Stretching

One of my personal commandments is Stretch, and one application of that commandment is to take advantage of opportunities to learn something new - something that I'm trying to do on a regular basis.

Today I read a blog post, which referred to the book Lists To Live By, and I saw the following list of ways to become a lifelong learner:

1. Start with your attitude.
2. Ask questions.
3. Join others.
4. Check out the other side.
5. Read broadly.
6. Keep a journal.
7. Experiment.
8. Apply what you know.

I think I was born asking questions - and my inner two-year-old is alive and well: Why? Why? Why? Avid reading is something else I've always done - though sometimes probably not as broadly as I ought. Lately I've been thinking a lot about journaling, about putting my thoughts on paper (or in cyberspace), about telling my own story - and I want to do more of that.

Which of these ideas is most compelling to you?

God Wants Me To Be Happy!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

My friend Holly has another post that reminds me about seeking happiness and joy: My Happiness Manifesto. The principles she lists could be considered her personal commandments!

"Give Me Patience, and Give It to Me Right Now"

I've been feeling frustrated the past few days by the lack of resolution to a situation in my life. So this afternoon I am appreciating this reminder from my friend Holly - in a form of a prayer in a blog post - to be patient and content with the present, to let go and let God.

Lord, teach me to be patient—with life, with people,and with myself. I sometimes try to hurry things along too much, and I push for answers before the time is right. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my own and to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, like the small rosebud whose petals unravel bit by bit, and remind me that in hurrying the bloom along, I destroy the bud and much of the beauty therein. Instead, let me wait for all to unfold in its own time. Each moment and state of growth contains a loveliness. Teach me to slow down enough to appreciate life and all it holds. Amen.