a very special treat for me!
Point of Grace is one group I definitely encourage everyone to see live! :)
Sunday 27 May 2007
Friends or Foes?
I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about here--someone you thought was a good friend turns around and stabs you in the back. We've all been there at some point or another... Looking back, I would say that about 90% of the friends I've had in the past have all turned on me one way or another. You'd think I'd be use to it by now! Not so. Last week a "friend" who I've known for 3 years gave me quite the cold shoulder. I really liked her too--we had a lot in common and had a lot of fun together. I even went to her wedding 2 years ago. But the coldness and callousness that I felt walking into work with her that day was too evident to overlook or deny. I'd been had once again.
Amid the hurt, all I could think of was what a waste of time! Because of my past experiences I go into any friendship with a lot of walls. I've been hurt too many times in the past to just waltz into a friendship without some protection. They have to gain my trust and friendship. This "friend" had gained my trust--I had let the walls come down between us...only to be stabbed in the back when she had the chance.
The thing that makes it so irritating is that you don't expect the same silly tactics used by elementary and high school kids still being used in adulthood. This is what galls me--when do people grow up?! These stupid games people play are aggravating!
If that weren't bad enough, I also had a guy that I was interested in give me the brush off the same week. Although we had never dated, we had gotten quite close through emailing each other back and forth--in the beginning it was a least once a day. I really liked the guy--we had almost everything in common (which is very uncommon for me considering my interests and values). And instead of just coming right out and saying that he doesn't think it will work out, he sends me mixed messages--until last week. If that was a "hint" it was a very loud one. When all he could say was "hello"...and nothing more...that's when I knew.
I wouldn't say I'm slow at reading the signs--I just try to believe the best of people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Usually that means I end up getting hurt in the end.
So how did I come out of the hurt of last week? I lost myself in good music--music that really spoke to me in my situation. Here are the lyrics to a particular song that really encouraged me:
Amid the hurt, all I could think of was what a waste of time! Because of my past experiences I go into any friendship with a lot of walls. I've been hurt too many times in the past to just waltz into a friendship without some protection. They have to gain my trust and friendship. This "friend" had gained my trust--I had let the walls come down between us...only to be stabbed in the back when she had the chance.
The thing that makes it so irritating is that you don't expect the same silly tactics used by elementary and high school kids still being used in adulthood. This is what galls me--when do people grow up?! These stupid games people play are aggravating!
If that weren't bad enough, I also had a guy that I was interested in give me the brush off the same week. Although we had never dated, we had gotten quite close through emailing each other back and forth--in the beginning it was a least once a day. I really liked the guy--we had almost everything in common (which is very uncommon for me considering my interests and values). And instead of just coming right out and saying that he doesn't think it will work out, he sends me mixed messages--until last week. If that was a "hint" it was a very loud one. When all he could say was "hello"...and nothing more...that's when I knew.
I wouldn't say I'm slow at reading the signs--I just try to believe the best of people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Usually that means I end up getting hurt in the end.
So how did I come out of the hurt of last week? I lost myself in good music--music that really spoke to me in my situation. Here are the lyrics to a particular song that really encouraged me:
Jesus Will Still Be There
Words by Robert Sterling/Music by John Mandeville
***
Things change, Plans fail
You look for love on a grander scale
Storms rise, Hopes fade
And you place your bets on another day
When the going gets tough
When the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough
***
(Chorus)
Jesus will still be there
His love will never change
Sure as the steady rain
Jesus will still be there
When no one else is true
He'll still be loving you
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there
***
Time flies, Hearts turn
A little bit wiser from lessons learned
But sometimes, Weakness wins
And you lose your foothold once again
When the going gets tough
When the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough
***
(Repeat Chorus) (2x)
***
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there
***
In my brokenness, I found true joy--knowing that God sees what I'm going through and cares about it. That's the hope I cling to. Only God is perfect. Humans will always let you down--but He won't. I don't need to put any walls up when I come before God--He already knows, and I already trust Him. That's true freedom! And it brings true joy in the midst of the pain! ;)
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