Restoring The Years the Locust Have Eaten Through Service, the Healing Power of God's Love (200th Post) ........................10/30/11

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the
recognitionof this is the beginning of wisdom.
Theodore Isaac Rubin

     Good evening everyone,

How was your day?  I'm leaving in a bit to ride my bike.  That will be followed with a work out on the gym I have at home.  The weather was great, my football team won and I got rest.

     I'm giving a presenta-tion Wednesday, of the sort that I have never done before. It's service related in two ways: I'll speak on the value of doing service.  I will also give a report, the result of attending a conven-tion in Squaw Valley.  After more than 20 years of public speaking, I enjoy talking on a new to topic.

     For me, doing community service restores the years the locust have eaten.  "Huh?" you say?  Engaged in service can be healing; with a good organization, I experience the healthy aspects of parenting, especially those qualities lacking in my home, when I grew up.

     I represent a non-profit organization. Those I serve thank me, even when they disagree with my point of view while representing them.  They pay my expenses and appreciate my efforts at doing my best.  Those I represent are supportive.  If I seek advice, they don't tell me what to do.  They relate principles that have helped them, in similar circumstances.  Ultimately, they let me decide.    Man, is that healing.  So different from the way I was reared.

      When I need help, I ask for it and get it.  It's not the kind of domineering "assistance" I received as a child.  That type of parenting hovered over me---- like a helicopter---making sure that I do it right, their way.  That did not suit my need for autonomy.  Even as a child, I needed my independence.

      Now, those I serve may share their experience, strength and hope about what I'm doing, if their perspective is different.  But, they allow me to serve any way I want.  Wow.  I appreciate the flexibility and the respect for my individuality and my decisions on their behalf.   The way I'm treated meets my need for autonomy, dignity, and ease.  I don't care for someone watching over my actions, when working and appreciate others who trust my judgment.

      Being treated with flexibility and respect while serving is healing.   I am the trust and support I that was missing as kid.

Maintaining Balance
      Yesterday morning, I gathered with close friends.  Hearing inspired, authentic, insightful conversation was a terrific way to start my weekend.  I love hearing people celebrating growth in their lives.

      I appreciate balance.  It's great connecting with others, laying aside my work for hours.  Usually, I help others.  It's nice having my needs met.  Laughter, smiles, being with joyous others restores my soul.

     This is a special post, did you know that?  Thanks for sharing this time with me.  As of today, in less than 8 months, seven and a half, to be exact, I've written two hundred.

      I enjoy marking century occasions like these.  It's good to know this inn meets the needs of many.

The Transforming Power of God's Love 
Relating with Balcony People.

      Knowing, relating, with a compassionate, patient, forgiving, gracious, and all empowering God humbles me.  It is wonderful knowing a Higher Power who is more patient towards me than I am towards myself. When my real self is loved and accepted, it come out from hiding, get healed and is transformed. The beast of my inner self is transformed into a prince.

     It's easier revealing the vulnerable side of me when I know a God who loves me as I am, defects and all. I'm thankful for His unconditional love. His love is not a token, or begrudging effort. It is genuinely concerned for my happiness and wholeness.  My connection with Him provides the serenity, harmony and the emotional safety I need. Thank you, God!

     It amazes me knowing others who love me unconditionally---they are incarnational ambassadors of God's regard for me. They are my Balcony People. I'm thankful for this supportive network. I'd be more of a mess without them.
An Offer From the Innkeeper:
     If you'd like to know how you can get your own Balcony People, write me. I'd be glad to share with you things that can be done to grow them.  It takes time.  We don't get them overnight, but they are worth the effort.

1. I appreciate each and everyone of you who drop by this home of praise and thanksgiving.
2. I'm thankful for you who drop by and keep me company with your comments.
3. I'm grateful for second chances. Service allows me to experience being overseen, from a positive perspective.
4. I'm grateful for my relationship with God. Apart from Him, I'm rarely effective.
5. Service as the innkeeper makes me grow and is healing. Thank you for joining my journaling of joys in this inn.

How About You?
1.  Do you do any community service? What organizations do you belong to?
2.  What do you like best about doing service?
3.  Do you have a Higher Power? If so, how would you describe the God of your understanding?
4.  What might be your gratitudes for today?

Image: "Northamptonshire: Spring Vista" by Time Blessed. All rights reserved. Used by permission.