I am not even sure how to start this post. It has been a really hard week. As an empath and intuitive- I am weighed down and heart broken with the negativity; the hatred; and the violence in both words and deeds.
This week, the sadness, anger and disbelief has been overwhelming.
I am a seeker-seeker of God, seeker of justice, seeker of love, joy and wonder…..
As a seeker, for me, it is all about the questions….
Where is all this going? How is this world going to be for all the children, my own and those I serve? What does this say about human beings? Why is this happening?
What can I do to change the world?
What can I do to be the change what I want to see in the world?
Where do I begin?
What am I called to do?
What I always do first is to pray. This time, however, it wasn’t like any other prayer. This was down on the floor, heart breaking, soul renching prayers for our world, for our country, for humanity….. then it became clear-my role is to be a love, kindness and light bearer in a broken world. And my prayers continue….
I began this post last Monday, however, I was leading Vacation Bible School this week for 40+children with numerous adults and youth helpers. My week was consumed with details, storytelling, play dough, paint, water balloons, music, and loving and supporting of others. This is has been my vocation for 27 years. Ministry to Children and Youth and their Families. Our theme was ‘Being a SuperHero for God. ” It was all about heart, kindness, courage, wisdom, hope and the power of spirit. “Do good, seek peace, and go after it” Psalm 34-14b. This is where I began. Ok, so I did dress up as a Red Panda and change in a phone booth…. but I know that when our children left us, they viewed the world differently-with kindness, love, courage and wonder. We were all light and love bearers this week in a broken world.
One of the ideas that came in response to all the horrible events of the week was to introduce a ‘blessings box ‘ as part of our VBS week activities. The children decorated a box and we gathered food for our local food pantry. Being a blessing to others…..this yes.
As the world swirls around me, here is what I am doing to keep my heart and soul nourished and filled with love, joy and wonder. I will not be brought down by the hatred, violence and negativity. I am:
Limiting my social media reading to only positive, personal posts.
I am keep sunflowers on my kitchen counter. I love Sunflowers!! They are my favorite flower. They always turn toward the sun!! Flowers and nature can teach us so much. I always want to turn by face to the sun. Feel the warmth, the light and then share it with others.
Walking in nature every day. Soak in the beauty and gift of creation. Dance in the rain!! Jump in puddles!! Be wild and crazy!! Be joyful and playful!
I am playing my music loud and dancing. I am playing with my dogs. I am making good food for my family.
I created a sacred place in my home for writing, praying, and meditating. I also have sacred spaces all over my home and work to remind me of the importance of setting aside time to be present, to pray, to nourish my heart and soul.
Journal, journal, journal-my favorite coping tool. Ok, I do have a problem with too many journals but I love them.
Gratitude list. I have a blessing bowl that I am now keeping on my kitchen table to remind me to be thankful for all my blessings. Keeping a gratitude list in the morning and evening also helps me to remember and honor all that is good.
Acts of random kindness. ARKS. What can I do today for another that will help put light, love and kindness into the universe? I ask this to myself several times a day. It might be as simple as sitting with a co-worker and listening to their story, or Face-timing my children or grandchildren, or taking someone to the doctor. If each and every one of us sends light, love, kindness and compassion into the world, the positive energy and blessings grow!
Let my voice be heard. Be a crusader for peace and love. “Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi. This, yes.
Help start a school in the Dominican Republic; take kids to homeless shelters to serve and sit and talk with those gathered; train your dog to be a therapy dog and visit the elderly or visit children in a children’s hospital (working on this one), rescue and foster dogs-I asked myself- what breaks my heart? Do it!! Change the world…..one person, one creature, one cause at a time.
Be present with those I love. Just BE.
Pray, meditate and send blessings out into the universe.
I am a Light, Kindness, and Love Bearer in a broken world!!
Will you join me?
When the power of love is greater than the love of power, the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix
And always remember-the darkness will never overcome the light!!
Just Be. 