Each month, the host of the Spiritual Journey Thursday community invites others to walk along life's path. When the invitation sent by Bob Hamera, aka arjeha, arrived in my email, I realized that the prompt, attitude, would be an appropriate one for me. Bob asked the Spiritual Journey community to take a look at our attitude and how it affects not only ourselves but also others.
As the community knows, I am walking a tightrope since the sudden passing of my husband in April. Each day, I wake praying to find a new avenue that will restore my soul, revive my heart, and renew my life. Unfortunately, at the end of most days, I find myself standing in a vast ocean of unpredictable, swishing waves, realizing that my emotions are scattered across the sea's waters. Another image appears, a remembrance of days at the ocean, watching the tide ebbing and flowing at a rapid pace. My feet sink into the sand, and my body falls into the cold water, unable to rise with balance. . .
After reading Bob's invitation, I realized that a new attitude is exactly what I needed. By chance, I found an interesting quote on the Purposely. podcast, "Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it." As in the Bible (Phillippians 2:5), Apostle Paul advocates for a new attitude: "Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus." Paul is speaking about having a humble and selfless mindset like Jesus. These thoughts may have been hiding all along, since I believe in a positive mindset. Now, I am ready once again to spark the fire that filled my heart with positivity. This is a necessity. I need to walk the spiritual journey with hope and faith and not waddle in the darker side of life that interferes with a positive attitude. With a strong mindset, faith, and hope, my goal will be to minimize the grief and anxiety I often feel.
Carol, I really like that quote you found. Life is reacting to what happens to us and when life throws us a devastating blow it tends to numb us which makes it hard for us to look at the positives in our life. It is a slow process and different for each of us. Hope and faith are the lights that can and will lead us out of the darkness. I know that with your strong will each day will bring you closer to that light. Thoughts are with you. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, I just edited a couple of lines before coming back to read your comment. Finding the light on the path will bring me joy. Thank you for your comforting words and being a fine host. I appreciate your positivity.
DeleteCarol, Carol, the image of "the tide ebbing and flowing at a rapid pace. My feet sink into the sand, and my body falls into the cold water unable to rise with balance..." is so understandable and so sad. Grief after a lifetime love is gone is something I haven't had to endure, and I know we hope we don't have to, but we don't get to choose. I'm sorry again for your loss. I like the commitment in your post about being ready for a new phase of grief: "Now, I am ready once again to spark the fire that filled my heart with positivity. This is a necessity." Here's to a blessed next chapter, Carol.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I love your steadfast commitment to "walk the spiritual journey with hope and faith." I think of your grandgirls who will remember the grace you show in the face of grief and loss; and how you sought strength in God, in the beauty that surrounds you, and in the blessings of your life. Your attitude is GIFT.
ReplyDeleteCarol, your found quote is a keeper for sure! Also, your description of grief as one standing in a vast ocean of unpredictable and ever changing waves is powerful. Your commitment to walk forward in hope and faith is strong and I hope you will also give yourself lots and lots of grace as you walk this journey.
ReplyDeleteCarol, your journey is not an easy one, but I admire your willingness to walk forward with faith and hope by your side. Restore is a wonderful word for this new year. Extend plenty of grace for the hard days too and realize that your steps are blessed by He who loves you and desires your happiness.
ReplyDeleteCarol, grief is a such long and heavy process. I cannot think of a more hopeful, healing word than the one you chose for this year, "restore." It reminds me of a favorite verse, Psalm 51:12: "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free [generous] spirit." The heart's cry for joy that only God can give, for the salvation that only He can give. Your poem is so full of hope and determination - a reach toward newness in life, even as it has changed. How I love "A new year brings colors/not the blues." The Lord will bless the active striving toward Him and resting in Him...for grief is so akin to exhaustion and a sense of drowning. Isaiah 43:2 comes to mind: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you..." Continued prayer for you, friend. Know that your gentle words continue to uplift us and encourage us even as you seek strength to keep moving forward.
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