Does Aging Reveal You?

Here's my deep thought for the week: The older you get, the more your "true self" is revealed.
For example, When I was in my teens and younger, I was really shy around strangers. At 16 years of age I could barely look the cashier at Arby's in the eye much less comment that she had given me the wrong order. I was a mirror of my dad; very introverted. My mother, Miss Congeniality, was concerned and made me read a book on assertiveness. I don't know how it happened but within scant months I was telling the server at Arby's that I would appreciate it if the amount of ice was decreased and my cup actually filled with pop, all the way to the top, if you please! Something changed as I realized that the shyness never felt "right" or comfortable but talking to a lot of different people was fun and natural. The "real me" had emerged.

If you like routine, does the it begin to feel like a necessity as you grow older? Does the desire to be orderly feel more like a need than a nudge? What about empathy? Is that concern you've always seemed to feel for people growing into a passion? How about that spark of disdain you may have felt for those who indulge in harmful or merely unproductive behaviors? Is it turning into sarcasm and haughtiness? Has the happiness you felt every morning upon waking blossomed into a full blown joy of life which must be shared with everyone?

(I know that no one has only one or two facets to their personalities and that negative aspects can be overcome. I am taking into account those who have problems like Alzheimer's which can change personalities beyond recognition.)

Those of us who belong to Christ must remember that our lives are hidden with Him and that we have put on "the new man". He is our center and reality. We can grow older displaying His self and revealing what He would make of us if we allow it. Don't let years or circumstances allow you to reveal a self which is less than that of His design.

Bugged

I used to think that if I could eliminate just one insect from the world that it would be the mosquito. Now, after a number of re-infestations I may change my mind and eliminate fleas.
We never, in the seven years of having our sheltie/shepherd mix, had a problem. One time before we used a flea product on her and when I took her to be groomed, was told that it wasn't fleas, but a skin problem which was easily solved with a moisturizer. Now, since have the little yorkie-poo, we have had nothing but fleas, fleas, fleas. Is it the dog, or our new location? I don't know, but I am REALLY sick of fleas!!

Being an Ear

I've heard that dentists have one of the highest suicide rates of all professions but I'd guess that the highest numbers of drug users are in the counseling profession. It's hard to imagine having to listen to the staggering amount of problems and conflict that people are faced with, even if you believe you can help them. I am staggered just listening to my children.

It's important to be an "ear" even if you're not a professional counselor. Moms need especially big and sensitive ears. My eldest son confided that he doesn't like to open up and let me know how he's feeling but he has to tell "somebody". I am extremely grateful for my husband for working hard and supporting us but fathers are more like icons than ears. They are someone you look up to and want approval from, but not always someone you spill your guts to. How well I remember this with my own dad! (My guess is that this is a part temperament and a part macho thing.)

It's hard to listen to someone, whether friend, child, spouse, whoever, without becoming dragged down at some point by their troubles. Their distress can be so acute that it's almost like experiencing it myself. I try hard to make myself a channel rather than a pool for all that flows from people. I want to be able to listen and provide direction or just support without feeling swept up or dumped on. I pray a lot. At times it is really the only available course of action but it is always the best first action. As I take things in I channel them to my Heavenly Father.

God is the ultimate EAR.

Hearing involves understanding. Sometimes I may not understand what a person is going through but I unless that person is willing to talk to me nothing can change. I will never understand what I cannot hear. Truthfully, I may not understand even after I hear, but I can still provide support by being a willing listener and going to God on behalf of the person.

"He who has an ear, let him hear...."

Idiots a Plenty

Cynical observation for the day: The world may experience many shortages but there will always be plenty of mean, small-minded, foul mouthed idiots. If, by the way, any of you who fit this category are reading this, your "anonymous" comments are no longer allowed on this girls blog! (Thanks for your help, Scott)