When Success is Simply Saying “Yes”

So, I’m doing a final review of a talk I’ll be giving very soon. Suddenly an unexpected wave of concern sweeps over me. I remember that the talk I’ve readied in the quiet will soon be seen and heard by real people.

I’m not alone in that feeling. The bookkeeper who must present her spreadsheets in a board meeting knows it. The mom whose child is suited up for that big game understands it. The runner who trains on the streets of a neighborhood and then takes his place at the starting line battles it. In those many varied moments, we all want assurance of success.

I begin to ask, “How can I make sure this goes well?” And a verse from Proverbs pops into my mind: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3). I pause and consider the words. “Is this a guarantee from God that everything will always go the way I’d like it to? Not so according to my life experience and the rest of God's Word.

Slowly I began to grasp the true meaning: Success isn’t about outcome; it’s about obedience. The “success” this verse talks about is set in motion not when the results are in but as soon as we say, “Yes, God, I give this to You.” He thinks differently than we do. To Him, every obedient “yes” is already a success.

I’ll confess a part of me wishes that verse meant what I want will always happen. But when I look back over my life, I realize there have been many times when what I thought would be best would actually have been a mess. Thank God He didn't answer that prayer the way I was wanting Him to!

And the real relief is that when I commit something to God, I no longer have to carry it. I don’t bear the weight of the fears, expectations, and pressure. I can faithfully do what He’s asked me to and know He will take care of the rest. Whew!

I return to review my talk and all that concern fades with this realization: Who I’m turning this over to matters more than how it all turns out. God’s got this. He’s got me too! And, He's got you!

These Moments Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It is isn't the money in my wallet or the car I drive or home I live in. It isn't the TV show that made me laugh or the movie I saw that inspired me. Nothing can compare with the priceless gratitude moments that represent my favorite things.

I was thrilled to have my children and grandchildren (except for my "big" grands, Braden, Ruth (who had to work) and Barrett who couldn't make it here, to my home for our traditional Thanksgiving meal and time together. I was never in a panic mode, but, thanks be to God, I was relaxed, steady, motivated and excited to prepare the "grand" meal for those I love so much. It brought so much joy to my heart for us to sit around the table and talk about all the many blessings in our lives. Indeed, these moments are a few of my favorite things.

Ryan and Shawntel stay at my home, and their boys stay at the Wallace’s home so that the cousins can hang together. I love their love for each other, though Payton, age 17 and Alexia, age 16, are the older cousins of Brennan, age 13, and Bryson, age 11. Payton plays with them like he was their age and Alexia is like a little mother to Bryson -- cuddling and loving on him. Yes, this is another of my favorite things.

Yesterday morning, Ryan, Shawntel and I sat at my dining room table – enjoying our delicious breakfast burritos that dear Neicey made for us. I realized I was sitting in a different chair than I typically sit in. I usually face my living area but, this day I sat in the opposite chair and I saw a red berry bush outside my window that I never realized was a "red berry" bush. I had a new perspective and a new little “Thank you, God!” moment. Those moments are a few of my favorite things.

The two sets of parents had their private time together. I love seeing my grown children relating and encouraging each other in such peace and harmony. This is another one of my favorite things. I took the grandchildren up to the pickle ball and bocce ball courts where they played for hours. We came back to my house and they wanted “Nana’s sippy cups (Yes, I still have the sippy cups from their younger years that they still want to drink chocolate milk out of). Alexia and Bryson wanted me to pull out my Lincoln Logs (Yes, I still keep a few of their favorite “Nana and Papa” toys). Years ago, when they were all so small, Papa insisted on getting Lincoln Logs for the grandkids that stayed at our home. He handcrafted a thin board that he painted roads and rivers on for the set up of the logs. Those memories and these moments are among my favorites things.

I’m sure you’ve read enough of my "favorite things" moments, and I think you "get my drift". We live in such motion and speed. We get up early and go to bed late and have no time to savor "the moments". Do we want our epitaph to read "She/He was always on the go -- but she/he went nowhere!" When we are clear on what matters most in our lives, life will become so meaningful and joyful. What matters most is God's sweet moments -- those heaven to earth moments.

A lot of folks talk about wanting an “experience” as if it's going to come in the future. Yet what could be a more beautiful experience than THIS moment, right now? Though their Mom and Dad had to go home yesterday, the two boys talked their Mom and Dad into letting them stay over in Frisco until Sunday night, because Ryan’s associate, who lives in Southlake (a community just miles from here) is heading to Austin and can take them home. These are all "sweet surprise" moments that represent my favorite things.

This moment right now is beautiful and marvelous, and I’m in full appreciation of it. Who knows what the next moment will bring? Who cares? I’m here now having a glorious experience in this precious moment. Indeed these moments ARE among MY FAVORITE THINGS.

Busy Running....and Going SOMEWHERE

My granddaughter, Alexia Wallace (aka Lexi), aspires to be a veterinarian someday, so it is no surprise that she wanted me to go with her to her "job" where she provides dog sitting service for a neighbor's dogs. She feeds, walks and cares for the dogs throughout the day.

Then, it was off to the pet store. First, it was a stop-off at the hamster habitats to tenderly hold them and encourage them into their amusement park (the wheel that makes them think they're going somewhere....but NOT), and on to the dogs where she oohs and ahs over those cuddly little creatures.

When I was here, last time, she was chasing a runaway dog (in bitter cold, without a coat on) to save him from peril. When in Oklahoma, she jumped out of the car to save a slow-paced turtle from certain danger. Her mind just goes there. She has a heart for God's creatures. She has direction. She knows where she's going -- unlike those hamsters running in their wheel and going NOWHERE.

Isn't that like some of us? We live in motion and speed. We get up early and go to bed late and have no time for "the moment". Do we want our epitaph to read "She/He was always on the go -- but she/he went nowhere!" Round and round we go. Sure, we're busy, but we lack a sense of purpose and direction.

When we are clear on our goal and destination, life will become so meaningful and joyful. The direction is God and the goal is peace. If there's something to do, we will be doing it. It's easy and takes no time because we're clear on what we're doing....and WHY. It's an incredible feeling to know where we are going – to an experience of consistent love and joy and peace.

A lot of folks talk about wanting an “experience” (when they will feel alive) as if it's going to come in the future. Yet what could be a more beautiful experience than this moment, right now? Everything is happening in this moment. I can hear Payton playing the piano, the dogs barking at a passing dog outside, and the neighbors talking. I feel a breeze and a little bit of a chill in the damp Texas air this morning. Neicey surprises us with our favorite breakfast items from McDonald's. Larry is praying for our day to be blessed. This moment right now is beautiful and marvelous, and I’m in full appreciation of it. Who knows what the next moment will bring? Who cares? I’m here now having a glorious experience in this precious moment.

Life is very simple. It’s being present to whatever is directly in front of us. What could be easier? Pay attention. Be alert. Love where we are because we're on purpose when we wake up and put our feet on the floor. We have an assignment to fulfill, people to encourage, and being a light that shines brightly to the world. Isn't it awesome to be alive for this glorious adventure called LIFE, AND going....... SOMEWHERE?

Experience is the Best Teacher

I saw this photo and it brought back memories of 40+ years ago when my husband and I rented a paddle boat so as to enjoy a relaxing little excursion around the lake. It wasn't long before we realized this was far more work than we anticipated. Our thighs burned from pushing the paddles. And, then, most unexpectedly, the paddle wheel fell off into the bottom of the lake. Here we were.... no wheel, no motor and no oars. What's left to do? My Honey jumped into the water, swam and kicked his sore thighs and legs, pushing our boat, with me in it, back to shore. That was the last paddle boat excursion we took, but, oh, the priceless memories we carried with us! I'm convinced "Experience is the best teacher.....and boats with motors are so much easier on the legs!"

STOP.....and Smell the Roses!!!

Yesterday, I stopped by a garden center to check out some trees for my yard. The aroma of the Spring flowers was overwheming when I walked in! Immediately, I thought "I need to get some flowers!" Those fragrant, fresh smells almost led me astray because the nursery rep told me, for Tulsa, it's still too early to plant -- another freeze could play havoc on those little plantings. But I did enjoy the moments and sure wanted to linger there, but just too much to do -- I just had to go. Then, I realized that sometimes I get so wrapped up in my day-to-day activities that I don't take time to even notice the sweet smells around me -- literally, not taking "time to smell the roses". Could it be that we're not enjoying our life journey like we should? Are the details of life -- the finances or taxes, work, family, health, and even Facebook or emails distracting us? Then it is time to "stop and smell the roses"!!

Life really is so short -- the sweet photo here are Larry & Staci's two children, Alexia and Payton, 10 YEARS ago. I think....where did the time go? Isn't it best to be savoring the moments the best we can, while we can. Taking the time to enjoy their sweet smiling faces or listening to their silly laughter, or enjoying the upbeat music that just makes us want to do a little dance, really savoring the food we're eating, or noticing and smelling the fragrance of Spring! When we enjoy the little things, we’ll begin to experience joy and happiness that will make our life journey absolutely so worthwhile! So often, when I'm not distracted by so many day-to-day routines, I just love to sit quietly and reflect on the many blessings of my life -- that is the best way to "stop and smell the roses". If we don't stop and smell them today, before we know it, the roses will have wilted and withered and be gone. Okay....I'm getting off Facebook for a while -- and I'm going to find some roses to smell!!!