Being Human

Some famous philosopher said "to be is to do." Another said "to do is to be." Sinatra said "do be do be do." I find it very difficult to "just be." I can veg out with the best of them -- after I've DONE something. I've had seasons of being way too busy and I complained about it. I'm in a season right now where everything I do is my own doing. I don't have a boss, other than God. And if I am hearing God correctly through the words of the Bible and the counsel of my praying friends, the message is "rest in God's peace." There is a story in the Bible about Mary and Martha. (they were sisters and they had Jesus over for supper) Martha was ticked at Mary because instead of helping with the meal, Mary was listening to Jesus. Martha asked Jesus to rebuke Mary, and instead he stood up for Mary, saying she was doing what was best. I guess my point is that it's easier for me to be a "human doing" than a "human being." But I must trust that there are seasons for doing and seasons for being. While I'm "being" I hope I am "being prepared" for what I'm here on earth to do. For now, I'll be. Peace out.

Just Around the Bend

When the storm is raging overhead
When your dreams are scattered in the wind
When your hope is gone and you're barely hanging on
There is a dawn, just around the bend

When you lose a person that you love
When you wonder why it had to end
The reason for your pain may give you strength
If you can make it through the rain
Just around the bend

Just around the bend the sun is shining
Even though it's hard to comprehend
Pray with all your heart, and follow every star that heaven sends
The answer waits for you just around the bend

Be thankful we don't get what we deserve
We do our best and then we make amends
We live our lives by faith even when we make mistakes
There's heaven's grace just around the bend

Storms

Today's weather is a reminder that we are in a stormy season. I could "awfulize" by enumerating specifics, beginning with the tragedy in Haiti. But then I'd just start a cloudburst inside myself and blow you off my blog.

If sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy, isn't it logical that storms (of all kinds) make me sad? Maybe that's a variation on the theory that to experience happiness you have to let in the pain too. Or be numb.

There is another option -- peace on the inside amidst the storm. How on earth do you get there? Not on earth I guess. It takes looking up, beyond the earth, to a power greater than earth. When I look upon injustice, pain, suffering and death, I remind myself that God steps in. I see other humans through my human eyes and imagine how they feel. But I can't truly know how they feel. God knows. And He has the power to ease their pain, heal their afflictions, rescue their souls and transcend any earthly calamity.

I am naturally saddened by storms. But I am supernaturally calmed by the knowledge that God has promised His comfort and mercy. And it's His job, not mine. My job is to pray. So I am. And I will continue to pray for everyone going through a storm of any kind. May you find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Winners and Losers

American Idol's new season begins tonight. Stadiums full of wannabe singing stars wait hours for their shot at a team of so-called "experts" who will decide their fate. Many of them don't make it to the "real" judges. A relative handful make it to Hollywood, where the top 24 are selected and narrowed down to the top 12. You know the drill. Hope. Pressure. Disappointment. Elation. And sometimes even the winners seem to drift back into obscurity post-season. I've been a winner and a non-winner. But never a loser. You can only be a loser if you never try. I've tried out for cheerleader. to sing the National Anthem at Dodger stadium, for bands, for parts in plays and for the number one place in way too many "talent contests" to count. It's an experience that makes your mind spin and your entire body perspire. Your voice shakes. People look you up and down and all around. Sometimes they say "I don't know, I just don't like your voice." And sometimes - you get the prize. Why lie, it's nice. Standing in front of 38,000 fans singing "Oh say can you see..." is a thrill. A standing ovation after a "Star Search" modulated arrangement of "Over the Rainbow" is a moment I will never forget. In this photo I'm holding my prize. Having someone else deem me "a winner" feels great. But even more important is taking the chance of not being selected. You're a winner if you show up. Kudos to all the AI contestants. No guts, no glory!

Knowing yourself

Meet Pink. You may not see the resemblance, but Pink is part of me. And I believe he is a boy, though that is not obvious either. I made him in second grade. His legs are uneven. So are his ears. He has fallen and been glued back together. He is imperfect yet you know he is an elephant. Many a perfectionist, or even an older version of me, could improve on his proportions. But why? Where does this desire to perfect everything come from? Should art be perfect? I'm stuck on that fence sometimes. Certainly in music I like notes to be in tune. Most people like proper proportion and symmetry in art. We don't like one pant leg shorter than the other or a floor that slants. So the question becomes where do you draw the line? (literally) How do you "get better" without losing your uniqueness? Pink reminds me I was born to be an artist. Maybe not a sculptor (then again, NO!), but my heart is in art and always has been. Caring friends invite me into their grids and I feel loved but I am not inspired there. I like the whimsical, the unpredictable and most often the nonsensical. I guess I look through Pink-colored glasses.

The Baby New Year

A brand new year. A fresh start. Look at it with a child's eyes. Anything is possible. It's never too late for a second chance. I'm right there with you. Maybe what didn't work before will work this time. Ask for what you want. Love a little harder. Smile even when you don't feel like it. Tell someone something nice about them. Let go of last year's hurts. Ditch the bitterness. Go outside, look around and take in the natural beauty. Take purposeful breaks from cyberspace. Call someone you haven't talked to in awhile. Get in your car and visit that friend who lives two hours away. Have someone over for dinner. Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance. Dance. And hug that baby. Any baby. Then refresh your screen -- your brain -- and your heart. Happy new year!