I knew that being friendly wasn't the be all, get all when it came to being popular or liked in school. You had to have that certain something that I didn't have. Now, I know that even though I might not be the prettiest, the smartest or the most popular, I love being friendly and giving for how it makes me feel inside not for what I might get back.
Finding the balance to give when it makes sense and feels good is sometimes difficult. I now sometimes have anxiety because I can't be everywhere or everything for everyone. In the end, it is a give and take and taking or expecting isn't bad or awful of us. It is what keeps us motivated, inspires us, propels us and helps us decide what we want to give to whom and when. Discernment is one of the most wonderful ways in which we can balance the giving and the taking and make days like the 14th of February really meaningful for our relationships on all levels.
All of our interactions with others are important at some level and showing appreciation for them is what will always make the world go round.
Hope you heart day was filled with an everlasting joy.
Well said, Irma. Funny but I felt the same way too...and sometimes I still feel this way! Those insecurities can still creep up on me.
ReplyDeleteAs far as finding balance, as I've grown older I have learned to just say no and "just because I don't feel like it, that's why". I can't volunteer for every school, soccer or church function, but when I do I give the best of me that I can.
These days it gives me so much more joy to give rather than to receive.
So true Irma. I used to have such a hard time with rejection, but now I know I needed to experience that feeling in order to become stronger. As a senior lady I am content with the love I receive and no longer expect those around me to dish it out in so many cupfuls. This has to make me a better wife and mother too. I am so grateful for the many gifts that God has given me.
ReplyDeleteOkay . . . so today is a good day!
We hear over and over that we learn from going through our own trials and tribulations but I wish we could pass down our pitfalls to those we love so they avoid them.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to learn our life lessons after, often long after they seem relevant and yet our children must go through their own lessons...life is such a crazy, wonderful endeavor, I guess we just need to make sure we have our seat belts on and enjoy the ride.
I witness how my 10 year old granddaughter Haley is going through life's ups and downs, and I tell her she has to experience and learn. I wish that someone would have shown me how to look at life's low points unafraid. How come no one talked about those things? If someone helps you through a low point it's easier to get back on the road to "content."
DeleteIt's amazing going back to think of those times, of receiving valentines or not. Unfortunately I did not receive those valentines back then, but the good thing is that my life today has made up for all those unreceived valentines. God has blessed me with a Valentine everyday from my husband and family. Mark took Faith out for an early Valentine's dinner just the two of them, she felt so special. We hope that he is the example of a man she looks for, for herself. The expectations we wait for on special days can cause unnecessary anxiety.
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