Sunday, March 13, 2011

Lenten Hiatus: Giving up and Giving back

Today is the first Sunday of Lent and liturgically speaking, we're in the wilderness with Christ in today's readings.

I missed Ash Wednesday and was caught up in my blogging, tweeting, and internet surfing, I'm sure.

In the rush of life lately, something has been missing. A deeper connection with God. With my husband. With my kids. A shallow connection with millions of strangers who don't contribute positively to my day to day. I'm a "watcher" and a "collector" of links and ideas that are drowning me.

So, instead of giving up something "bad" like I normally do, I am giving up my social media addiction and am going to concentrate on focus. Focus on God. My marriage. My kids. My job. My writing. All without the constant social chatter and distractions.

I'm also going to think about the 'giving back' part and what that means. Whose life can I better? Who can I help within my time-crunched and humble means? I know there's more out there for me to be doing and I'm on a quest to find it...

I'm hoping I come back a little more centered. A little more focused. A little more "me" and a lot more "here."

I'll be back soon. Until then, love to you all!!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

If I had my life to live over...

These words are not my own, but I read them every year or so when they happen my way. I thought I'd grab them this time around and save them while I had the chance. Love to you all!

If I Had My Life To Live Over

by Erma Bombeck (1927-1996)

The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck after she found out she had a fatal disease.

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back