VALUE of little things

 In a world where great things happen, it can be both interesting and rewarding to value 'little' things that often go unnoticed.

Awhile ago, I met my sister in Dublin, and we were looking forward to a walk around Stephen's Green.  However, the wind and rain put a damper on our desire. We did eventually have a short walk before going our seperate ways, and enjoyed seeing the grounds covered in leaves, all shades of golden brown. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spied a lovely blood-red leaf. With raindrops falling, the colour was even more beautiful.  Only one leaf of that colour could be found, yet it was enough to lift our hearts at the wonderful beauty of nature.  

It made me realise, 'little' things happen, often.  Do we notice; are we impressed? All depends on how present we are in each moment, so I wonder, what little things will I notice today. Ah, just wait and see.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

As Dickons said, in one of his great novels, Great Expectations, we can be surprised by the good things that happen to us, and unaware of the sad happenings that afflict others.

Human nature is often based on what we believe is our need, and becoming blind to the truth that it is our true needs that ought to be addressed and not, our imagined needs.

Pope Francis keeps sending out messages to the World at large, to address and examine our wants, versus our needs. Simply put, we have desires that fill us with ideas of needs we do not have.  

Great expectations helps us to reach out to those who would gladly help us out, and in turn, encourage us to reach out to others.  A simple way to come up with answers is to look at what we have, not what we want.

For myself, just looking into my wardrobe helps me to see how far I am from being fulfilled with the joy of expecting gifts, rather than hoarding them. The clothes I have not had the chance to wear this year, could well be put away, and become gifts for others.  That lovely little top I love, yet have a need to lose weight to wear it, belongs to someone else, not me.

I'm beginning to realise the Mind and Love of God,  in how He treats us and guides us to become more honest and loving people.  I want to have great expectation in being loved and surprised by God.  I must let go, and let it happen!

IMAGINATION

 Having a creative mind depends a lot on having a good imagination. It becomes visible when we see the way children play.  The game begins with someone's imagination, and is followed through by those who are interested in being creative.

When I was young, and on holiday in Donegal with my family, we found ourselves in a completely different environment.  My granny's cottage had no running water, so we were given the job of going to the well for water.

There was no toilet or bathroom, so our basic requirements were provided for with a basin of hot water and a bucket with a seat cover on top!  Of course, there was a bog lake nearby where we swam to my poor granny's terror that we would drown.

Without even known it, we were using our skills and imagination to create a new world on a small farm, devoid of cars and street lights, and we were happy to do so.

Imagination teaches us to improvise in new creative ways, and if we are fortunate enough to love literature and writing, then there is no limit to the stories that are hidden in the depths of our hearts.

Of course, there are many ways to use our imagination.  When we discover the hidden talents within, our whole life becomes a magical haven!

INNOVATIVE

 Learning to be innovative is both a challenge and an invitation to bring something new into our lives, a whole new way of thinking outside the box!

The Dictionary says, 'a new process or way of doing things...'  Perhaps a good way to break old habits etc.  Also,  learning to examine our lives and ways of doing things.

For me, being innovative is a good challenge because I love to form habits of doing things / saying things / going places that I feel comfortable with. In truth, I love my comfort zone..  Could this be a bad thing? Maybe yes and maybe no.

To be able to be comfortable in who we are and what we do, is a positive state of mind.  However, there will be times when we are invited, maybe even forced to become a better self, able to move forward with how life is changing for all of us.

My sister was on home leave recently.  One of her difficulties was with her phone. Being able to sent a text, or charge her phone etc. was not easy.  One day, we lost each other in town. I stood in Henry street, helpless.  We discovered afterwards, her phone was not charged.  Basic skills that children have, can be a challenge when one grows older, less bolder to learn new things.

So, being innovative will help to push us forward to become part of this crazy, yet wonderful world of ours!

MY AUTHENTIC SELF

 Sometimes we have a need to examine ourselves positively, and wonder are we making progress in developing our true Authentic self?

First off, what does that mean, to be My Authentic Self?  Am I not who I am, or is there an underlining question as to who I truly am?

Being of a Christian mind, one can believe without full understanding, because we have the Life of Christ to show and teach us about how to become true to our beliefs

However, because we are an authentic person, unique and individual, we can be swayed by cultural values and behave according to who we are expected to be, rather than who we truly are.

This has a much to do with our own weakness in wanting to belong and fit in, as well as the opinions of others, so what steps can we take to develop this authentic self?

I believe the answer lies in honesty and a certain humility where we are prompted by our inner voice to be true to ourselves, no matter what!

We have a Mentor / a Template given to us in the Life of Christ, to teach us how to become our Authentic Self.  So, a very positive and inspiring question to ask is this,  am I interested in becoming this wonderful caring and loving person, created by God?

ANTICIPATE

 There are times when one might want changes to happen, and perhaps long for them too much.

To anticipate what might happen in the future is often speculation, and takes us away from reality.  It is so much better to anticipate positively, and work towards it and make it happen.

Day-dreaming has its place, yet is often used incorrectly, whereas when we are positive and work towards a positive solution, anticipating all that is good, then we are on safe ground.

Like a student who has to pass an exam, yet has failed to study, there would be no point in anticipating success.

A person of Faith will know and understand that steps need to be taken to gain results.  God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves.  

Of course, being a Loving Father, He will prompt us and guide us when we are open to His loving Voice.   So important therefore that we listen well.  Inspirations will come our way, and we will be guided by LOVE!

EXPLORATION

 Exploration denotes a willingness to explore and discover the hidden secrets of the mind and heart.  It can be a wild and wonderful interest in the knowledge of what it means to be a fully human being.

We are so diverse and often lost within ourselves that the challenge to find our true selves can take a lifetime of searching.  Perhaps, this is the greatest wonder of all.

Who am I?  What has made me who I am, and why?  To have answers to all the questions that can come our way, will teach us how to be self-aware and true.

When Christ was on Earth, he asked the people, " Who do they say that I am?"       Of course, he knew that he was the Son of God,  yet it was important that they also knew his identity.

This is a great example for us to see the importance of knowing ourselves. In this way, we make it easy for others to know us, and so, friendships can flourish.

Am I truly able to be myself, warts and all?  With good-will and grace, we all have this great ability; to remember, we are a work in progress.

Keep exploring the gift of life!