I have a room in our duplex in which I keep my clothes. In it, there’s a bed and some of my favorite things I’ve collected through the years. It’s kind of a sanctuary, my personal “man cave.” I, admittedly, have difficulty keeping it clean and organized. When my wonderful wife does the laundry, she puts my clothes on the bed for me to hang or place in the proper drawers. More often than I’d like to admit, I ended up simply moving the items to the floor to make room for my lazy butt to chill on the bed (much to the chagrin of my wife.) One day it hit me. The words of my dad rang in my ears loud and clear. I remember how he once (probably more than once, but I used to be a dumb kid who didn’t hear things the first hundred times) told me something regarding the space in which I worked when he was my first boss:
“Your work space sets the tone for everything you do. A messy space leads to messy work and an even messier attitude.”
The words just happened to come to me in the midst of a particularly time in my life. I had been experiencing some messy patches in both of my jobs and, as a result, was in a downward spiral- a story for another day. If you know me, you know that my dad was/is my hero. So when the words came to me, I was fairly certain that God was using them to convey a message in the only way I’d listen.
One day when my wife was at work, I decided to tackle the task at hand. It looked like an enormous clothing eating monster had a bout of projectile vomit and spewed on everything! But I was determined. The first thing I realized was that I was holding on to useless crap. Some of the things which were just some things of which I needed to let go. When my dad died, I brought home a car full of his clothes, shoes and other items. I often wear many of the good shirts and shoes. There was also quite a few things which were too worn or didn’t fit. I hung on to belts that were too big or broken, simply because I didn’t want to let go. But, that day, I had an epiphany. I came to see that I could keep the useful and precious things; but the things which were of no use were hindering me from my goal. I’m not going to sugar coat and tell you it was an easy task; it was actually quite difficult. Saying goodbye to the sentimental items I held dear sucked. But here’s the interesting thing. After the tears, and a few garbage bags had been cleared, I was able to focus on the good. The room was spotless. And I felt a sense of pride I hadn’t felt in a very long time. Another amazing result was that the good things that I kept suddenly became even more precious! Without all the useless clutter, I was able to focus on the beauty.
I’m proud to say that I have maintained the room. When laundry is placed on my bed (side note: she spoils me and rarely allows me to do laundry) I immediately put it where it belongs. And I’ve come to see it as a metaphor for my life. There was a TON of clutter in my life. I have carried some emotional clutter for quite some time. I’ve begun a mission to rid my life of the useless garbage I’ve carried and held close for years. Item by item, I ask myself, “Is this something I can use? Or is this just something that is hindering me from the decluttered life I deserve to live?” Whoa, I’m starting to tear up as I type this. Not long ago, I shared individually with my wife and a few others with whom I trust my life, how I felt I didn’t deserve to take care of myself or have anything of value. Just now is the first time the thought came to me without hesitation, “I deserve a life unencumbered by crap that keeps me from shining!”
That’s huge! Somewhere along the way, I’ve given myself permission to be happy. I finally see that the hurt placed upon me by others does not define me. And when things in my life haven’t gone the way I thought they should I have not failed. I am not a failure! No longer will I have emotional clutter keeping me from the life I deserve!
Sometimes that’s not as easy as carrying a few Hefty bags out to the trash. It takes far longer than one Saturday afternoon. I’m sure there will still be some rough patches. But anything worth doing is worth fighting for. I am worth fighting for! Just like the decluttered room helped me to focus on the precious, I’ve come to see myself a precious. That’s a freaking amazing feeling and one that I haven’t felt in what seems like ages!
So I finally am willing to fight for the life in which I’m called. I’ll continue to read God’s word for direction and lean on the precious people who love me.
Well, maybe this spoke to you. I sure hope so. If so, I’d love to hear (here, or privately.) In the meantime, Let me say that YOU are worth fighting for!
God bless y'all!
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Oomea Loompa and life
I'm not good at waiting.
When I want something, I want it now!
I'm reminded of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was a spoiled brat who pitched a fit to get what she wanted. Even if what she wanted wasn't practical, she demanded her daddy indulge her every desire.
My hearing aid is 6 years old. It's pretty much at the end of its life. So today, I went to check out a new one. The new aid wasn't exactly what I had in mind. And it was really pricey ($2300.) But I wanted to solve my hearing situation right now. I sat down to fill out the paperwork to finance the purchase. But before I could even write my name, I realized it was a decision I should discuss with my wife before going further. So I thanked the audiologist for his time and said that I needed time to think about it. As I drove home I decided that I need to be wise in my decision. While it makes perfect sense to wait until I know I'm making the best choice, I couldn't help but get angry. "I want my hearing woes solved immediately! I don't want to wait! Why can't I have what I want when I want it?" Those were just a few of this spoiled brat's thoughts. I pouted for a few minutes and then it hit me. I was pushing for something based on emotions. Would I be better able to hear? Yes. But how much have I researched? How confident am I that I'm choosing the best possible option? I wouldn't buy the first car I saw just because it's shiny. So why jump at the first hearing aid I've tried? A decision like this takes wisdom. Probably more wisdom than I possess. It would be a good idea to discuss it with family and friends. And while I'm at it, I bet God would be happy to help me figure out what to do.
Realizing this has brought me peace. I can wait. And in doing so, when the time comes to actually purchase a hearing aid, I can be confident in my decision.
So I guess this spoiled brat is learning!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.
Maybe an Oompha Loompa isn't what I need at this point in time. Maybe God has something in store that willblow me away. I don't want to get ahead of what He's doing.
At 50 (for about another week and a half) I'm still learning this. But I'm excited to see what happens next!
When I want something, I want it now!
I'm reminded of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was a spoiled brat who pitched a fit to get what she wanted. Even if what she wanted wasn't practical, she demanded her daddy indulge her every desire.
My hearing aid is 6 years old. It's pretty much at the end of its life. So today, I went to check out a new one. The new aid wasn't exactly what I had in mind. And it was really pricey ($2300.) But I wanted to solve my hearing situation right now. I sat down to fill out the paperwork to finance the purchase. But before I could even write my name, I realized it was a decision I should discuss with my wife before going further. So I thanked the audiologist for his time and said that I needed time to think about it. As I drove home I decided that I need to be wise in my decision. While it makes perfect sense to wait until I know I'm making the best choice, I couldn't help but get angry. "I want my hearing woes solved immediately! I don't want to wait! Why can't I have what I want when I want it?" Those were just a few of this spoiled brat's thoughts. I pouted for a few minutes and then it hit me. I was pushing for something based on emotions. Would I be better able to hear? Yes. But how much have I researched? How confident am I that I'm choosing the best possible option? I wouldn't buy the first car I saw just because it's shiny. So why jump at the first hearing aid I've tried? A decision like this takes wisdom. Probably more wisdom than I possess. It would be a good idea to discuss it with family and friends. And while I'm at it, I bet God would be happy to help me figure out what to do.
Realizing this has brought me peace. I can wait. And in doing so, when the time comes to actually purchase a hearing aid, I can be confident in my decision.
So I guess this spoiled brat is learning!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.
Maybe an Oompha Loompa isn't what I need at this point in time. Maybe God has something in store that willblow me away. I don't want to get ahead of what He's doing.
At 50 (for about another week and a half) I'm still learning this. But I'm excited to see what happens next!
Oomea Loompa and life
I'm not good at waiting.
When I want something, I want it now!
I'm reminded of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was a spoiled brat who pitched a fit to get what she wanted. Even if what she wanted wasn't practical, she demanded her daddy indulge her every desire.
My hearing aid is 6 years old. It's pretty much at the end of its life. So today, I went to check out a new one. The new aid wasn't exactly what I had in mind. And it was really pricey ($2300.) But I wanted to solve my hearing situation right now. I sat down to fill out the paperwork to finance the purchase. But before I could even write my name, I realized it was a decision I should discuss with my wife before going further. So I thanked the audiologist for his time and said that I needed time to think about it. As I drove home I decided that I need to be wise in my decision. While it makes perfect sense to wait until I know I'm making the best choice, I couldn't help but get angry. "I want my hearing woes solved immediately! I don't want to wait! Why can't I have what I want when I want it?" Those were just a few of this spoiled brat's thoughts. I pouted for a few minutes and then it hit me. I was pushing for something based on emotions. Would I be better able to hear? Yes. But how much have I researched? How confident am I that I'm choosing the best possible option? I wouldn't buy the first car I saw just because it's shiny. So why jump at the first hearing aid I've tried? A decision like this takes wisdom. Probably more wisdom than I possess. It would be a good idea to discuss it with family and friends. And while I'm at it, I bet God would be happy to help me figure out what to do.
Realizing this has brought me peace. I can wait. And in doing so, when the time comes to actually purchase a hearing aid, I can be confident in my decision.
So I guess this spoiled brat is learning!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.
Maybe an Oompha Loompa isn't what I need at this point in time. Maybe God has something in store that willblow me away. I don't want to get ahead of what He's doing.
At 50 (for about another week and a half) I'm still learning this. But I'm excited to see what happens next!
When I want something, I want it now!
I'm reminded of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was a spoiled brat who pitched a fit to get what she wanted. Even if what she wanted wasn't practical, she demanded her daddy indulge her every desire.
My hearing aid is 6 years old. It's pretty much at the end of its life. So today, I went to check out a new one. The new aid wasn't exactly what I had in mind. And it was really pricey ($2300.) But I wanted to solve my hearing situation right now. I sat down to fill out the paperwork to finance the purchase. But before I could even write my name, I realized it was a decision I should discuss with my wife before going further. So I thanked the audiologist for his time and said that I needed time to think about it. As I drove home I decided that I need to be wise in my decision. While it makes perfect sense to wait until I know I'm making the best choice, I couldn't help but get angry. "I want my hearing woes solved immediately! I don't want to wait! Why can't I have what I want when I want it?" Those were just a few of this spoiled brat's thoughts. I pouted for a few minutes and then it hit me. I was pushing for something based on emotions. Would I be better able to hear? Yes. But how much have I researched? How confident am I that I'm choosing the best possible option? I wouldn't buy the first car I saw just because it's shiny. So why jump at the first hearing aid I've tried? A decision like this takes wisdom. Probably more wisdom than I possess. It would be a good idea to discuss it with family and friends. And while I'm at it, I bet God would be happy to help me figure out what to do.
Realizing this has brought me peace. I can wait. And in doing so, when the time comes to actually purchase a hearing aid, I can be confident in my decision.
So I guess this spoiled brat is learning!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.
Maybe an Oompha Loompa isn't what I need at this point in time. Maybe God has something in store that willblow me away. I don't want to get ahead of what He's doing.
At 50 (for about another week and a half) I'm still learning this. But I'm excited to see what happens next!
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