Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day 2011!

Wow it is cold this morning! Seems like winter will never end. But Punxsutawney Phil saw no shadow, so that means no more winter!

We have these complicated models of weather predictions like doppler radar and weather balloons and the Weather Channel with in-depth wall-sized graphics of pressure fronts and weathermen with white sport coats. Unfortunately to most of us the Weather Channel, and all weather forecasts wherever they are is just some form of fiction. And no matter what Thunderstorm or Snowpocalypse of whatever, whom do we trust? A groundhog surrounded by men in funny hats.

I guess we'll see if the groundhog is right. Only time will tell. After all, he's only right 39 percent of the time.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Can't have what you want when you want it

This seems to be a recurring lesson I have to learn in my life. I had strep throat over the week end and was banished to my room alone all day Sunday and all day Monday. It was kinda hard for me. I was alone and couldn't have what I wanted when I wanted. I wanted to be with someone. Anyone. I choose alone time often over being with other people but finally when I was told you can't spend time with anyone it because the worst option ever. There is that saying 'you don't realize what you have until it is gone.' Its a true phrase. Oh so true.

Many a time are we ungrateful or take for granted the things that we have. It isn't until the people we love are suddenly out of town or unavailable that we miss them. When we do have the choice we take it for granted. This is true on many other aspects. We take things for granted then one day there is an accident and we loose things or have blessings taken away from us such as the use of a hand or leg or the ability to take care of ourselves. These daily tasks we overlook and forget oftentimes. It may be things like taking for granted the things that make our lives easier and more manageable like a cell phone or a portable laptop. Then all of a sudden we are reminded of it true value when its gone or un-useable.

Life has these sudden things to wake us and make us slow down and appreciate the things around us. We can't always have what we want when we want it. Life doesn't work that way. We wouldn't grow or progress if it did. I am thankful for time time I get to spend with Braden because it seems so many times when I want to spend time with him I can't. (mostly because of our work schedules conflicting) I am grateful for my family. I miss them especially on days that someone is sick. I am grateful for my job, my students and teaching especially in times that I can't be there.

The other lessons we learn through the idea we can't have what we want when we want it is patience.  Patience is when you have to wait a really long time. As we prepare to buy/move into our house I have come to the realization I wouldn't be able to fix up or cute-ify our house in the time that I would like to. The funds aren't there and my time to spend on projects is limited. I have to learn patience. I am grateful for Braden who is much more patient than me. I am learning patience a little more slowly than the lesson on gratitude but both are important.

These 2 lessons seem to be recurring in my life and will continue to keep happening until I can truly learn to be grateful and patient. I don't know if it will happen in this life time so I am glad I have eternity to become perfect.