Grace is Sweeter Than Bitterness: Experiencing Spiritual Growth

The happiest people don't have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything.(Photographer's caption.)

      I'm off to play my guitar and sing for Armida. I just received word from her son, Paul. She has from hours to 2-3 days remaining, according to the hospice staff. He asked if I could come and sing. Of course, I will. Two of my sons are joining me. I'd appreciate your prayers for Armida, her family and for me, as I try making a difficult time more serene. For more about my dear friend and her current situation, please click here.

      I'd be happy receiving your support. I'll be spending time with the family, now, and over the next few days. It would great having you as part of the Attitude of Gratitude team. I'm thankful I don't operate alone, relying only on my resources. That would be too dangerous. There's more balance in my life benefiting from the collective perspective of my supportive community. I also have more serenity now that I don't make decisions alone. My Balcony People provide the balance needed in life.

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      Life is good. I had a terrific time with all three sons, my ex and my mother-in-love, Lena, yesterday. You know, friends and jobs may come and go, but our family is forever. I was happy that Saturday we celebrated an important event in Josiah's life. No, not his birthday, that's in October.

      Yesterday, I mentioned concerns I had. I feel good I did so graciously. There was no scowling, use of guilt or blame. Something of mine was damaged. What was more important was that the ones who caused the damage were affirmingly spoken to. Years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. Thank God for growth. I let those involved know that they were more important than my loss due to carelessness.

      Having said that, I asked them to make amends. Their response was interesting: stunned. What was important was that they knew our relationship was stronger than the issue.

     There's hope for the past. New legacies we can create. Yesterday was an example. Where once there was shame, guilt and denial (my experience, growing up) is being replaced by love, acceptance and responsibility (how I handled yesterday incident).

     That's one thing I've learned from the book Safe People.

Safe people correct in order to forgive, the relationship is more important than the issue.  Unsafe people correct and often condemn---they care more about the issue than the relationship.

      I'm glad knowing God's love in my life. Not only from Him, but through the graciousness of others. As a result of experiencing it in my life, I was able to love others yesterday, who had caused harm.  I don't want to give you the wrong impression, I'm not always this way. However, yesterday I was; that's progress.

      Please check in and let me know your thoughts.  I'd love hearing your gratitudes. Have a serene, grateful and fulfilling week, is my prayer for you,

 

Image: "Cumbria: View to Derwent Water and Skiddaw"  by Tim Blessed © all rights reserved, used by permission.