I just finished listening to Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book is absolutely amazing and speaks so completely to the search that I believe, if we’re being honest, truly speaks to the quest in each of us, to find our way to the Source, or “God”.
The journey to find God, and an authentic spiritual experience is something I’ve traveled for so many years. From childhood, as a Southern Baptist, I found peace in what I was taught, then along the way, I realized my true beliefs were incongruent with the teachings of my denomination. I shopped around a bit, stopped off briefly in the United Methodist Church and have spent the last decade as a Catholic.
I don’t discount the teachings of the Buddha or The Christ. In fact, I see how bits and pieces of the traditions truly compliment one another.
Here’s my confession: I love calling myself a Catholic, although my personal beliefs more likely resemble the teachings of the Episcopal church. Yet, I just seek to find peace and joy in my faith. God, the source, is bigger than our feeble minds can comprehend. Yet, I know I am going to experience an authentic experience of faith.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
SEASONS OF LOVE: GRATITUDE
This week I celebrated my 36th birthday. I was surrounded by friends—all but one of whom I did not know one year ago when I celebrated my 35th birthday. Sitting there at my birthday dinner, I was reminded how very much has changed in my life over the last year. I was reminded how many wonderful people have come into my life, how many amazing experiences and growth have come my way in those 12 months since I turned 35.
I think the single most important thing I did during the last year happened the evening last August when I walked into the open rehearsal for the Magic City Choral Society. Little did I know how that would be one of the most brave and life-changing moments. Little did I know that I was about to meet some of the most incredible people and people were soon to become my family. Little did I know that I was about to embark on the greatest adventure of my life.
In the last year of my life, I’ve discovered so many strengths and know who I am better than I did a year ago. People have come into my life, not only in the choir, but people I’ve met through my friends in the choir that are now the most important people in my life. These are people who have touched my life in ways I can’t quite possibly put into words.
Here’s my confession: I’ve experienced so much over the last year. Yet, hopefully, the last year is only the beginning. My lack of a relationship with my family of origin is something about which I’ve reached a place of peace, but I’m blessed with a family of choice that is out of this world. There are lots of things in my life I don’t quite have figured out, but what I do have lots of good in my life, despite the ups and downs that are a part of my life. Life is good. And, I’m happy to have celebrated another year of goodness. I’m enjoying the adventure. Thank you, dear friends—far and near—for the important role you have in my life!
I think the single most important thing I did during the last year happened the evening last August when I walked into the open rehearsal for the Magic City Choral Society. Little did I know how that would be one of the most brave and life-changing moments. Little did I know that I was about to meet some of the most incredible people and people were soon to become my family. Little did I know that I was about to embark on the greatest adventure of my life.
In the last year of my life, I’ve discovered so many strengths and know who I am better than I did a year ago. People have come into my life, not only in the choir, but people I’ve met through my friends in the choir that are now the most important people in my life. These are people who have touched my life in ways I can’t quite possibly put into words.
Here’s my confession: I’ve experienced so much over the last year. Yet, hopefully, the last year is only the beginning. My lack of a relationship with my family of origin is something about which I’ve reached a place of peace, but I’m blessed with a family of choice that is out of this world. There are lots of things in my life I don’t quite have figured out, but what I do have lots of good in my life, despite the ups and downs that are a part of my life. Life is good. And, I’m happy to have celebrated another year of goodness. I’m enjoying the adventure. Thank you, dear friends—far and near—for the important role you have in my life!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
GRATITUDE AND CATHARSIS 07.17.09
It’s been a while since I sat down and wrote a blog. Tonight, I find myself in need of that time of reflection, time to reflect on the things for which I’m most grateful as well as the catharsis my writing brings to me.
Since my last writing, the contract has fallen through on my house. That’s a major blow to both Parker and me, as we both felt that we were about to be out from under the last tie to our relationship. The cancellation of the contract comes as a railroad hub is proposed to be built in our community. So, back at square one we have arrived.
The state of our economy and the pressures that go along with it are seemingly unrelenting. The financial pressures are unbelievable and the professional expectations are tiring. Sometimes it seems that nothing is ever enough. It seems like I’m swirling at the bottom of a black hole.
Here’s my confession: Despite the struggles I’m facing right now, I’m very blessed to have some of the most wonderful friends that once could ever know. I look over the last year and I’m fascinated at the many wonderful blessings and friends who have come into my life. All I can do is all I can do…and I’m going to persevere.
More blogs to come. I’ve missed writing and it’s necessary for me to maintain my sanity!
Since my last writing, the contract has fallen through on my house. That’s a major blow to both Parker and me, as we both felt that we were about to be out from under the last tie to our relationship. The cancellation of the contract comes as a railroad hub is proposed to be built in our community. So, back at square one we have arrived.
The state of our economy and the pressures that go along with it are seemingly unrelenting. The financial pressures are unbelievable and the professional expectations are tiring. Sometimes it seems that nothing is ever enough. It seems like I’m swirling at the bottom of a black hole.
Here’s my confession: Despite the struggles I’m facing right now, I’m very blessed to have some of the most wonderful friends that once could ever know. I look over the last year and I’m fascinated at the many wonderful blessings and friends who have come into my life. All I can do is all I can do…and I’m going to persevere.
More blogs to come. I’ve missed writing and it’s necessary for me to maintain my sanity!
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