The Big Rocks
Anonymous
One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers, he said, “Okay, time for a quiz.” he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen ish-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would it inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.” “Really?” he said. He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. He asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?” By this time, the class was on to him. “Probably not,” one of them answered. “Good,” he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand into the jar and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, “Is the jar full?” “No,” the class shouted. Once again he said, “Good.” he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things into it!” “No,” the speaker replied, “that is not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is that if you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”
I have illustrated this sermon several times in my career as a Christian Educator to both big and small people. I actually think the children understand the engineering aspect of it more than the grown-ups do. However, when we go back a 2nd time in the experiment, and I label what the “The Big Rocks and the Little Rocks” are…. a very sheepish look crosses the faces of my audience.
This is a lesson about prioritizing what is really important in life. It is not be confused with how many tasks we can multi-manage at once. (As that can also be a waste of time and needless busywork).
Let’s be clear….if we do not fill the void initially with what is really of value, and then place all the little, sort-of meaningless pieces in first, how on earth will we ever fit the real ones when we need to do that? Obviously the “Big Rocks” are of different value to us all. Some will place hopefully God, Family, Friends, Marriage, and perhaps Education initially. (Then the second layers could look more like vacations, trips, money, sports, shopping, etc). However for others, it may look initially more like Wealth, Power, Fame and Status, (then maybe God, Friends, family, trips, etc). And in the end, we must decide how we feel when our life is filled with the rocks we need or want.
What if you select Option B …The Money/Power/Status life? Surely, when you move on to the next set of medium rocks they will have to do with supporting the life of your Big Rocks. Which then would need to do that, perhaps, Expensive Cars, Fine Clothing, Country Clubs and the like? If you can imagine your life as the contents of this particular jar, then the time after it becomes slim pickings for where the other lesser sized items shall fit…Friends, Family, and HOPEFULLY God. Think of God, in this scenario as the sand... or the water… the last choice and final addition, as it doesn’t require much space to you… the cars, homes and wealth are occupying those larger areas. How on earth could God work in our life if God needs to meander his way into the nooks and crannies of our life???
We are told that God knows all things. The Bible is clear that God has a plan for each of us. But, God also loves us so much that he gives us the free will to choose our big rocks. It is up to us if we choose to fill our lives with our plan, or God’s. September is like our 2nd New Year; I sometimes say that to the children. And as a new year begins for the lives of our children, and their families, you may want to fill up a jar at home some night with your family after dinner and see where your Big Rocks will lie for this school year ahead of us! Remember when you make the first of the Big Rocks, God, then anything else you place in the jar is merely a blessing of God’s and that is already waiting for your enjoyment. When God is first, there is enough room for all that matters!!!
Happy New Year,
Miss Dawn
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Face of Resurrection
I'm Starting With The Man InThe Mirror, I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer...If You Wanna Make The World a Better Place...
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change. -Michael Jackson
Do you you know what a resurrected man looks like? Interestingly enough, I have been talking this past week to my young friends about what in fact happens AFTER Jesus is raised. It is interesting in the way that we spend so much time on the pre-Easter story... the build up of Jesus' ministry, His Passion, and cruxifiction and finally, the empty Tomb. We rejoice in all its' mystery, wonder and meaning. Some take this story as "Gospel" if you will. In fact the very cornserstone of our faith, others a parable, or moreover a metaphor, for a changed existence.
(For the good!)
The Gospel of John this week in Acts speaks of a doubting man that knew Jesus prior to his violent death. We are not sure why Thomas is missing from the 1st appearance of Jesus in the room upstairs. We do know though that Thomas is unbelieving in the remaining 10's story of a risen Lord. He has not been faced with looking at a Resurrected man.
Hell, are any of us???
I am often regarded as a teacher who preaches aboves the heads of my charges about such events. I have fortuneatly been blessed, "charged", with a gift of bringing such abstract and heady principles to the hearts and minds of the young. Although, the resurecction has its moments of sincerity and true meaning... regardless, it is still hard to relate to small children... "Yeah, Jesus died and then he came back to life again 3 days later!" (Which is ususally followed up by a question like... "Well I waited 3 days Miss Dawn for my Mimi to come back and she hasn't!" (Ugh.)
I am grateful that I am not alone in this charge of relating such material to the young! Our school chaplain this past week asked immediately in his intro to his Homily... "So boys and girls what does it mean to be resurrected?" I was pleased and proud to watch my 5 year olds jump all over this line of questioning, but even more so that the priest told of his concerns for not knowing "exactly" what that meant either!!
I chose that Michael Jackson piece as my intro into this blog... it struck me that those words are very much related to what a resurrected person looks like given a mirror!
Its rather curious and obvious simulataneously that NO ONE can actually SEE the resurrected Jesus!! (At first). We first recognize this concept at that tomb. A weeping Mary Magdalene on that 1st Easter does not "see" her Master. She thinks she sees a gardner hired to take care of the grounds. She asks, "Where have you taken my Lord?" And then she hears.. "Mary... Mary..." She drops to her knees upon "hearing" her name spoken by the risen Christ. How many times have you not seen but been called?? Equally, the Disciples do not believe M2 when she appraoches them with this news. They think she is imagining something she wants to be real. Then Christ appears to them and speaks, "Peace be with you." They are elated and stunned that Jesus is in fact the same, but new. On the Road to Emmaus, two of Jesus' followers are walking to the next village directly following that tumultous weekend and they are discussing the horrid events. They are joined on the walk by Jesus... whom, as I tell children, "Is in His Resurrection Costume," and is unable to be recognized. (By those not willing to believe yet). It is not until Jesus is invited to stay the night and share a meal with this "stranger" that the 2 are called to recognize Jeus in his actions fo reaching out to help a stranger. Jesus then Breaks the Bread and passes it to them... they realize or recognize the face of a resurrected Christ!
Our friend Thomas today when doubting the remaining 10 says.. "Unless I can touch His side and place my fingers in his nail markings will I believe." And surely, Jesus gives Thomas the fulfillment of his desire by appearing and inviting Thomas to believe through touch. Thomas immediately knows and drops only to say "My Lord and God." Jesus, states..." Thomas, You have touched and therefore you believe, Blessed are those that need not and still do!" I tell the children that is all of us!
(Although ironically, The exception is the child in my Passion Play this year who played Jesus, I come to find out is really my Thomas!")
What does a resurrected face look like? I always tell the children when Christ is risen and returns that he is glowing in a light we can't seem to see. It is a light of purity and goodness, selflessness and grace. I do believe we catch glimpses of it when the time is right for us to see, touch, taste or hear God's Good News.
Some see resurrection when they look at a new born baby, (perhaps at our Christmas baby), or a couple marrying, (much like I did this past Firday when Princess Diana's son married that beautiful girl). Others see it when a truly miraculous hope was fulfilled... a cure from cancer, an extension of time on a dream, something that was lost is found such as a Prodigal Son returning to his Father. I often see it when I have driven home an educational homerun.. a concept now received and understood! Regardless, it is a transformation that couldn't be witnessed prior because of our human obstruction to it. It is amazing when we can see all wonder finally! When we remove the fears, and the doubts... the anger and pain to see what has already been made new for us. And a newness that will transform us to never be the same again.
Michael Jackson sings of a man, himself, recognizing that this world in all it's hurts and despair can be changed. Many of us cannot see that... much like the way we could not see the risen Christ. But MJ was a visionary. He truly believed and grieved over the hopelessness that others feel. We know many men such as this, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandala, I could go on.
One day you may wake and go to your mirror when you are ready to face the resurrected Jesus, take a look at yourself and make that change... make this world a better place.
But as the lyrics say... It must start with you!
Jesus did not ask the others to go with him that Good Friday,
(Or as my friends say.. "Sad Friday").
He went before us. He didn't ask the others to go and make the sacrifices before him... he began with himself. He did as the Father asked Him to do. And in the words of Catherine of Sienna, "He set the world a fire".
What face will you see the next time you stand before your mirror? Or on the Road to Emmaus? Your classroom? The streets of Newport? Take a good look at and be prepared to be graced with a Resurrected Jesus!
Happy Easter,
Miss Dawn
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change. -Michael Jackson
Do you you know what a resurrected man looks like? Interestingly enough, I have been talking this past week to my young friends about what in fact happens AFTER Jesus is raised. It is interesting in the way that we spend so much time on the pre-Easter story... the build up of Jesus' ministry, His Passion, and cruxifiction and finally, the empty Tomb. We rejoice in all its' mystery, wonder and meaning. Some take this story as "Gospel" if you will. In fact the very cornserstone of our faith, others a parable, or moreover a metaphor, for a changed existence.
(For the good!)
The Gospel of John this week in Acts speaks of a doubting man that knew Jesus prior to his violent death. We are not sure why Thomas is missing from the 1st appearance of Jesus in the room upstairs. We do know though that Thomas is unbelieving in the remaining 10's story of a risen Lord. He has not been faced with looking at a Resurrected man.
Hell, are any of us???
I am often regarded as a teacher who preaches aboves the heads of my charges about such events. I have fortuneatly been blessed, "charged", with a gift of bringing such abstract and heady principles to the hearts and minds of the young. Although, the resurecction has its moments of sincerity and true meaning... regardless, it is still hard to relate to small children... "Yeah, Jesus died and then he came back to life again 3 days later!" (Which is ususally followed up by a question like... "Well I waited 3 days Miss Dawn for my Mimi to come back and she hasn't!" (Ugh.)
I am grateful that I am not alone in this charge of relating such material to the young! Our school chaplain this past week asked immediately in his intro to his Homily... "So boys and girls what does it mean to be resurrected?" I was pleased and proud to watch my 5 year olds jump all over this line of questioning, but even more so that the priest told of his concerns for not knowing "exactly" what that meant either!!
I chose that Michael Jackson piece as my intro into this blog... it struck me that those words are very much related to what a resurrected person looks like given a mirror!
Its rather curious and obvious simulataneously that NO ONE can actually SEE the resurrected Jesus!! (At first). We first recognize this concept at that tomb. A weeping Mary Magdalene on that 1st Easter does not "see" her Master. She thinks she sees a gardner hired to take care of the grounds. She asks, "Where have you taken my Lord?" And then she hears.. "Mary... Mary..." She drops to her knees upon "hearing" her name spoken by the risen Christ. How many times have you not seen but been called?? Equally, the Disciples do not believe M2 when she appraoches them with this news. They think she is imagining something she wants to be real. Then Christ appears to them and speaks, "Peace be with you." They are elated and stunned that Jesus is in fact the same, but new. On the Road to Emmaus, two of Jesus' followers are walking to the next village directly following that tumultous weekend and they are discussing the horrid events. They are joined on the walk by Jesus... whom, as I tell children, "Is in His Resurrection Costume," and is unable to be recognized. (By those not willing to believe yet). It is not until Jesus is invited to stay the night and share a meal with this "stranger" that the 2 are called to recognize Jeus in his actions fo reaching out to help a stranger. Jesus then Breaks the Bread and passes it to them... they realize or recognize the face of a resurrected Christ!
Our friend Thomas today when doubting the remaining 10 says.. "Unless I can touch His side and place my fingers in his nail markings will I believe." And surely, Jesus gives Thomas the fulfillment of his desire by appearing and inviting Thomas to believe through touch. Thomas immediately knows and drops only to say "My Lord and God." Jesus, states..." Thomas, You have touched and therefore you believe, Blessed are those that need not and still do!" I tell the children that is all of us!
(Although ironically, The exception is the child in my Passion Play this year who played Jesus, I come to find out is really my Thomas!")
What does a resurrected face look like? I always tell the children when Christ is risen and returns that he is glowing in a light we can't seem to see. It is a light of purity and goodness, selflessness and grace. I do believe we catch glimpses of it when the time is right for us to see, touch, taste or hear God's Good News.
Some see resurrection when they look at a new born baby, (perhaps at our Christmas baby), or a couple marrying, (much like I did this past Firday when Princess Diana's son married that beautiful girl). Others see it when a truly miraculous hope was fulfilled... a cure from cancer, an extension of time on a dream, something that was lost is found such as a Prodigal Son returning to his Father. I often see it when I have driven home an educational homerun.. a concept now received and understood! Regardless, it is a transformation that couldn't be witnessed prior because of our human obstruction to it. It is amazing when we can see all wonder finally! When we remove the fears, and the doubts... the anger and pain to see what has already been made new for us. And a newness that will transform us to never be the same again.
Michael Jackson sings of a man, himself, recognizing that this world in all it's hurts and despair can be changed. Many of us cannot see that... much like the way we could not see the risen Christ. But MJ was a visionary. He truly believed and grieved over the hopelessness that others feel. We know many men such as this, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandala, I could go on.
One day you may wake and go to your mirror when you are ready to face the resurrected Jesus, take a look at yourself and make that change... make this world a better place.
But as the lyrics say... It must start with you!
Jesus did not ask the others to go with him that Good Friday,
(Or as my friends say.. "Sad Friday").
He went before us. He didn't ask the others to go and make the sacrifices before him... he began with himself. He did as the Father asked Him to do. And in the words of Catherine of Sienna, "He set the world a fire".
What face will you see the next time you stand before your mirror? Or on the Road to Emmaus? Your classroom? The streets of Newport? Take a good look at and be prepared to be graced with a Resurrected Jesus!
Happy Easter,
Miss Dawn
Monday, January 10, 2011
'tis the season
"Just hear those sleigh bells jingling.. ring-ting-tingaling too..."
Oh come on.... That's at least Wintery??!!
I know, Christmas is over. This happens to be my least favorite time of the year. Probably for most of us I can imagine. But honestly I question why. I enter this phase each and every year Post-Christmas/Holidays Blues. The Crash!!! I should know that it is coming... and yet if I did prepare myself for it each year, I highly doubt I could face the work, challenges and sheer joyful madness that I tend to display around the birth of Christ that is necessary to put on Pageants, Christmas Parties, and the like... and see the utter bliss associated with out of control festive holiday happiness!
But does it all need to come to a screaching halt like that? At least therapists take you down from your meds a bit at time... not cold turkey! The reality is we just spent months eating really yummy warm turkey! Now- its off to the couch!
Mania of most types is a pyshcological frame of mind that I can relate too and yet highly disagree with. I am not the largest fan of manic behaviors and how they "explain" or "influence" actions away in life. I am not convinced that a small pill taken a few times a day cures our mental disorders, and I certainly know it doesnt erase them. But there is a clear mania associated with the holiday season, that is a "quick fix". It is the little red and green stiped pill that masks reality and helps us to cope until we are really ready to face life again... That being, New Year's Day.
I start planning my Halloween costumes sometime in July. (Well to be fair to me, I usually have 3 to plan for so I do like to beign early:) Who will I be this year? For school? For play? And for anything in-between?? That already sets us up for the next 2 months of "Let's Pretend"!
Then the Christmas music begins... When did this tradition begin? I am told it a way for radio stations to cut back on end of the year expenses by playing scripted Holiday Music all day and night forgoing DJ support to help fix end of the year budgets. I am told it helps "Stimulate" our poor economic status by forcing shoppers to be in the mood a month early. I am told it just helps the general population "feel better" that they know a happy time is here.. even tho it is only All Saints Day! Whatever happened to the proper doom and gloom of the darkest month of the year... November? The month where we actually remember the dead? Celebrate War Veterans, vote for politicians, (Oh yeah, the dead again...) and watch the leaves turn and fall to their demise??? I guess we, as a culture, are all set with death too.
Then there is a thought of Thanksgiving.... We think of table decor, party games, Football, Pie baking, and US Trivia questions. It's kind of like the Play Off games beginning for "The Big Game". The reality test of, "Will I be strong enough to endure this dinner another 3x before the year closes with a variety of people I either long to see or dread!" It's the test of how good my game will be when the "big game" arrives! It is also the 1st Holy Thursday, or the Feast the Last Supper! Ya know... before "Black Friday".
(Funny how we never elude to Jesus' last Friday that way? We consider His "Good!" )
Black Friday... The kick off to the Busiest Shopping weekend of the Year! The media coverage is amazing- as we watch the retailers ready to pull themselves out of the reality of red sales all these months and jettison into mania we have come to know as the Christmas Shopping Season. The King of Kings! The Savior of All!
Retail on this day is for everyone! It's like Christ coming to ALL a month early!
What happened to Advent? You know... That funny little time where we "WAIT". We prepare "The Way", as the Baptist taught us. That odd little 4 week period of Purple and Rose candles ensconsced in a evergreen wreath. A quiet reflective anticipatory time where we think about how we want Christ to come back to us and in us. A time where we aren't immursed in parties, music and maritinis. A time where we prepare ourselves for the joy during the true Christmas Season... December 25th-January 6th! Why is that even our Advent Calendars need to have chocolate behind each window? Surely, we cannot wait unless there is a reward each day?? Why on an Advent calendar is Santa the last door we open on December 25th? Santa's not a bad guy.. honestly, as I tell my kids.. He's just 2nd! I feel badly for brides who are unchurched with grand dreams of a "Christmas" wedding on December 10th! Somehow the Ruby Red bridesmaid dresses and the Periwinkle Blue candles and Altar cloth do not seem to jive!!!
We forgot to wait. And that's because in our culture we are taught not too anymore.
Then there is the Superbowl of Holidays, Christmas! My favorite! People think I'm NUTS by hosting Christmas Pageants so "close" to Christmas! I hosted a rather large one this year. It was wonderful and breath-taking. It made me wait and work hard through Advent. It made me wonder WHY I do this!! (LOL) But, that is truly Advent! I received mostly allocades all around .. even from the onset of the prepartion.. although, there were one or two letters of inquiry by Catholic parents wondering if I were nuts trying to add one more thing like a "Pageant" to the insanity of what already HAS to be done during the Holiday Season???!!! I also was asked.. Do you realize this is so SO close to Christmas time? Yes, There is something rewarding about presenting a Pageant after Advent 4 and near the Solstice that makes it somewhat authentic! Thanks, I am aware.. It helps me to gain my perpestive on WHY we do this every year!
Its exciting for sure! All the hustle and bustle of preparing .The energizing music.. even if it has been playing since Election Day. The lights that twinkle, (or not), with the wonder. The staying up 'til 1am every night buying and wrapping.. and buying a wrapping, etc.. Until our immune systems are so worn down we catch the stomach virus 3x before the kids are on break! Baking cookies that we only need to be lectured about to lose weight from 2 weeks later. The foods rich in fat and calories that we shouldn't be eating until January 1st. And how about that poor tree??? Man, I tell you. We are now in need of evergreen translpant sap to keep it living for 9 weeks in the heat!
This year, we got our tree on Christmas Eve morning. It was beautiful, fresh, $12.50, and headed for the Chrsitmas Heaven anyway if we didnt' scoop it up and give it the home it was destined for! It still went to Christmas Tree Heaven anyway! (A kid's book to follow on that one)!
When my mom was little Santa brought the tree to her home... and the gifts! When I was little the tree would come right around Advent 3 or 4. And nowadays.. the tree goes up before the 1st purple candle does!
Then we end it all with, well, the uneventful and boring "Bowl" games that land on New Years Day. That regret filled, newly-realized resolutionary day filled with empty hopes and failed promises already. A day that follows, probably the worst amateur night, (next to St. Patty's Day Parade Day in Newport.) A day that is supposed to be about New Beginnings and celebrated hopes of the future. A new year, A new chance, A new way to be!!! And what do we do??? We rip down the decorations, stop having fun, lament about all the bad decisons we made for the last 6 weeks, and grieve the mania that is now replaced with reality that our Christmas-Meds are not being refilled! Instead of Rejoice we are faced with Regret. Instead of Hope... Hopelessness!
I feel like, (although Mania-induced maybe), we do all this work to, Go Tell It on the Mountain... only to fall off the cliff on New Year's Day.
The stores are barron, the music stops at midnight Decmber 25th. The dishes are in the sink. We aren't happy because we didn't get the big ticket item we could've sworn our spouse would've put us into debt over for a moment of happiness one morning. We are now stuck with the purchase, or bill of service of whatever just broke down 2 days before Christmas, (cause that's how life rolls). The kids are still fighting .. (now over more than they had to fight over pre-Santa). The decorations are broken and scattered. The tree all of a sudden looks like a wilted mess. I ate and drank too much and pissed off my mother-in-law... and hopefully she did too! It's like one of the kids fairy tale books that are now in print, "The other side of the story." You know where the villain gets to air his side of the tale and how he was wronged!
And Old St. Nick.. man he's the only one with the right idea... he leaves the goods and get's the hell out of here leaving everyone to wonder where does he go to relax?? Cause.. it's January, and the cries of vacation season are starting to beckon! I am positive Santa does not begin a diet, and I know the North pole only shuts down for a vacation!
Then it's done and over. Nothing. It isn't a slow death either. It's quick and dirty! We are left to watch ads no longer of of sappy coffee companys bringing home college students unexepectedly from an interternship in Africa to reunite Christmas morning with his longing family... But to Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem commercials! All of a sudden I am wondering why I didn't invest enough money this year in my retirement account (or at all). I am left figuring out why I need to go to a Bridal Expo or hunt down my favorite cruise and travel company immediately??!!
And if doesn't just make matters worse, I happen to revolve another year around the sun on January 3rd and ponder why at the age of 45 this happens to me year after year?
Do I have the answers to these questions and statements?? No, I do not. I wish I did. I have opened every bottle of Holiday Lexipro I see hanging around my house and work, and for the life of me I cannot pull out the cheer I am supposed to feel. Instead, it feels more like the rug, was just pulled out from under me. I view myself as one of the luck ones tho- at least I don't begin singing Nov 1st and wonder why it all come to screeching halt. I am a realist. I believe in the "reason" for the season". Corny, as it may sound. I'd rather give a nice birthday gift to you, and remember whose real birthday we've come to celebrate this sacred day. I choose, to indulge for a week, and then go back to my old eating habits January 2nd. My martinis don't ever change color regardless of the color of the season! I still shop when Christmas is over, eat turkey during the year, and agonize over my marital status, (good and bad), even in July! And neither does Santa...if it's good enough for him.. then it should be good enough for us all!
And remember, Jesus, Mary and Joseph never went to Gethsemane to cut down a live tree every year to drag in!
Christmas doesn't solve all of our earthly problems in the world... And I hope it never will... except to say that "Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan's power when we have gone astray... Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Comfort and Joy, Oh Tidings of comfort and Joy!"
Here's to auld lang syne,
MD-
Oh come on.... That's at least Wintery??!!
I know, Christmas is over. This happens to be my least favorite time of the year. Probably for most of us I can imagine. But honestly I question why. I enter this phase each and every year Post-Christmas/Holidays Blues. The Crash!!! I should know that it is coming... and yet if I did prepare myself for it each year, I highly doubt I could face the work, challenges and sheer joyful madness that I tend to display around the birth of Christ that is necessary to put on Pageants, Christmas Parties, and the like... and see the utter bliss associated with out of control festive holiday happiness!
But does it all need to come to a screaching halt like that? At least therapists take you down from your meds a bit at time... not cold turkey! The reality is we just spent months eating really yummy warm turkey! Now- its off to the couch!
Mania of most types is a pyshcological frame of mind that I can relate too and yet highly disagree with. I am not the largest fan of manic behaviors and how they "explain" or "influence" actions away in life. I am not convinced that a small pill taken a few times a day cures our mental disorders, and I certainly know it doesnt erase them. But there is a clear mania associated with the holiday season, that is a "quick fix". It is the little red and green stiped pill that masks reality and helps us to cope until we are really ready to face life again... That being, New Year's Day.
I start planning my Halloween costumes sometime in July. (Well to be fair to me, I usually have 3 to plan for so I do like to beign early:) Who will I be this year? For school? For play? And for anything in-between?? That already sets us up for the next 2 months of "Let's Pretend"!
Then the Christmas music begins... When did this tradition begin? I am told it a way for radio stations to cut back on end of the year expenses by playing scripted Holiday Music all day and night forgoing DJ support to help fix end of the year budgets. I am told it helps "Stimulate" our poor economic status by forcing shoppers to be in the mood a month early. I am told it just helps the general population "feel better" that they know a happy time is here.. even tho it is only All Saints Day! Whatever happened to the proper doom and gloom of the darkest month of the year... November? The month where we actually remember the dead? Celebrate War Veterans, vote for politicians, (Oh yeah, the dead again...) and watch the leaves turn and fall to their demise??? I guess we, as a culture, are all set with death too.
Then there is a thought of Thanksgiving.... We think of table decor, party games, Football, Pie baking, and US Trivia questions. It's kind of like the Play Off games beginning for "The Big Game". The reality test of, "Will I be strong enough to endure this dinner another 3x before the year closes with a variety of people I either long to see or dread!" It's the test of how good my game will be when the "big game" arrives! It is also the 1st Holy Thursday, or the Feast the Last Supper! Ya know... before "Black Friday".
(Funny how we never elude to Jesus' last Friday that way? We consider His "Good!" )
Black Friday... The kick off to the Busiest Shopping weekend of the Year! The media coverage is amazing- as we watch the retailers ready to pull themselves out of the reality of red sales all these months and jettison into mania we have come to know as the Christmas Shopping Season. The King of Kings! The Savior of All!
Retail on this day is for everyone! It's like Christ coming to ALL a month early!
What happened to Advent? You know... That funny little time where we "WAIT". We prepare "The Way", as the Baptist taught us. That odd little 4 week period of Purple and Rose candles ensconsced in a evergreen wreath. A quiet reflective anticipatory time where we think about how we want Christ to come back to us and in us. A time where we aren't immursed in parties, music and maritinis. A time where we prepare ourselves for the joy during the true Christmas Season... December 25th-January 6th! Why is that even our Advent Calendars need to have chocolate behind each window? Surely, we cannot wait unless there is a reward each day?? Why on an Advent calendar is Santa the last door we open on December 25th? Santa's not a bad guy.. honestly, as I tell my kids.. He's just 2nd! I feel badly for brides who are unchurched with grand dreams of a "Christmas" wedding on December 10th! Somehow the Ruby Red bridesmaid dresses and the Periwinkle Blue candles and Altar cloth do not seem to jive!!!
We forgot to wait. And that's because in our culture we are taught not too anymore.
Then there is the Superbowl of Holidays, Christmas! My favorite! People think I'm NUTS by hosting Christmas Pageants so "close" to Christmas! I hosted a rather large one this year. It was wonderful and breath-taking. It made me wait and work hard through Advent. It made me wonder WHY I do this!! (LOL) But, that is truly Advent! I received mostly allocades all around .. even from the onset of the prepartion.. although, there were one or two letters of inquiry by Catholic parents wondering if I were nuts trying to add one more thing like a "Pageant" to the insanity of what already HAS to be done during the Holiday Season???!!! I also was asked.. Do you realize this is so SO close to Christmas time? Yes, There is something rewarding about presenting a Pageant after Advent 4 and near the Solstice that makes it somewhat authentic! Thanks, I am aware.. It helps me to gain my perpestive on WHY we do this every year!
Its exciting for sure! All the hustle and bustle of preparing .The energizing music.. even if it has been playing since Election Day. The lights that twinkle, (or not), with the wonder. The staying up 'til 1am every night buying and wrapping.. and buying a wrapping, etc.. Until our immune systems are so worn down we catch the stomach virus 3x before the kids are on break! Baking cookies that we only need to be lectured about to lose weight from 2 weeks later. The foods rich in fat and calories that we shouldn't be eating until January 1st. And how about that poor tree??? Man, I tell you. We are now in need of evergreen translpant sap to keep it living for 9 weeks in the heat!
This year, we got our tree on Christmas Eve morning. It was beautiful, fresh, $12.50, and headed for the Chrsitmas Heaven anyway if we didnt' scoop it up and give it the home it was destined for! It still went to Christmas Tree Heaven anyway! (A kid's book to follow on that one)!
When my mom was little Santa brought the tree to her home... and the gifts! When I was little the tree would come right around Advent 3 or 4. And nowadays.. the tree goes up before the 1st purple candle does!
Then we end it all with, well, the uneventful and boring "Bowl" games that land on New Years Day. That regret filled, newly-realized resolutionary day filled with empty hopes and failed promises already. A day that follows, probably the worst amateur night, (next to St. Patty's Day Parade Day in Newport.) A day that is supposed to be about New Beginnings and celebrated hopes of the future. A new year, A new chance, A new way to be!!! And what do we do??? We rip down the decorations, stop having fun, lament about all the bad decisons we made for the last 6 weeks, and grieve the mania that is now replaced with reality that our Christmas-Meds are not being refilled! Instead of Rejoice we are faced with Regret. Instead of Hope... Hopelessness!
I feel like, (although Mania-induced maybe), we do all this work to, Go Tell It on the Mountain... only to fall off the cliff on New Year's Day.
The stores are barron, the music stops at midnight Decmber 25th. The dishes are in the sink. We aren't happy because we didn't get the big ticket item we could've sworn our spouse would've put us into debt over for a moment of happiness one morning. We are now stuck with the purchase, or bill of service of whatever just broke down 2 days before Christmas, (cause that's how life rolls). The kids are still fighting .. (now over more than they had to fight over pre-Santa). The decorations are broken and scattered. The tree all of a sudden looks like a wilted mess. I ate and drank too much and pissed off my mother-in-law... and hopefully she did too! It's like one of the kids fairy tale books that are now in print, "The other side of the story." You know where the villain gets to air his side of the tale and how he was wronged!
And Old St. Nick.. man he's the only one with the right idea... he leaves the goods and get's the hell out of here leaving everyone to wonder where does he go to relax?? Cause.. it's January, and the cries of vacation season are starting to beckon! I am positive Santa does not begin a diet, and I know the North pole only shuts down for a vacation!
Then it's done and over. Nothing. It isn't a slow death either. It's quick and dirty! We are left to watch ads no longer of of sappy coffee companys bringing home college students unexepectedly from an interternship in Africa to reunite Christmas morning with his longing family... But to Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem commercials! All of a sudden I am wondering why I didn't invest enough money this year in my retirement account (or at all). I am left figuring out why I need to go to a Bridal Expo or hunt down my favorite cruise and travel company immediately??!!
And if doesn't just make matters worse, I happen to revolve another year around the sun on January 3rd and ponder why at the age of 45 this happens to me year after year?
Do I have the answers to these questions and statements?? No, I do not. I wish I did. I have opened every bottle of Holiday Lexipro I see hanging around my house and work, and for the life of me I cannot pull out the cheer I am supposed to feel. Instead, it feels more like the rug, was just pulled out from under me. I view myself as one of the luck ones tho- at least I don't begin singing Nov 1st and wonder why it all come to screeching halt. I am a realist. I believe in the "reason" for the season". Corny, as it may sound. I'd rather give a nice birthday gift to you, and remember whose real birthday we've come to celebrate this sacred day. I choose, to indulge for a week, and then go back to my old eating habits January 2nd. My martinis don't ever change color regardless of the color of the season! I still shop when Christmas is over, eat turkey during the year, and agonize over my marital status, (good and bad), even in July! And neither does Santa...if it's good enough for him.. then it should be good enough for us all!
And remember, Jesus, Mary and Joseph never went to Gethsemane to cut down a live tree every year to drag in!
Christmas doesn't solve all of our earthly problems in the world... And I hope it never will... except to say that "Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan's power when we have gone astray... Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Comfort and Joy, Oh Tidings of comfort and Joy!"
Here's to auld lang syne,
MD-
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
Have you ever read the famous children's story, " The Fall of Freddie the Leaf"? Famous author, and educator, Leo Buscaglia defines nicely in this story how death is a part of living, metaphorically, through a leaf named Freddie.
From the beginning Freddie realizes he is one among many that are seemingly just like him. He finds himself one of hundreds born, and growing simultaneously on one tree. Early on, Freddie is befriended by the largest leaf on the tree, Daniel. Daniel educates Freddie, that as a leaf, they have a purpose to make people and animals happy. Provide them with shade, breeze, a spot to play, or romance under. He explains to Freddie about the seasons, the moon, the sun and the stars... he also explains about death.
Following a summer of dancing in the warm breezes and playing with the other leaves, Freddie begins noticing that his friends are beginning to change color and fall. He inquires to Daniel why this is happening. Daniel simply explains that the leaf is dying and moving to a new home. Freddie, is astounded.. "Dying? Not me-" Daniel further explains that nobody lives forever in one place. He explains that we live together in one spot, enjoy the life, and then ready ourselves to live in a different place or way. He explains to Freddie it is painless and natural. He offers to Freddie that he did wonderful things as a leaf.
As the Autumn continues, Freddie sees himself as purple, a wonderful hue that is indicative of the changing process that he has undergone through his living as a leaf. He watches all of his friends change and fall from the tree, even Daniel. Daniel dies just before Freddie.
Freddie finds himself the last remaining leaf , now faced with snow on the ground. Freddie comes to terms with the cold, bitterness, and loneliness that has become his legacy. He is no longer even purple. He is a brown shriveled up version of what he used to be. He decides, I think, that in fact, that is no way to live either. A gentle breeze comes and takes Freddie slowly off the branch. Freddie lets go, and gracefully falls onto a cushion of snow. When Freddie reaches the ground, he finally can see the tree . He sees what it all meant. He remembers the fun and love and laughter he provided to others in his lifetime. He finds out that new life will bud again in the springtime. He is happy that he finally let go.
I thought of this story yesterday morning. I haven't read this book in years, and yet it popped into my head for a number of reasons when I was pondering some big decisions. I had the rare opportunity of a morning alone, sipping my coffee, and looking at the early morning sun shine through the near peaking colors on a tree in front of me. I watched this one clump of pretty, almost reddish colored leaves glistening, and prancing in the warm early Autumn sun. I thought..."I wonder if the tree had a good summer?" I wonder if the leaves realize that their dancing was almost over? (And if they did, would they do something diferent than what they were doing?) I wonder if they felt they did a good job as a leaf? Or better yet, how they worked as a group to provide for the good of the whole? I wondered if they even realized what they did for people, squirrels, cats, the environment... for God by being a leaf?
We all have a Daniel in our lives. Someone who is bigger than life, who sees the big picture.. someone who jumps in head first because he knows that that is what living is all about! He possess the wisdom to know that the fun and mission is simple. He knows you do the best and biggest job you can do with what you are given. Daniel, is obviously a leader. He is classified as the biggest leaf on the tree. I visual him as this huge red maple in his Autumn years. One with a large stem not showing evidence that the elements have affected him. No nicks in his perfect 3-pointed structure. I applaud his mentoring of Freddie. I applaud his staying with Freddie until he knows when it is time for the breeze to take him on to his next journey.
Freddie, is like most of us. Uncertain. In the dark really, about what his purpose is in life. Somehow doubting that dancing in the breeze of life and the comfort and protection we provide to those around us is simply enough. I sense that Freddie doesn't dance as hard, shade as much, or grow as big, because he is always wondering about what is next. He wonders that he is somehow missing something else, or another life. Maybe that of the squirrel, or the the children who play under him. In doing so, his very short seasoned-life becomes eminent. He hasn't quite accepted why he is aging. He doesn't realize that his beautiful purple hue is a result of doing all the good he did for others. He misses the blessing.
In the end Freddie, still holding on to the past, clings to the naked sleeping tree. The sky is grey and cold, and the frost has turned to snow. The tree of life is heading into a natural phase of hibernation and rebirth. He misses the message in himself, and he clings for dear life. He clings to an old message, an old script, because he feels it safer there, than to what lies ahead of him. Even Daniel leaves. Was it a safe place anymore? In the end Freddie lets go, and gracefully succumbs to the breeze that will bring him to his rebirth and new life. He understands the message.
This Autumn ask yourself will you be a Freddie or a Daniel? What beautiful color do you want to show off? How will you want your fall to look like? What do you need to let go of in order to move on to your rebirth?
Falling for October,
Miss Dawn
From the beginning Freddie realizes he is one among many that are seemingly just like him. He finds himself one of hundreds born, and growing simultaneously on one tree. Early on, Freddie is befriended by the largest leaf on the tree, Daniel. Daniel educates Freddie, that as a leaf, they have a purpose to make people and animals happy. Provide them with shade, breeze, a spot to play, or romance under. He explains to Freddie about the seasons, the moon, the sun and the stars... he also explains about death.
Following a summer of dancing in the warm breezes and playing with the other leaves, Freddie begins noticing that his friends are beginning to change color and fall. He inquires to Daniel why this is happening. Daniel simply explains that the leaf is dying and moving to a new home. Freddie, is astounded.. "Dying? Not me-" Daniel further explains that nobody lives forever in one place. He explains that we live together in one spot, enjoy the life, and then ready ourselves to live in a different place or way. He explains to Freddie it is painless and natural. He offers to Freddie that he did wonderful things as a leaf.
As the Autumn continues, Freddie sees himself as purple, a wonderful hue that is indicative of the changing process that he has undergone through his living as a leaf. He watches all of his friends change and fall from the tree, even Daniel. Daniel dies just before Freddie.
Freddie finds himself the last remaining leaf , now faced with snow on the ground. Freddie comes to terms with the cold, bitterness, and loneliness that has become his legacy. He is no longer even purple. He is a brown shriveled up version of what he used to be. He decides, I think, that in fact, that is no way to live either. A gentle breeze comes and takes Freddie slowly off the branch. Freddie lets go, and gracefully falls onto a cushion of snow. When Freddie reaches the ground, he finally can see the tree . He sees what it all meant. He remembers the fun and love and laughter he provided to others in his lifetime. He finds out that new life will bud again in the springtime. He is happy that he finally let go.
I thought of this story yesterday morning. I haven't read this book in years, and yet it popped into my head for a number of reasons when I was pondering some big decisions. I had the rare opportunity of a morning alone, sipping my coffee, and looking at the early morning sun shine through the near peaking colors on a tree in front of me. I watched this one clump of pretty, almost reddish colored leaves glistening, and prancing in the warm early Autumn sun. I thought..."I wonder if the tree had a good summer?" I wonder if the leaves realize that their dancing was almost over? (And if they did, would they do something diferent than what they were doing?) I wonder if they felt they did a good job as a leaf? Or better yet, how they worked as a group to provide for the good of the whole? I wondered if they even realized what they did for people, squirrels, cats, the environment... for God by being a leaf?
We all have a Daniel in our lives. Someone who is bigger than life, who sees the big picture.. someone who jumps in head first because he knows that that is what living is all about! He possess the wisdom to know that the fun and mission is simple. He knows you do the best and biggest job you can do with what you are given. Daniel, is obviously a leader. He is classified as the biggest leaf on the tree. I visual him as this huge red maple in his Autumn years. One with a large stem not showing evidence that the elements have affected him. No nicks in his perfect 3-pointed structure. I applaud his mentoring of Freddie. I applaud his staying with Freddie until he knows when it is time for the breeze to take him on to his next journey.
Freddie, is like most of us. Uncertain. In the dark really, about what his purpose is in life. Somehow doubting that dancing in the breeze of life and the comfort and protection we provide to those around us is simply enough. I sense that Freddie doesn't dance as hard, shade as much, or grow as big, because he is always wondering about what is next. He wonders that he is somehow missing something else, or another life. Maybe that of the squirrel, or the the children who play under him. In doing so, his very short seasoned-life becomes eminent. He hasn't quite accepted why he is aging. He doesn't realize that his beautiful purple hue is a result of doing all the good he did for others. He misses the blessing.
In the end Freddie, still holding on to the past, clings to the naked sleeping tree. The sky is grey and cold, and the frost has turned to snow. The tree of life is heading into a natural phase of hibernation and rebirth. He misses the message in himself, and he clings for dear life. He clings to an old message, an old script, because he feels it safer there, than to what lies ahead of him. Even Daniel leaves. Was it a safe place anymore? In the end Freddie lets go, and gracefully succumbs to the breeze that will bring him to his rebirth and new life. He understands the message.
This Autumn ask yourself will you be a Freddie or a Daniel? What beautiful color do you want to show off? How will you want your fall to look like? What do you need to let go of in order to move on to your rebirth?
Falling for October,
Miss Dawn
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly....
"there's no place home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home...."
I've got rainbows on my mind lately... it not a wonder considering I covered Noah's Ark last week in Chapel at school! I have been teaching God 101 this month, and well.. "In the beginning..." God creates this system of promises, accompanied by signs, that manifest into covenants that fulfill a lifetime relationship between us and our Creator! (If we listen!!!!!)
It's been an awkward year for me. I have not been able to receive my usual "signs" that are delivered with frequency by God.. as I haven't had a preaching audience, in any fashion. I had to go back to ancient times and live in darkness for a bit.. Wait for my Manna to fall from the sky. See the bird with the leaf in her mouth, and and just wait for all the colors to come out.
My kids are my 1st wonder from the Almighty. He speaks to me through them. He tested me this year however, and I need to open my heart and head to other paths in order to find my direction. My GPS had been on auto pilot for too long, or perhaps it just needed new batteries!
I struggled preaching about Adam and Eve the week before last. I have mixed feelings about the temptation toward Eve.. why Adam is so easy going, and why God allowed bad into the Garden to begin with. I question why Jesus' death on the Cross wipes away Original Sin... and why we continue to believe in such a myth so strongly. I do understand now, however, what the pieces represent and why we speak of them. And perhaps that is all I need to understand! As I told the children, that the sign we receive in not listening to God, (our GPS... God's Positive Sign), is a sick tummy and a feeling of shame! We do know however, that one bad apple does spoil the whole bunch! (Lesson learned!)
I did not struggle so much about teaching the Creation Story the week before that... as even my near 5 yr old friends sense there is something to be suspect in God creating everything in 6 days! However, I did tell them that the sign for that is represented in how tired God was that he needed a full day of doing nothing to be the sign of how hard we work all week.
God's signs and wonders continue to present themselves stronger and stronger as we walk through the Old Testament. This week we learn the hilarity of Abraham and Sarah conceiving a child when they were clearly,"beyond". God informs Abrahm, (his name at the time), that he would become the father of many! To rival all of the stars dazzling in the sky! "How could that be???? I am an old man", thought Abrahm. But as Abraham, follows God, changes his course and name, he soon discovers not only is he a father to a nation, but also to the long awaited son, Issac. Sarah, (Sarai), laughed with astonishment of the thought until he materialized and the wonder and sign was born unto them! Proving that nothing is impossible in God's world, time, or infinite love!
Noah had quite a few signs... birds of peace/Holy Spirit, life from an olive tree that came to mean peace, and a bow of color set in the sky to show Noah that God had made a promise and a covenant to the Earth to never flood it completely again. I oft wonder about the shape of the rainbow if you fit over the ark it forms a perfect circle again... a sign to me that God's Love is eternal. There is no beginning , nor end, in His time. The circle is forever.
I often think about the day after 9/11 when it rained so hard and people went to be with their families and friends... their was a rainbow cast so big in the sky that evening... I nearly wept as a sign from God that those who lost that day, had really won. God was telling us all it would be okay.
As the signs come "flooding" toward me these past weeks of school... I am reminded of a few myself. That the winds do die. The storms do cease, dry land will be found when you launch the bird of peace to find it for you, and the bow will be set in the sky! When God strikes a covenant with you be sure you realize that He will be there to own His part of it.
I have a few signs that God and I worked out in past hours of prayer to indicate that I am at least being heard. (I do think it goes beyond that... but my small-minded sense of faith at times wants to know somebody has heard my request! ) Years ago, God and I chose 2 symbols to know that He was around. They have come to mean different things for me. And for that I choose to keep within my covenant with God. However, I don't mind sharing that my totems are the ladybug and white feathers. These things come to me during the oddest times and hours. I have learned that they really find me when my weakness in hearing or seeing my God is present. God loves me so much that he humbles Himself and send me ridiculous totems to show His concern and care. To say the least, I've seen many of these 2 in these last weeks of teaching! I am aware, that I am exactly where I should be.
I think back to the Wizard of Oz, and to a time that the rainbow's colors were bleeding or not visible at all to me. I realized that after teaching Noah's story to my friends last week... God in fact, made my rainbow as shiny as he could. My covenant is strong, and the colors vibrant. I also realized that somewhere over that rainbow my bluebirds still fly, The Emerald City is a myth, The Wizard is present, the yellow brick road a choice, witches die, you know who your friends are, and you can always go home!
Some things, (covenants), that never change.... The show must go on, Christmas is coming, and
bluebirds do fly!
And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:12
DG...(Dawn Grinnell/ Dorothy Gale)
I've got rainbows on my mind lately... it not a wonder considering I covered Noah's Ark last week in Chapel at school! I have been teaching God 101 this month, and well.. "In the beginning..." God creates this system of promises, accompanied by signs, that manifest into covenants that fulfill a lifetime relationship between us and our Creator! (If we listen!!!!!)
It's been an awkward year for me. I have not been able to receive my usual "signs" that are delivered with frequency by God.. as I haven't had a preaching audience, in any fashion. I had to go back to ancient times and live in darkness for a bit.. Wait for my Manna to fall from the sky. See the bird with the leaf in her mouth, and and just wait for all the colors to come out.
My kids are my 1st wonder from the Almighty. He speaks to me through them. He tested me this year however, and I need to open my heart and head to other paths in order to find my direction. My GPS had been on auto pilot for too long, or perhaps it just needed new batteries!
I struggled preaching about Adam and Eve the week before last. I have mixed feelings about the temptation toward Eve.. why Adam is so easy going, and why God allowed bad into the Garden to begin with. I question why Jesus' death on the Cross wipes away Original Sin... and why we continue to believe in such a myth so strongly. I do understand now, however, what the pieces represent and why we speak of them. And perhaps that is all I need to understand! As I told the children, that the sign we receive in not listening to God, (our GPS... God's Positive Sign), is a sick tummy and a feeling of shame! We do know however, that one bad apple does spoil the whole bunch! (Lesson learned!)
I did not struggle so much about teaching the Creation Story the week before that... as even my near 5 yr old friends sense there is something to be suspect in God creating everything in 6 days! However, I did tell them that the sign for that is represented in how tired God was that he needed a full day of doing nothing to be the sign of how hard we work all week.
God's signs and wonders continue to present themselves stronger and stronger as we walk through the Old Testament. This week we learn the hilarity of Abraham and Sarah conceiving a child when they were clearly,"beyond". God informs Abrahm, (his name at the time), that he would become the father of many! To rival all of the stars dazzling in the sky! "How could that be???? I am an old man", thought Abrahm. But as Abraham, follows God, changes his course and name, he soon discovers not only is he a father to a nation, but also to the long awaited son, Issac. Sarah, (Sarai), laughed with astonishment of the thought until he materialized and the wonder and sign was born unto them! Proving that nothing is impossible in God's world, time, or infinite love!
Noah had quite a few signs... birds of peace/Holy Spirit, life from an olive tree that came to mean peace, and a bow of color set in the sky to show Noah that God had made a promise and a covenant to the Earth to never flood it completely again. I oft wonder about the shape of the rainbow if you fit over the ark it forms a perfect circle again... a sign to me that God's Love is eternal. There is no beginning , nor end, in His time. The circle is forever.
I often think about the day after 9/11 when it rained so hard and people went to be with their families and friends... their was a rainbow cast so big in the sky that evening... I nearly wept as a sign from God that those who lost that day, had really won. God was telling us all it would be okay.
As the signs come "flooding" toward me these past weeks of school... I am reminded of a few myself. That the winds do die. The storms do cease, dry land will be found when you launch the bird of peace to find it for you, and the bow will be set in the sky! When God strikes a covenant with you be sure you realize that He will be there to own His part of it.
I have a few signs that God and I worked out in past hours of prayer to indicate that I am at least being heard. (I do think it goes beyond that... but my small-minded sense of faith at times wants to know somebody has heard my request! ) Years ago, God and I chose 2 symbols to know that He was around. They have come to mean different things for me. And for that I choose to keep within my covenant with God. However, I don't mind sharing that my totems are the ladybug and white feathers. These things come to me during the oddest times and hours. I have learned that they really find me when my weakness in hearing or seeing my God is present. God loves me so much that he humbles Himself and send me ridiculous totems to show His concern and care. To say the least, I've seen many of these 2 in these last weeks of teaching! I am aware, that I am exactly where I should be.
I think back to the Wizard of Oz, and to a time that the rainbow's colors were bleeding or not visible at all to me. I realized that after teaching Noah's story to my friends last week... God in fact, made my rainbow as shiny as he could. My covenant is strong, and the colors vibrant. I also realized that somewhere over that rainbow my bluebirds still fly, The Emerald City is a myth, The Wizard is present, the yellow brick road a choice, witches die, you know who your friends are, and you can always go home!
Some things, (covenants), that never change.... The show must go on, Christmas is coming, and
bluebirds do fly!
And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:12
DG...(Dawn Grinnell/ Dorothy Gale)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Once Upon A Dream
I know you I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. Yes, I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do, you'll love me at once the way you did once upon a dream.
As I am waltzing around my classrooms, life, and new school, I can't help hum this oh so familiar tune from my all time favorite Disney flick, "Sleeping Beauty". I am as happy as Princess Aurora/Briar Rose brisking around without a care in the world adorning animals, and gazing at my new image in the woodland pool, as the 16 year old Aurora does. Aurora, realizing she is a grown up woman! Aurora, "Briar Rose", (her alias, as the mean and ugly Maleficent is still threatening to end her life, is given this alias by her protective fairies, to protect her).
Ironically I must laugh, as things occur to me...
1.) Is that I feel for Aurora, having to go into "hiding" for a bit in order for her destined life to be protected from Maleficent, while gaining her strength to do what she has come here to do!
2.) That she longingly awaits her true Prince, her destiny, wherever he may be. And yet she knows, somehow, music will be involved!
3.) That my name, "Dawn", in Spanish, actually means Aurora.
4.) And that it was my favorite movie in my early childhood years, according to my Baby Book.
Aurora and I share a kindred past! Aurora is born as a "very wanted child" to a King and Queen. Fertility was clearly an issue, and in Medieval Times, I am sure a blessing to receive whatever gender God bestowed upon you. (That part, I cannot relate too, altho maybe now!!)
She is seen as someone very significant. There are plans made for her from the very beginning. She is betrothed to a 4 year old Prince Phillip as the family is looking forward to her Baptism. There was fanfare and guests, beautiful decor, and then.. Maleficent! A wicked and evil witch, dragon-being that appears and hoists a spell onto Aurora that will not take affect until her dreaded sixteenth birthday. Her fate is a prick, (no.. read on)... from a spinning wheel! A poisonous prick that will end her life forever. Hmmmmm???
"Listen well, all of you. The Princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But, before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger, on the spindle of a spinning wheel - AND DIE!"
The parents of Aurora employ the help of the 3 castle fairies... Flora, Fauna and Merryweather to hide, a now, "Briar Rose" in a quaint cottage in the wood until her 16th revolution around the sun. She will then re-appear safely as "Princess Aurora." AH... only in Fairy Tales! I love the fairies.. or fairy godmothers! They are really business women left to the rearing of this innocent child! They are devoid of the abilities of how to sew, cook, bake, sing and sometimes their magic... out of the job market too long! However, they love Aurora and desperately do everything in their power to keep her safe.
The fate filled day arrives... Rose awakes on her 16th day with a spring in her step.. she carried on her normal chores and greets the little animals of the forest, each and every one with a song! She is full of life and exuberance. As she is serenading the Owl, "Once upon a Dream", I only begin to know how happy she is to be thinking of her life, her future husband, Phillip, whom she has forgotten, and more importantly, her destined role as Princess Aurora.
Her voice, is clear and carries throughout the forest attracting all.. and guess who??? Prince Phillip! (She thinks him, a commoner.) Prince Phillip, her disguised Knight in Shining Armor, Her Prince, Her soul mate is captivated and helps her sing this haunting song while they waltz innocently throughout the forest.
Ahhh....
She is called away and then she is faced with her destiny. Her re-entry into the castle! The fairies have done their work.. of course with some added magic when they could muster it... and poof she is a Princess again!
She is plagued with emotion.. "I need my commoner boyfriend.. yet I am a princess".. Not realizing this is exactly how fate operates... partially she thinks of escaping back into her former role of woodland nymph and then.....Maleficent!
She is brought down to a sleepy unconsciousness... witches have the knack to do that to you! Only through the power of love can Aurora rise. Phillip must fight the evil in order to get close enough to his sleeping beauty to bestow the kiss of life on to her lips and awaken her to a life where everyone is happy and filled with emotion in the castle again!
Malificent is defeated- and the couple is free to ..well.. move about the cabin!
Aurora is back to doing what she does!
I am back to my destiny. I am no longer Briar Rose, but Aurora. I am back in my destined role, I am with my valiant Prince, and mkaing life wonderful to the little ones in the forest!
Maleficent is dead!
I love my Fairies...(you know who all are)... and the animals are gathered around me singing again!
The spell is broken.
"Oh my life is changing everyday, every possible way.
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems, never quite as it seems. I know I felt like this before, but now I’m feeling it even more because it came from you. Then I open up and see, the person fumbling here is me, a different way to be. I want more, impossible to ignore...Impossible to ignore. They’ll come true, impossible not to do, impossible not to do.
Now I tell you openly, you have my heart so don’t hurt me, for what I couldn't find!
Talk to me amazing mind, so understanding, and so kind, you’re everything to me!
Oh my life is changing everyday, every possible way.
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems’cause you’re a dream to me.. a Dream to me!"
Guess, who's back? Guess who's back Guess back.... Guess whose back....
And they all lived happily ever after. THE END. Amen.
Welcome back to school. Have a wonderful year!
Miss Dawn
As I am waltzing around my classrooms, life, and new school, I can't help hum this oh so familiar tune from my all time favorite Disney flick, "Sleeping Beauty". I am as happy as Princess Aurora/Briar Rose brisking around without a care in the world adorning animals, and gazing at my new image in the woodland pool, as the 16 year old Aurora does. Aurora, realizing she is a grown up woman! Aurora, "Briar Rose", (her alias, as the mean and ugly Maleficent is still threatening to end her life, is given this alias by her protective fairies, to protect her).
Ironically I must laugh, as things occur to me...
1.) Is that I feel for Aurora, having to go into "hiding" for a bit in order for her destined life to be protected from Maleficent, while gaining her strength to do what she has come here to do!
2.) That she longingly awaits her true Prince, her destiny, wherever he may be. And yet she knows, somehow, music will be involved!
3.) That my name, "Dawn", in Spanish, actually means Aurora.
4.) And that it was my favorite movie in my early childhood years, according to my Baby Book.
Aurora and I share a kindred past! Aurora is born as a "very wanted child" to a King and Queen. Fertility was clearly an issue, and in Medieval Times, I am sure a blessing to receive whatever gender God bestowed upon you. (That part, I cannot relate too, altho maybe now!!)
She is seen as someone very significant. There are plans made for her from the very beginning. She is betrothed to a 4 year old Prince Phillip as the family is looking forward to her Baptism. There was fanfare and guests, beautiful decor, and then.. Maleficent! A wicked and evil witch, dragon-being that appears and hoists a spell onto Aurora that will not take affect until her dreaded sixteenth birthday. Her fate is a prick, (no.. read on)... from a spinning wheel! A poisonous prick that will end her life forever. Hmmmmm???
"Listen well, all of you. The Princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But, before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger, on the spindle of a spinning wheel - AND DIE!"
The parents of Aurora employ the help of the 3 castle fairies... Flora, Fauna and Merryweather to hide, a now, "Briar Rose" in a quaint cottage in the wood until her 16th revolution around the sun. She will then re-appear safely as "Princess Aurora." AH... only in Fairy Tales! I love the fairies.. or fairy godmothers! They are really business women left to the rearing of this innocent child! They are devoid of the abilities of how to sew, cook, bake, sing and sometimes their magic... out of the job market too long! However, they love Aurora and desperately do everything in their power to keep her safe.
The fate filled day arrives... Rose awakes on her 16th day with a spring in her step.. she carried on her normal chores and greets the little animals of the forest, each and every one with a song! She is full of life and exuberance. As she is serenading the Owl, "Once upon a Dream", I only begin to know how happy she is to be thinking of her life, her future husband, Phillip, whom she has forgotten, and more importantly, her destined role as Princess Aurora.
Her voice, is clear and carries throughout the forest attracting all.. and guess who??? Prince Phillip! (She thinks him, a commoner.) Prince Phillip, her disguised Knight in Shining Armor, Her Prince, Her soul mate is captivated and helps her sing this haunting song while they waltz innocently throughout the forest.
Ahhh....
She is called away and then she is faced with her destiny. Her re-entry into the castle! The fairies have done their work.. of course with some added magic when they could muster it... and poof she is a Princess again!
She is plagued with emotion.. "I need my commoner boyfriend.. yet I am a princess".. Not realizing this is exactly how fate operates... partially she thinks of escaping back into her former role of woodland nymph and then.....Maleficent!
She is brought down to a sleepy unconsciousness... witches have the knack to do that to you! Only through the power of love can Aurora rise. Phillip must fight the evil in order to get close enough to his sleeping beauty to bestow the kiss of life on to her lips and awaken her to a life where everyone is happy and filled with emotion in the castle again!
Malificent is defeated- and the couple is free to ..well.. move about the cabin!
Aurora is back to doing what she does!
I am back to my destiny. I am no longer Briar Rose, but Aurora. I am back in my destined role, I am with my valiant Prince, and mkaing life wonderful to the little ones in the forest!
Maleficent is dead!
I love my Fairies...(you know who all are)... and the animals are gathered around me singing again!
The spell is broken.
"Oh my life is changing everyday, every possible way.
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems, never quite as it seems. I know I felt like this before, but now I’m feeling it even more because it came from you. Then I open up and see, the person fumbling here is me, a different way to be. I want more, impossible to ignore...Impossible to ignore. They’ll come true, impossible not to do, impossible not to do.
Now I tell you openly, you have my heart so don’t hurt me, for what I couldn't find!
Talk to me amazing mind, so understanding, and so kind, you’re everything to me!
Oh my life is changing everyday, every possible way.
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems’cause you’re a dream to me.. a Dream to me!"
Guess, who's back? Guess who's back Guess back.... Guess whose back....
And they all lived happily ever after. THE END. Amen.
Welcome back to school. Have a wonderful year!
Miss Dawn
Saturday, June 26, 2010
God's Convenience Store... the inconvenient truth
Have you ever played the Lottery? I imagine at some point in life you have, give or take your enthusiasm in such sport. I have discovered that in life, Lottery participation is either more or less depending on how you fall into that play! I understand that it is much like gambling, a quick fix to a waiting for the end of money woes... fixing empty promises. Perhaps for some it is just fun... however I do know that it can be debilitating and dangerous for many. Today's blog is about my need to understand the Lottery culture, if you will... it is one that has perplexed me for some time and one that I cannot ever see me joining. But am I really different in my own need for instant fulfillment?? However intriguing, the quick-fix psychology is making me take a good long look at how we live...
I like to drink a huge fountain diet soda each day. My favorite, when they have it, is Diet Cherry-Vanilla Dr. Pepper otherwise I settle for my Diet Pepsi. Of course, I can fix it anyway I like. Typically for me... lots of ice, to die down the content of carbonation and caffeine, (that's why I need it so large... although my health guru friends often wonder why I drink this chemical concoction, as I eat very good foods all the time). But I know that I can prepare the drink myself, get it to the counter, fork over my $1 or exact change, and hit the road fast to wherever I am headed that day... except when I am usually behind a Lottery player! ugh...
You know this to be true. We have all been there. Me, I think even more. I am as addicted to my fountain soda, I think, as they are to playing the Mega-whatever!
Upon entering the convenience store I case the joint as though I am going to hold it up. I look down aisles, checking for suspicious Lottery frequenters or mere look-a-likes! I usually like seeing some at the counter when I go in. It makes me know that while I am powering up my Dr. Pepper to the brim they are nearly done purchasing their 40 Power ball combinations.
What is a quick pick anyway??? Whatever it is, it isn't very quick- is all I can say!!!
I can hear the requests being made to the clerk from the soda station..."I'll take 2 Baseball somethings, I'll "need" 6 Seasonal tickets.. (I guess if you scratch off enough Christmas presents or Easter baskets you may win a $1 off )... Would it have not been more cost and time effective to just buy your Christmas presents on a budget instead of trying to win them through a 50% chance?
By this time, I feel like this person may be near the end... I have rung up at least $20 in ticket purchases in my head while sipping my Diet waiting in line now to cash out. Could it be possible that this person is ready to go to his car and scratch them off instantly??? Cause I need to be work here pretty soon... Just as the transaction is completed... this machine begins to play a song.... "You're in the money!!" (Personally, The Floyd's cash register sounds in the song Money would be the one I would choose... they should ask you in advance of handing them a winning $1 ticket .. it could make us music people consider playing!
(sshh.. I think I just invented something here!)
Shite... That's a $5 win!!!!... ugh... I close my eyes and know what is coming next, "I'll take...." I look behind me and now see a line wrapped around the store of folks just like me with exact change, a loaf of bread or a complaint that their gas card isn't working right and they to need fuel up to get somewhere quick.
You then see heads drop... sounds of frustration, and me.. I just eyeroll out of my utter fascination and frustration that this sport is so tantalizing for people. My judgement seeps in which is now coupled with anger from being held up, ( a huge pet peeve of mine), and my own angst about what little money I earn... do I really need this $1 Soda pop?? YES I DO!!!!
Being the super efficiently organized person that I am I begin to think why stores haven't figured out how to do this better??? I can figure out 3 good solutions in that 5 minutes of standing there! Why can't there be a space at the counter for folks who just want to play the Lottery?? Like at Stop-n-Shop or BJ's.. the courtesy desk... just for them! It would be great. The person who could help them would know all there is in expediting their order quickly, or not.. I do notice that many of these Lottery players love attention . They love to come in and shoot the day's breeze, find out the daily scuttle but and talk to their merchant like in the old west days. I ask why don't they have a need to be somewhere quickly?? Retired, lonely I imagine. The clerks do need to be available to them immediately though if they should win, and require more instant gratification.
If this business model took place it keeps the rest of the populous happy and fast paced so we can plow through our day too!!! Thus, making 2 types of convenience people. The clerk on the other side could help the exact change person, fix the gas crisis, and get baby aspirin quickly to a parent who has a screaming baby home in pain at 10pm!! (Or a late night drinker who needs food before they don't have time or energy to create at 2am). Ah. Yes.. to have it all figured out. Meanwhile, now that I have a solution, I am still waiting and stewing even more that I have figured out their problem for them, leaving me still waiting!!
Once I see the last of their purchases, I really am annoyed by this part.. the guilt. The person will typically turn around and just when you think they may say that they are sorry for such inconvenience in a convenience store they project and BLAME you for their self-hatred in spending $40 unnecessarily, not to mention causing 40 people to stop moving ahead with their plans! I often love the comments proceeding, "I'll bet you thought you were going to be here all day!!" or even better, "Smile!" :(
The minute I get the chance to break to the counter and hand my money over, I am already out the door faster than Lottery boy can get to his car for the scratch-athon! That annoys me too! I then begin to talk to myself .. did they earn enough this year in winnings to make up for the losses? Is this really important? How is it they have so much free time and expendable income to do this? Then the questions get deeper and even more harsh. Then my guilt seeps in. Meanwhile, I wait and watch the person .. and there disability usually indicates why I was able to cruise to my car at clock speed.
Christian thing? Um.. not sure. Both the Catholic and Episcopal Dioceses here in RI have clear laws about gambling, raffles, auctions and the like. Of course, they would love for your to give/gamble your money on their brand of happiness. Hell, this week in California, Arnold just passed a law finally stopping folks to cash their welfare checks at casinos!!! wow.. that didn't happen instantly did it? Perhaps, the church is a wiser choice. I do question much about this, but ultimately my line waiting days often lead me to a place of serious contemplation about all this instant gratification world we live in. The notion of "free or won" fortunes that our government preys upon the have-nots making false promises for better days ahead if you just take the risk! (Again, sure this isn't rooted in old church philosophy??)
I was a poor economics student in college. I barely scraped by this class.. one thing I did learn though was that there are no free lunches! That was the most valuable piece of knowledge that surpassed most other tidbits in all my collegiate wisdom ironically. And it is true. Eventually a price is paid in life for anything... regardless of how you may see yourself deserving it.
It saddens me that we are a quick fix society. Those of us waiting to zip in and zip out of Walmart or the soda store aren't really any better I guess. Maybe we feel that getting to our next destination holds the same emotional value as thinking you'll get rich over night by taking chance?? As I stand anxiously waiting to get my soda I shouldn't wonder why this person is so in need of these instant poverty remedies.. need is in the eye of the beholder. I could easily place that $1 a day in the basket every Sunday and hopefully it will be given to someone who is REALLY in need!
Jesus reminds us that things CAN change over night, as well as He suggests that waiting to enter into the Kingdom of God is a lifelong process of living, trust, faith and karmic choices. In the meantime, we must wait and trust in God's time for what we want and need. God's Convenience Store is made up of inconveniences designed for the individual to bring us instant gratification with God's peace if we choose to wait in the line of life
Off for my soda,
Miss Dawn
I like to drink a huge fountain diet soda each day. My favorite, when they have it, is Diet Cherry-Vanilla Dr. Pepper otherwise I settle for my Diet Pepsi. Of course, I can fix it anyway I like. Typically for me... lots of ice, to die down the content of carbonation and caffeine, (that's why I need it so large... although my health guru friends often wonder why I drink this chemical concoction, as I eat very good foods all the time). But I know that I can prepare the drink myself, get it to the counter, fork over my $1 or exact change, and hit the road fast to wherever I am headed that day... except when I am usually behind a Lottery player! ugh...
You know this to be true. We have all been there. Me, I think even more. I am as addicted to my fountain soda, I think, as they are to playing the Mega-whatever!
Upon entering the convenience store I case the joint as though I am going to hold it up. I look down aisles, checking for suspicious Lottery frequenters or mere look-a-likes! I usually like seeing some at the counter when I go in. It makes me know that while I am powering up my Dr. Pepper to the brim they are nearly done purchasing their 40 Power ball combinations.
What is a quick pick anyway??? Whatever it is, it isn't very quick- is all I can say!!!
I can hear the requests being made to the clerk from the soda station..."I'll take 2 Baseball somethings, I'll "need" 6 Seasonal tickets.. (I guess if you scratch off enough Christmas presents or Easter baskets you may win a $1 off )... Would it have not been more cost and time effective to just buy your Christmas presents on a budget instead of trying to win them through a 50% chance?
By this time, I feel like this person may be near the end... I have rung up at least $20 in ticket purchases in my head while sipping my Diet waiting in line now to cash out. Could it be possible that this person is ready to go to his car and scratch them off instantly??? Cause I need to be work here pretty soon... Just as the transaction is completed... this machine begins to play a song.... "You're in the money!!" (Personally, The Floyd's cash register sounds in the song Money would be the one I would choose... they should ask you in advance of handing them a winning $1 ticket .. it could make us music people consider playing!
(sshh.. I think I just invented something here!)
Shite... That's a $5 win!!!!... ugh... I close my eyes and know what is coming next, "I'll take...." I look behind me and now see a line wrapped around the store of folks just like me with exact change, a loaf of bread or a complaint that their gas card isn't working right and they to need fuel up to get somewhere quick.
You then see heads drop... sounds of frustration, and me.. I just eyeroll out of my utter fascination and frustration that this sport is so tantalizing for people. My judgement seeps in which is now coupled with anger from being held up, ( a huge pet peeve of mine), and my own angst about what little money I earn... do I really need this $1 Soda pop?? YES I DO!!!!
Being the super efficiently organized person that I am I begin to think why stores haven't figured out how to do this better??? I can figure out 3 good solutions in that 5 minutes of standing there! Why can't there be a space at the counter for folks who just want to play the Lottery?? Like at Stop-n-Shop or BJ's.. the courtesy desk... just for them! It would be great. The person who could help them would know all there is in expediting their order quickly, or not.. I do notice that many of these Lottery players love attention . They love to come in and shoot the day's breeze, find out the daily scuttle but and talk to their merchant like in the old west days. I ask why don't they have a need to be somewhere quickly?? Retired, lonely I imagine. The clerks do need to be available to them immediately though if they should win, and require more instant gratification.
If this business model took place it keeps the rest of the populous happy and fast paced so we can plow through our day too!!! Thus, making 2 types of convenience people. The clerk on the other side could help the exact change person, fix the gas crisis, and get baby aspirin quickly to a parent who has a screaming baby home in pain at 10pm!! (Or a late night drinker who needs food before they don't have time or energy to create at 2am). Ah. Yes.. to have it all figured out. Meanwhile, now that I have a solution, I am still waiting and stewing even more that I have figured out their problem for them, leaving me still waiting!!
Once I see the last of their purchases, I really am annoyed by this part.. the guilt. The person will typically turn around and just when you think they may say that they are sorry for such inconvenience in a convenience store they project and BLAME you for their self-hatred in spending $40 unnecessarily, not to mention causing 40 people to stop moving ahead with their plans! I often love the comments proceeding, "I'll bet you thought you were going to be here all day!!" or even better, "Smile!" :(
The minute I get the chance to break to the counter and hand my money over, I am already out the door faster than Lottery boy can get to his car for the scratch-athon! That annoys me too! I then begin to talk to myself .. did they earn enough this year in winnings to make up for the losses? Is this really important? How is it they have so much free time and expendable income to do this? Then the questions get deeper and even more harsh. Then my guilt seeps in. Meanwhile, I wait and watch the person .. and there disability usually indicates why I was able to cruise to my car at clock speed.
Christian thing? Um.. not sure. Both the Catholic and Episcopal Dioceses here in RI have clear laws about gambling, raffles, auctions and the like. Of course, they would love for your to give/gamble your money on their brand of happiness. Hell, this week in California, Arnold just passed a law finally stopping folks to cash their welfare checks at casinos!!! wow.. that didn't happen instantly did it? Perhaps, the church is a wiser choice. I do question much about this, but ultimately my line waiting days often lead me to a place of serious contemplation about all this instant gratification world we live in. The notion of "free or won" fortunes that our government preys upon the have-nots making false promises for better days ahead if you just take the risk! (Again, sure this isn't rooted in old church philosophy??)
I was a poor economics student in college. I barely scraped by this class.. one thing I did learn though was that there are no free lunches! That was the most valuable piece of knowledge that surpassed most other tidbits in all my collegiate wisdom ironically. And it is true. Eventually a price is paid in life for anything... regardless of how you may see yourself deserving it.
It saddens me that we are a quick fix society. Those of us waiting to zip in and zip out of Walmart or the soda store aren't really any better I guess. Maybe we feel that getting to our next destination holds the same emotional value as thinking you'll get rich over night by taking chance?? As I stand anxiously waiting to get my soda I shouldn't wonder why this person is so in need of these instant poverty remedies.. need is in the eye of the beholder. I could easily place that $1 a day in the basket every Sunday and hopefully it will be given to someone who is REALLY in need!
Jesus reminds us that things CAN change over night, as well as He suggests that waiting to enter into the Kingdom of God is a lifelong process of living, trust, faith and karmic choices. In the meantime, we must wait and trust in God's time for what we want and need. God's Convenience Store is made up of inconveniences designed for the individual to bring us instant gratification with God's peace if we choose to wait in the line of life
Off for my soda,
Miss Dawn
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