Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, they serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are and who you want to become.
You never know who these people may be: your neighbor, child, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger who, when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
And sometimes things happen to you and at the time they seem painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential strength, will power, or heart.
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul.
Without these small tests, whether they be events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet who affect your life and the successes and downfalls you experience create who you are, and even the bad experiences can be learned from.
In fact, they are probably the poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.
Make every day count.
Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.
Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen, let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high.
Hold your head up because you have every right to.
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself... for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.
You can make of your life anything you wish.
Create your own life and then go out and live in it!
"Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last...Tomorrow is Never Promised"
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thought for the day
To reach a port, we must sail.
Sail, not tie at anchor.
Sail, not drift.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)
Sail, not tie at anchor.
Sail, not drift.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Pink Dress
There was this little girl sitting by herself in thepark. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.
The next day I decided to go back to the parkin curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.
Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress. It was grotesquely shaped.
I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her.
Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.
As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare.
As I approached her, I could see the shape ofher back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.
I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi"; after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back.
We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad.
The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm different."
I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled.
The little girl acted even sadder and said,"I know."
"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."
She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"
"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all the people walking by."
She nodded her head yes, and smiled.
With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread,then she said, "I am."
"I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye.
I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.
She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done".
I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone.
And with that, my life was changed dramatically.
So, when you think you're all you have,remember, your angel is always watching over you. Like the story says, we all need someone... And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.
The value of a friend is measured in the heart.
I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.
The next day I decided to go back to the parkin curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.
Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress. It was grotesquely shaped.
I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her.
Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.
As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare.
As I approached her, I could see the shape ofher back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.
I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi"; after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back.
We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad.
The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm different."
I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled.
The little girl acted even sadder and said,"I know."
"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."
She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"
"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all the people walking by."
She nodded her head yes, and smiled.
With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread,then she said, "I am."
"I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye.
I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.
She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done".
I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone.
And with that, my life was changed dramatically.
So, when you think you're all you have,remember, your angel is always watching over you. Like the story says, we all need someone... And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.
The value of a friend is measured in the heart.
I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.
Why I blog
Wisdom alone is true ambition's aim,
Wisdom the source of virtue, and of fame,
Obtained with labor, for mankind employed,
And then, when most you share it, best enjoyed.
Wisdom the source of virtue, and of fame,
Obtained with labor, for mankind employed,
And then, when most you share it, best enjoyed.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
* The Career of Motherhood *
My uncle sent me another gem. It's from this website, http://www.52best.com/mothers.asp
A friend of mine once told me that when she was renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, she was asked by the clerk to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are you just a........." "Of course I have a job," she said. "I'm a mother."
"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation. 'Housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically. I forgot all about my friend's story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at my own Town Hall.
The clerk was obviously a career-woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know.
The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters)."
"Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 3, 7, and 13. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."
Motherhood. What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
A friend of mine once told me that when she was renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, she was asked by the clerk to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are you just a........." "Of course I have a job," she said. "I'm a mother."
"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation. 'Housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically. I forgot all about my friend's story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at my own Town Hall.
The clerk was obviously a career-woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know.
The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters)."
"Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 3, 7, and 13. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."
Motherhood. What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Thoughts to ponder
I haven't really blogged much since time is such a precious scarcity these days.
However, there are still thoughts to keep and ponder about.
Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Don't over do ; keep your limits
Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does (except maybe your spouse).
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you yourself.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like math class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Smile and Laugh more.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Forgive everyone for everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business (it'd be a waste of time if you bothered).
However, there are still thoughts to keep and ponder about.
Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Don't over do ; keep your limits
Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does (except maybe your spouse).
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you yourself.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like math class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Smile and Laugh more.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Forgive everyone for everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business (it'd be a waste of time if you bothered).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Goodnight kiss
I take it as a privilege that I get to kiss my children goodnight every night. Especially after Estelle was born.
It might be too soon to feel this way, but I'm glad I know the value of being able to spend the time with them now while they're still young.
This poem is for all parents out there.
I count it as a privilege, I count it cause for praise to kiss my children goodnight at the close of everyday.
For I know too soon they're up and gone, and walking out the door And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight any more.
It's very strange how times have changed from the present to the past. When did they grow so quickly the time has flown so fast.
For it seems like only yesterday I helped him with his shirt, Or pat my baby on the back, Or kissed away a hurt.
Tell a story, read a book, wipe a nose, or tie a shoe. They never ask me to rub their backs the way they used to do.
Once it was a bother, just a troublesome kind of chore. but now I would give anything to do it just once more.
Mommy, bounce me on your knee, Daddy, flip me in the air. Throw a rubber ball to me and help me comb my hair.
Mommy, tickle my tummy... Daddy hold me high. Lets go outside, for a while, or make a kite to fly...
I count it as a privilege I count it cause for praise To kiss my children goodnight at the close of everyday.
For I know too soon they're up and gone And walking out the door And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight anymore!
It might be too soon to feel this way, but I'm glad I know the value of being able to spend the time with them now while they're still young.
This poem is for all parents out there.
I count it as a privilege, I count it cause for praise to kiss my children goodnight at the close of everyday.
For I know too soon they're up and gone, and walking out the door And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight any more.
It's very strange how times have changed from the present to the past. When did they grow so quickly the time has flown so fast.
For it seems like only yesterday I helped him with his shirt, Or pat my baby on the back, Or kissed away a hurt.
Tell a story, read a book, wipe a nose, or tie a shoe. They never ask me to rub their backs the way they used to do.
Once it was a bother, just a troublesome kind of chore. but now I would give anything to do it just once more.
Mommy, bounce me on your knee, Daddy, flip me in the air. Throw a rubber ball to me and help me comb my hair.
Mommy, tickle my tummy... Daddy hold me high. Lets go outside, for a while, or make a kite to fly...
I count it as a privilege I count it cause for praise To kiss my children goodnight at the close of everyday.
For I know too soon they're up and gone And walking out the door And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight anymore!
Post no. 100 - Teacher
Both my parents were teachers, and I could not fathom a better upbringing than what they gave me if they had a different occupation.
I thank God for this.
To Mummy and Daddy, this story is for you.
Teacher
Many years ago I had a teacher whose husband unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students.
As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important.
Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end.
It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."
Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.
It doesn't have to be something you see - it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked cake wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches a leaf as it falls gently to the ground.
Please look for these things, and cherish them.
For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the stuff" of life.
The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy.
The things we often take for granted.
We must make it important to notice them, for at any time... it can all be taken away."
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.
Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.
Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today.
Go barefoot.
Or walk on the beach at sunset.
Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone.
For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.
I thank God for this.
To Mummy and Daddy, this story is for you.
Teacher
Many years ago I had a teacher whose husband unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students.
As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important.
Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end.
It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."
Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.
It doesn't have to be something you see - it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked cake wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches a leaf as it falls gently to the ground.
Please look for these things, and cherish them.
For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the stuff" of life.
The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy.
The things we often take for granted.
We must make it important to notice them, for at any time... it can all be taken away."
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.
Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.
Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today.
Go barefoot.
Or walk on the beach at sunset.
Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone.
For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Recipe For Happiness Will Get Your Life Cooking
Must be all the pent up frustration.
I have to let it all out NOW!
Recipe For Happiness Will Get Your Life Cooking
Feel like you're simmering on the stove of life? Well we've cooked up the perfect recipe for you. The best part is thatall the ingredients for a good life are easily within reach.
You'll need...
1 part of knowing who you are
1 part of knowing who you aren't
1 part of knowing what you want
1 part of knowing who you wish to be
1 part of knowing what you already have before you
1 part of choosing wisely from what you have before you
1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have ("bad" included)
Mixing Instructions:
Combine ingredients together gently and carefully. Using faith and vision, mix together with strong belief of the outcome,until finely blended. Use thoughts, words and actions for best results. Repeat.
Yields unlimited servings!
I have to let it all out NOW!
Recipe For Happiness Will Get Your Life Cooking
Feel like you're simmering on the stove of life? Well we've cooked up the perfect recipe for you. The best part is thatall the ingredients for a good life are easily within reach.
You'll need...
1 part of knowing who you are
1 part of knowing who you aren't
1 part of knowing what you want
1 part of knowing who you wish to be
1 part of knowing what you already have before you
1 part of choosing wisely from what you have before you
1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have ("bad" included)
Mixing Instructions:
Combine ingredients together gently and carefully. Using faith and vision, mix together with strong belief of the outcome,until finely blended. Use thoughts, words and actions for best results. Repeat.
Yields unlimited servings!
Self actualise
What is self actualisation?
Do any of you know?
I first came across the term when I was in college. Well, part-time college as I was also serving my apperenticeship in Price Waterhouse (before it became PwC).
The simple way to define it is "to be ALL you can BE".
Lately, I've been seriously considering a change of industry. Let's face it, shipping people do not really know how to appreciate a person with a MBA.
Then I thought of this quote.
Read, every day, something no one else is reading.
Think, every day, something no one else is thinking.
Do, every day, something no one else would be brave enough to do.
It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.
- Christopher Morley
I've come to a decision.
I will either set up my own business or go into an industry where I can GROW as a person.
Financially, the rewards may not be there, but it's definitely better than a job where you are dying INTERNALLY.
Do any of you know?
I first came across the term when I was in college. Well, part-time college as I was also serving my apperenticeship in Price Waterhouse (before it became PwC).
The simple way to define it is "to be ALL you can BE".
Lately, I've been seriously considering a change of industry. Let's face it, shipping people do not really know how to appreciate a person with a MBA.
Then I thought of this quote.
Read, every day, something no one else is reading.
Think, every day, something no one else is thinking.
Do, every day, something no one else would be brave enough to do.
It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.
- Christopher Morley
I've come to a decision.
I will either set up my own business or go into an industry where I can GROW as a person.
Financially, the rewards may not be there, but it's definitely better than a job where you are dying INTERNALLY.
The Tea Cup
I haven't blogged in a while. It's stressful lately, to say the least.
The economy makes everyone fearful of losing employment, and I just became another parent again.
The responsibility is heavy, and I dread to think what if I couldn't afford to give my children even the basic necessities.
So here's a story for all of you who are feeling the heat.
And stand strong, for THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
"The Tea Cup"
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups.
Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked,"May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."
As the lady handed it to them, the tea cup spoke.
"You don't understand," it said, "I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me androlled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me be alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said,'Not yet!'
"Then. WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy!I'm going to be sick!', I screamed But the master only nodded and said, quietly, 'Not yet.'
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then....then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door.'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute,the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'Oh,that felt so good! Ah, this is much better,' I thought.
But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh,please; stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven.Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged.I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convincedI would never make it. I was ready to give up.
"Just then the door opened and he took me outand again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, What's he going to do to me next? An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did."I said, ' That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful, I'm beautiful!'
"Quietly, he spoke: 'I want you to remember, then,'he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.
I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
God knows what He's doing in each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.
So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this:
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down, and have a little talk with the Potter.
The economy makes everyone fearful of losing employment, and I just became another parent again.
The responsibility is heavy, and I dread to think what if I couldn't afford to give my children even the basic necessities.
So here's a story for all of you who are feeling the heat.
And stand strong, for THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
"The Tea Cup"
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups.
Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked,"May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."
As the lady handed it to them, the tea cup spoke.
"You don't understand," it said, "I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me androlled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me be alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said,'Not yet!'
"Then. WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy!I'm going to be sick!', I screamed But the master only nodded and said, quietly, 'Not yet.'
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then....then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door.'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute,the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'Oh,that felt so good! Ah, this is much better,' I thought.
But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh,please; stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven.Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged.I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convincedI would never make it. I was ready to give up.
"Just then the door opened and he took me outand again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, What's he going to do to me next? An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did."I said, ' That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful, I'm beautiful!'
"Quietly, he spoke: 'I want you to remember, then,'he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.
I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
God knows what He's doing in each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.
So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this:
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down, and have a little talk with the Potter.
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