I dislike that feeling of being "judged and found wanting." It happens. To all of us. Hopefully on rare occasions. But still, more often than I find comfortable.
The thing is...none of us is perfect. Not one. No matter what. When I get that "judged" feeling, I try to remember that. I try to keep in mind that every single person on this earth chose to be here. That we are all spiritual children of a Heavenly Father who loves us - every one of us. That the Savior's atonement covers every single sin of every individual. Every one. Sometimes I'm more successful at remembering that than others.
The corollary is this - how am I doing? Do I convey the attitude that I judge and find others less than optimal? I fear I do. And more often than I should. And therein lies the rub: how is it possible to expect others to treat me any differently than I treat them? I shouldn't talk the talk of brotherly Christlike love for everyone then turn around the next day and snub someone (walk a different walk).
I have been unable to rid my mind of this article (link below) with all its implications. My behavior should reflect my beliefs, my core morals, regardless of another's apparent beliefs, core morals - even appearance. Perhaps someone's "judgement" of me is wrong; then again perhaps it is merely a reflection of the hidden trials that have been shared with no one. "When need doesn't come in the package we expect it to, it is easy to miss." (M. Eyring.)
Blanket statements of what is wrong (in our opinion) are not helpful. Blanket assumptions likewise unhelpful. Directions as to how others should behave - out of line. I can only travel through life's journey on my very own pathway. As each of us do. Pathways that intersect and can provide enrichment, beauty and warmth to another. I will continue to endeavor to improve the beauty of my path's intersections to others. It's a long, uphill road.
Must Oscar winners starve for their suppers? | Deseret News
Today's gratitude: for sensitive, kind souls who reach out with love (and cookies) to a soul in need.
YAY!
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| Over 2 dozen here - all from the front yard. |
This year was a YAY! year. They all still fit. Don't have to buy new unless I choose. "Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles." Made my heart a teensy bit happy.
The foot attire never causes me quite the same consternation. Thank heavens. Although this year I am having some serious arthritis issues in my foot. Sigh....I guess I can't have it all, but that doesn't keep me from wanting.
Today's gratitude: for old presentable clothes that still fit. And for comfy, arch supporting sandals. And for roses!
Allergies
The annual spring/summer conflict has begun.
The Husband loves to have the windows open. And I admit I'm not averse to some fresh air. So we leave the windows open at night trying to catch the breeze (or in the case of Draper: the gale winds).
I like the windows closed because of all the dust that comes in and the noise from the lawn mowers with their blowers and the construction noise from the jr. high through the block and the kids on their motorized scooters with their annoying buzz. (Yep, I admit it, I'm old. I enjoy the quiet. It's peaceful.)
Closed windows = air conditioning. (Those computers and moniters - yes multiples - put out a lot of heat which is nice in the winter, not so comfy in the heat.)
So it's a tussle. Closed or open windows? Air conditioning on or not? Spending money(which I sincerely despise) on air conditioning or wiping up layer upon layer of grit from every possible surface?
Finding a happy middle ground isn't easy. And it varies - depending on mood, stress and activity level, outside temps, cloudy days or sunny. Mostly we seem to come to some sort of entente, or tolerance of each other's comfort levels.
The worst part of the equation is my seasonal allergy issue. Took a vase outside today to fill with roses, wasn't out more than a few minutes. Came in totally sniffing, sneezing, itching eyes. And I even caved and took an antihistamine this morning.
Bottom line: with all the beauty of the season and the loveliness of the gorgeous living things Heavenly Father graced our planet with, it seems to always be a season of misery for me. Thou shalt not whine should be my motto.
Today's gratitude: for Claritin D, and for thoughtful people who gift unnecessary but desired items for enriching another's life.
.jpg) |
| My Honey inhaling the honeysuckle. |
I like the windows closed because of all the dust that comes in and the noise from the lawn mowers with their blowers and the construction noise from the jr. high through the block and the kids on their motorized scooters with their annoying buzz. (Yep, I admit it, I'm old. I enjoy the quiet. It's peaceful.)
Closed windows = air conditioning. (Those computers and moniters - yes multiples - put out a lot of heat which is nice in the winter, not so comfy in the heat.)
So it's a tussle. Closed or open windows? Air conditioning on or not? Spending money(which I sincerely despise) on air conditioning or wiping up layer upon layer of grit from every possible surface?
Finding a happy middle ground isn't easy. And it varies - depending on mood, stress and activity level, outside temps, cloudy days or sunny. Mostly we seem to come to some sort of entente, or tolerance of each other's comfort levels.
The worst part of the equation is my seasonal allergy issue. Took a vase outside today to fill with roses, wasn't out more than a few minutes. Came in totally sniffing, sneezing, itching eyes. And I even caved and took an antihistamine this morning.
Bottom line: with all the beauty of the season and the loveliness of the gorgeous living things Heavenly Father graced our planet with, it seems to always be a season of misery for me. Thou shalt not whine should be my motto.
Today's gratitude: for Claritin D, and for thoughtful people who gift unnecessary but desired items for enriching another's life.
Simply "Stream of Consciousness"
Yet another way to describe the randomness of my thoughts....
• So loved the south end of the trail this morning. The lovely chorus of meadowlarks was such a lift to my soul.
• Also noticed these wildflowers. (At first thought they might be pretty blooming weeds, but no, they're indigenous wildflowers. How fun!)
• Haven't been able to get this out of my mind. Went to a meeting - the speaker mentioned that she saved all the thank you cards she receives. Pulled out a book about 4" thick so she could refer to a couple of them. Little (invisible) bubbles popped up over the heads of every person in the room: "Wow, she must do a lot of nice things for people." She probably does. I posit that everyone else in the room does likewise. Decided I prefer to let the angels keep track of those good things. Lots of good deeds go without the earthly reward of a thank you note. Doesn't matter. What matters is the good that is done. The result: I decided that I must be more diligent in sending thank you notes to people who dispense good deeds/words my direction. So they know how important their kindness to me is.
• Having a full-glass front door can be problematic. Did something I don't recall ever doing before: didn't answer the door. Went in response to the doorbell (of course, it was dinnertime). Noticed the stranger/salesman standing there in spite of the bright red "NO SOLICITING" sign on the glass. Decided to let The Husband answer the door so I turned around without opening the door. Guess the stranger/salesman got the message, he trudged on before The Husband managed to get there. So, perhaps having the full-glass front door was actually a blessing in this instance. Saved me from grief.
• Spent the day at home. Reading, cooking, sewing, giving and receiving hugs (The Husband - so glad he's home!) and generally enjoying being here.
Today's quote worth pondering:
"My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh. But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain." --Charlie Chaplin
• So loved the south end of the trail this morning. The lovely chorus of meadowlarks was such a lift to my soul.
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| Pretty Penstemon Palmeri |
• Also noticed these wildflowers. (At first thought they might be pretty blooming weeds, but no, they're indigenous wildflowers. How fun!)
• Haven't been able to get this out of my mind. Went to a meeting - the speaker mentioned that she saved all the thank you cards she receives. Pulled out a book about 4" thick so she could refer to a couple of them. Little (invisible) bubbles popped up over the heads of every person in the room: "Wow, she must do a lot of nice things for people." She probably does. I posit that everyone else in the room does likewise. Decided I prefer to let the angels keep track of those good things. Lots of good deeds go without the earthly reward of a thank you note. Doesn't matter. What matters is the good that is done. The result: I decided that I must be more diligent in sending thank you notes to people who dispense good deeds/words my direction. So they know how important their kindness to me is.
• Having a full-glass front door can be problematic. Did something I don't recall ever doing before: didn't answer the door. Went in response to the doorbell (of course, it was dinnertime). Noticed the stranger/salesman standing there in spite of the bright red "NO SOLICITING" sign on the glass. Decided to let The Husband answer the door so I turned around without opening the door. Guess the stranger/salesman got the message, he trudged on before The Husband managed to get there. So, perhaps having the full-glass front door was actually a blessing in this instance. Saved me from grief.
• Spent the day at home. Reading, cooking, sewing, giving and receiving hugs (The Husband - so glad he's home!) and generally enjoying being here.
Today's quote worth pondering:
"My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh. But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain." --Charlie Chaplin
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