Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”
I've been thinking about this quote for months now. The different meanings it has and how exactly to apply it to my life. The application has been the tricky part, because it is not something that I do. No it has to be applied to thought and emotion. I have realized this past week that this quote is simply talking about my perspective. How I choose to perceive things. Do I see life as hard? Or do I see life as Joyful? I has to be applied to my thinking, the way I see things!
I taught my laurels a lesson on Finding Joy Now this past Sunday. It was so interesting teaching it only two days after Robert going back into the hospital. I realized that no matter what our circumstances this quote is still true. Robert and Ashley are such an amazing example of finding the joy in their experiences. They laugh at the funny things Robert says when he is 'high' on pain meds, or revel in the love and support from family and friends. We really can always choose to see the joy and good in each situation in our life.
So for me, suddenly this week I felt lighter. Nothing changed. I still have the same to do list I did a week ago, in fact it is growing with fundraising things to do too! I still have the same challenges and busyness in my life. It just all looks so different to me. I've learned a little more deeply and clearly what it means to tend the secret garden of abundance in my life. I think abundance might really be rose colored glasses, of sorts anyway! And for that I am grateful!
6 comments:
I love your insight into this. We woman have a hard time balancing all of our "duties and responsibilities" and sometimes we let ourselves forget about what is most important - those things that could quickly be taken away tomorrow.
I appreciate your humor on Robert's blog. They are so strong. I also saw Stephanie post about your comment on A Daily Scoop. They are lucky to have a sister and sister-in-law like you!
I'm heading straight to "A Daily Scoop" after this. I read her blog Thurs. night, but I've obviously missed something since then! I love that quote and your thoughts on it. I also got a kick out of the "Silence is golden" quote. I'm glad I have funny sisters! Love you!
Sorry I haven't left a comment lately. My computer was doing this weird thing where it wouldn't show the word verification image below, so I was not able to post my comments. It was driving me crazy! Anyway, I'm logged on as Brian now (I don't know why that would make a difference) and it seems to be working again, so who knows! Anyway, I'm totally with you on the perspective thing. I just watched a really sad and interesting 20/20 the other night on the people that live in the Appalachian hills and it certainly helped me to put things back into perspective for myself. I feel so guilty when I realize at times that I have lost perspective of how truly blessed I am.
thanks for the perspective check!
what a moving commentary. i really enjoyed this particular post.
I love it Janelle! I think sometimes I just need to change my perspective too! That talk is great as well! Life is good as long as we think it is, right! I love you girl! Give me a call sometime!
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