Happiness

Happiness is complicated.

It’s superficial. Laughing to stave off pain.

It’s genuine. Being grateful, content with the simple.

Happiness is both unexpected and the result of search.

But how is happiness possible?

Happiness. Don’t give up the search.

Like a sliver of gold amongst quartz.

Work, people you’re close to, long walks…

Share your happiness. Where do you find it?

What motivates you to get up and sift through sadness?

And what are the things that make it worth it?

Mine is hope. Hope that even though life can suck…

God is always there to guide me and give me joy, peace and rest.

Happiness.

Happiness

Happiness is a learned thing.
Learn what, where, why and when.

Happiness is a choice.
Choose to be contented, not to dwell, but to look ahead.

Happiness is when we discover.
Be fascinated by the little sparks in the dark.

It is hard to be happy.
But I urge you, do not give up.

When you tire of searching call to the people who bring you joy.
Those who will stand by you in ups and downs.

Oh Lord, thank you for blessing us with other people.
The happiness I find in you is boundless.

Not a Barbie Doll

I am not a Barbie Doll.
My body is not perfect.
I don't tick all the boxes.

My body is loved as is.
All bumps, bones and curves.
I work to achieve my goals.

Being real is better.
Working for what you wait for makes you value it.
Causing you to not just get, but learn and grow.

Thank-you Father for the ability to choose.
The choice to be real.
The ability to look beneath the surface.

People Puzzles

I like puzzles.
Solving them with others.
Sharing and relishing in the results.

Being a support worker means being part of a team.
All focused in helping a client grow.
It is as if we are solving a puzzle together.

Teaching someone new ways of doing things.
Gently giving advice to someone,
persuading them to "turn it this way".
The trick is letting people know that they're doing well.
" You just need to take a break, come back, and look at things a new way"
and add "I'll be there to help when you're ready".

Wisdom is acknowledging that you can't solve everything alone.
And if we combine our skills, gifts, and understanding then together...
We can solve people puzzles.

Relationships

Hard. Easy. Partners. Friends.

Family. Colleges. Questionable.

Why do we value each relationship?

Do we value that person in our lives?

or just how it makes us feel?

What we can get out of it?

Good or Bad?

People come in all shapes and sizes.

They come, and they go from our lives.

Those that mean something to us are the ones that stay.

So, who do you make time for and who makes time for you?

How do you show that you care?

When was the last time that you told them?

Hugged them? Sent them a message?

Self-sacrificing love means going out of your way to

demonstrate that you care, making you words match your actions.

Making someone dinner, doing their laundry, driving them home.

All are examples of self-sacrificial love.

This is how Jesus loves us. Without us having loved him first.

Often, we serve others in the subconscious knowledge that they

may well return the favour, love us in return.

When was the last time you simply loved someone without that expectation?

In a way that hurt you and helped them?

Lord teach us how to love.

Shared...

'It is not good for man to be alone'
Genesis 2:18

So many things are better when shared.
Shared, experienced and treasured by two. 

When you stand still in awe and wonder there is no one there to hear your exclamation.
When you stand together you share your thoughts, conjectures, and perceptions.

Trees need a Xylem and a Phloem to function.
To be healthy, to grow, and support one another as each day passes.
They are together as one.

Good relationships are like trees.

When two people are devoted to caring for one another.
When two people can share faith, values, goals, beliefs...
slowly becoming of the same heart, soul and mind.

Of course, due to the presentence of sin, this isn't always the case.
We let each other down sometimes, forget the needs of the other and want things done our way.
Yet with God's help and intervention repairing the damage is possible.
If only we are willing and humble enough, to ask for his guidance and his aid.

I pray that my relationship will grow to be like a tree one of these days...

In His Orchestra

We are all God's instruments.

Which one are you?

How does he play you?

Does he tune you when you need it?

Does he sooth you with the oil of his word?

Will he ever leave you alone in your case?

Will he forget that you're there?

Does our Father give up searching for the lost?

Will God ever give up on his children when we play the wrong note?

No, he will not stop caring for us.