Similar Wounds?

IAT = I am thankful

 that I am always learning.

Long ago, I had some scary things happen to me. Sorry, no details. Years later, I suffered from the memories. I was young, and a new mommy. I grew up without my own mommy. I couldn't tell the people I knew most, so it seems like I told everyone else. I went to counseling. None of it helped. As my suffering continued, I was pondering one day. This is what I heard. "Stop talking about it. When you do, you will stop suffering. Only share if it will help someone else." I was somewhat floored. That felt very right. So, I've only spoken of it since a handful of times, when, in a conversation, I have felt that same whisper say, "talk." I realized over time, that my suffering could help others if I listened to that still small voice.

I know I've mentioned on Facebook about my new coach training, but I don't think I have here. It's been a joy, and the principles I am learning make my heart sing. Two things that my wonderful coach trainer has repeated over and over; 1) Is anyone suffering from a similar wound? 2) If there is anyone I can serve, put them on my path.

The death of Robin Williams has left millions stunned and mourning over someone we did not know personally, but felt we did because he was our onscreen friend. I've been left wondering the last few days, if he could have reached deep within, and chosen differently, and asked himself, "Is anyone suffering from a similar wound, how many people could he have helped in his remaining years? So much joy comes from seeing others overcome, who we have helped. It's why I keep teaching and learning and reaching out to others. Because when I see someone suffering, and something I did helps them recover, I gain so much joy. I love it the most, when one of my children or other family members comes to me, and I can help them. 

There isn't a person on the planet who gets out of this world without some form of suffering. If you love, eventually you suffer. Some suffer so much more than others. Many sink into darkness at the thought that there is no meaning in suffering. But oh, there is! When we ask the question, is anyone suffering from a similar wound? Undoubtedly, we get a resounding yes, close to 100% of the time. If we can take that suffering and turn it into blessing? WOW! It gives the suffering real meaning and purpose.

Each day, I try to remember in prayer, if there is anyone I can serve, put them on my path. A few weeks ago, I gave a few dollars to someone begging. I thought that was my service for the day. No, It turned out not to be. For later that night, my darling daughter wanted to go swimming. She came in her swim suit all bubbly and excited. I DID NOT WANT TO GO. I tried to put her off, especially because it was raining. I did not want to swim in the rain. The words drifted from my mind, down into my heart, "if there is anyone I can serve, put them on my path. It's your daughter." With a sigh, I put on my suit and joined my family in the rain in the pool. And I had fun. Will it make a life changing difference for anyone? Probably not, but she was the one I was to serve that day. 

What have you suffered? Is anyone suffering from a similar wound? Find them, listen, share, help, love. Who is on your path today that you can serve? You'll love it when you find them. Sometimes it is life changing or life saving. Either way, you'll find meaning and purpose and you'll feel better.

Little Acts of Faith

IAT = I am thankful

when I listen to inspiration.

I've spent the last 4 months working on a very difficult transaction. It was awesome after fretting for so long with someone who has endured tragedy along with the fretting, to be rewarded for the sweat and tears. Fortunately no blood.

I spent several hours last week organizing, copying, and turning in the required paperwork. Yesterday, there was a check. HOORAY! But, there was one small thing missing from my file. When I went looking, the missing item, was something outside of my control. I had requested the very item months before. So, I called, email, and texted who I needed to, to get what I needed. Then I had to wait. Until the person responsible gave me what I needed. It was an extremely important thing and I had no ill will toward not being able to get my check. I knew in advance. It's always that way. But moreso on this particular item.

Sorry I can't be more specific. Anyway, that was yesterday. A text went out first thing this morning and I was assured it would be back by morning. After some lovely seminary and institute meetings this morning, I checked my email. Nothing. I sent another text. Nothing. We went to lunch. After lunch, nothing.

So, I dropped hubby back off at work, and told him, "I am driving to work, I am checking my email there as an act of faith, and I am picking up my check." As I turned the car toward work, I felt I should call my daughter and see if she wanted to take care of her high school schedule first. She did. So, I picked her up and took her to the school and took care of her classes. I checked my email. Nothing. I drove to work. I checked my email from the car. Nothing. I told her it would only take a minute.

I went upstairs, I talked to a co worker. I opened up my computer and logged on. I checked my email. I'm not kidding you. There it was! It made me so happy. I was inspired to take a tiny step of faith. I was inspired to take a detour. I followed my direction. And the moment after I checked my email in that parking lot, it came in. Right in time.

I learned two things today. Maybe more. First, faith is simple. We complicate it. Sometimes it is that easy. Maybe it is always that easy? Where it gets complicated is when we let our emotional need for our outcome to overwhelm what is best for us (God's will). Secondly, the information I needed may have shown up at the exact same time anyway. The difference is, instead of being frustrated and anxious and wondering when the other person would do what I needed, and why was there this rule anyway.....I focused on the act of faith I needed to do and acted on inspiration that really had nothing to do with the outcome. (My daughter's classes).

I know there is something else to learn from this, so I'll be pondering it. I want to be better at letting go of outcomes, and understanding that faith is rewarded no matter how it turns out. Either we do receive what we hope for, or we understand that what we did receive or did not, was the better thing for us to receive.