Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Favorite post of 2009....?

The Nester asked what our favorite post of the year was......I have several, but based on the number of comments received on this post, I figured it was great to re-run this one, and count it as my favorite one. It came at a time when I was close to giving up on blogging, actually. I felt dry, I felt uncreative, I felt like I had NOTHING. Nothing to offer, but some thoughts...that deepened as I wrote. Conviction grew as I uncovered the layers of what I had been thinking about. And apparently, my thoughts were common among many of you, thoughts that you had also considered and resonated with. So once again, and truly it is a good post to reconsider before the new year.......perspective about what truly WILL be important for 2010. Enjoy and be inspired.

This post was originally posted on 11/12/09 and received a huge number of comments! Only giveaways have drawn more comments on a post......

Perspective: a Gift you give yourself!

I was over visiting the Nester's blog this morning, and her blog post today was about perspective--something I've been mulling over in my head for the last few weeks....a coincidence, perhaps? Nah, I don't think so. We get nudges all the time from the most unexpected places to remind us who we are, who we belong to, who we are called to be, and who we show others we are and/or portray ourselves to be......yea, especially that last one. In the blog world, it's easy to show the side of ourselves that looks good, looks crafty, chic, or crazy organized. It's easy to show the one decorated table or buffet that looks really good and have others assume the rest of my house looks just as good, or that the rest of my food is just as awesome as the one or two recipes I just shared. It's easy to show the good and pretty yet sweep the rest under the proverbial oriental rug. What's for real?????

In reality, I'm just a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a church goer, Bible believer, wanna be decorator.....just to name a few. I'm really not even a writer, nor a photographer, and there are days when I'm hardly even a cook. Sometimes I'm lazy and can spout great ideas, but not follow through with any of them. Somedays I forget to pray, yet I find myself promising to pray for many others. Somedays, I get discouraged and want to just run away. Does that make me any different than anyone else? You answer that.......I'm thinking it makes me just like you...and you, and you. Now, maybe you don't have a lazy bone in your body, and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone, but surely you get tired. So tired you just.can't.move. Sometimes I read blogs, books and magazines and wish my home were something that it isn't....something that looks like a magazine, when in reality PEOPLE LIVE HERE, and it will never look like a magazine. Then I remember how God has provided a place for us to live, be warm and full, and to offer in hospitality to others. Yep, then I remember that it's really not about us, NOT ABOUT ME.......ouch. OUCH......sometimes the stick of reality hurts. But in the same turn, it is refreshing. To realize I am so abundantly blessed is such a comfort. My perspective turns from pain to prosperity, knowing that if all the material things were stripped away, I have riches untold that are sure and will never go away. My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and will indeed provide for me what I need. It's just that need sometimes gets a little turned around in my head......yep, you know that feeling.

The reality is that the Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease; they are new every morning! Indeed, great is HIS faithfulness, no matter how wobbly and inconsistent mine may be. I am SO VERY THANKFUL that it doesn't depend on me...that His gift is just that....a gift. Were it dependent on me, I would lose out every stinking day. I would be just a few hairs short of what I need......

.......and so back to the perspective issue. I know what keeps me grounded. I know what makes me real.....I know I need daily reminders of "it's not about me"......because I so easily get side-tracked. I need a double dose of that before the holiday season kicks in.....to remind myself what truly is important. Whether I have a Christmas tree that looks like that one I drooled over may not be the most important issue. It may not be worth the energy it will take me to "OVER- deck" the halls if it means that something important doesn't get done. This may be a year that I need to decide it's okay to scale back a little if it means I have a little energy left over for the people in my life........ouch. So really what this means for me is a little more planning of what is reality for me this year, this season. A realization that my expectations may be too big is really a gift to myself. I can only do so much and to dwell on it and be sullen because I cannot do it all and have it all, truly hurts those around me. So perspective, while sometimes it reveals what may initially be disappointing, is in truth a gift we can give ourselves. It is helpful to remember we are human and have limits. It means, in my case, I have to be less idealistic and more realistic. But the cost of that gift is worth it to me and my family. And I also have to remember there are others with bigger battles to fight, who need me to come along side them and gird them up for the battle. That is worth a whole lot more than a lovely tree, my friends.
Perspective......it's what's real.

Also, be sure you check on Stellan updates here......awesome reports of what God is doing for that family!!!

12 comments:

Robin said...

Just as awesome as the first time....I love this post and THANK YOU for writing it! You described me to a "t", too!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

{{{HUGS}}}

Robin :o)

Tracy said...

Wow! I can see why you received such a great response to that one. So true my friend. Stepped all over my toes. This was likely before I subscribed to your blog, so I'm extra grateful you re-ran it.

Being intentional with "keeping it real" has been something I've thought about a lot lately. This wonderful world of blogging can easily tempt me into presenting only what I WANT others to see. I'm making it my goal and prayer to be completely REAL in the year to come (be it pretty or ugly!) Thanks again for this very timely post! Blessings to you and yours for a wonderful 2010! So glad I found your blog this year. = )

Trez said...

Thanks! I needed that!

Anonymous said...

I agree, that was the best. Hit home for me too. I have been feeling kind of blank myself, but I feel like I will soon be fired up again. All the blessings of the New Year to you and your loved ones.
QMM

Patricia said...

Many blessings for 2010

Renee @ AddMoreChocolate said...

What an inspiration! I'm blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your gift of perspective, of helping me see things in new ways.
Hugs!

Dogmom Diva said...

Suzanne, I just found your blog, and boy did I find it at a good time. thank you for re running this post. I also feel that way many times. I wish I were more talented, crafty, decorative or chef like when I read some of the wonderful blogs I follow..I lose track of the fact that God does provide for us, and many are in a lot worse shape. So I will continue to strive, but also need to reflect and appreciate what I can do and what I do have. thank you..now I need to follow your blog!
Barb

Beverly said...

That was the first post of yours I read. I found you through Poofing the Pillows. You are right. It bears repeating. Good post.

Rebecca said...

I missed this post the first time around, but I sure am glad I saw it today. Awesome...true...real. Thank you.

Just a little something from Judy said...

One thing that is certain, God has blessed you with a tremendous ability to communicate in a clear, concise, heartfelt, and caring way. This is one of the most inspiring and honest blog posts that I have read for a long time. Many times I ask myself the same questions you and others do...why do I blog? Or, what could I possibly share that would be of interest to anyone? Or, how honest and open should I be? I love how you shared your heart, and I am thankful for you and your blog. I have been blessed here many times. Thank you dear friend for sharing your perspective with us at the beginning of this a New Year. Looking forward to my visits here in the future, and wishing you and your family moments of joy in 2010!

Sue said...

Just such an awesome inspiring post, thank you for sharing.
May your New Year be filled with many more blessings,
Sue

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