My mother-in-law, Betty, had a quiet and gentle spirit, and never said anything that wasn’t positive. So, I remember the few exceptions vividly. When I first met my in-laws, they were avid bridge players and belonged to a club that played in one another’s homes monthly. One night, when they were trying to teach me how to play bridge, I was struggling. Betty encouraged me to not hurry, she didn’t mind waiting. “This is so much more enjoyable than bridge club with Mary”. Then she shared a knowing glance with Dr. Gere and continued. “There is nothing worse than someone who just gave up smoking. She never stopped complaining about the others smoking in the room letting everyone know that she no longer did such a horrible thing. Funny how quickly she forgot how many times I sat next to her quietly coughing as she blew smoke in my face.” And then she laughed good naturedly as if it didn’t really bother her, but surely it did.
I am so grateful for that experience. I’ve been able to apply her example to so many things throughout my life. Just recently I had an opportunity as I sat and listened to someone espouse a very different diet from the one that I am pursuing as being the only healthy choice God would approve. Thankfully, I could apply Betty’s quiet spirit and listen without complaint as the group endured the long sermon from this new convert.
It is so easy to feel like we have found a ‘truth’ and then want to make sure everyone around us hears about it. This blog has that very goal; to share the truth and hope it helps someone else in their journey to live life to it’s fullest. The difference is I am not telling you that you are wrong, no matter what choices you make. I’m not the judge of you. You might have a condition that doesn’t allow you to move much or at all. Perhaps you have a rare condition that requires you to eat only a very small portion of the bounty this earth produces. I don’t know your situation, I just know what I’m learning and what has helped me. That is why I try to give so many references so you can decide for yourself what is right for you.
I am also guided by something my very healthy and young son-in-law repeated a few years back. I asked him if he was going to go to an event and he said something to the effect of “I don’t know how much time I have left, so I’m not sure I want to waste any on that.” Oh yes, and amen to that sentiment. Life seems shorter every year and I so want to focus on the best things in life and live it to its fullest.
Please don’t assume I am suggesting that we walk away from challenges. We learn the best lessons when we are engaged in something we find difficult. A new skill or habit, an exercise routine, or serving in a trying relationship. But it is always wise to count the cost of your actions and walk away when what you are doing doesn’t serve you well or provide value to the person you are trying to help. Guard your hearts as well as your time.
“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” (Psalm 90:12 TLB)
“When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall.” (C.S. Lewis – Mere Christianity)
“For those willing to open their minds and change their habits, lifelong excellent health is well within reach.” (Joel Fuhrman, M.D. – Eat For Life)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice
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