Being Unapologetic

We all do it.  We apologize.  No matter what, we are apologizing for lots of things.  For stepping over someone's foot.  For spilling a drink on someone.  There are times we should apologize.  There are times we should not.

Growing up in the South, we are often taught to apologize for everything.  For the clouds in the sky.  For the lack of rain.  For something someone else has done.  I've been known to apologize for something a stranger has done.

I've realized something recently. 

There's a time to apologize.

And there's a time to be unapologetic.

There's a time to keep quiet.

And there's a time to let everyone know.

And when God is involved, it is not time to apologize for what I believe.

For that, I feel so much better.

Singing to the Top of My Voice

We've all heard the song,

"You've gotta sing like nobody's listening. . ."

Sometimes that's not so easy.  Singing like there is no one there, even when someone is there.  It all boils down to living life to the fullest, regardless of what others think or feel or say.  Knowing what's really important and living what is really important.

And you know what?  It might seem like at times my priorities are not straight.  I spend a whole lot of time planning Disney trips and dreaming about Disney trips.  It all boils down to this:  I'm not thinking of the location.  I'm thinking of the memories.  Who really cares what others think of my vacation destination?  Truthfully, my vacation destination is not as important to me as the four people within 1500 square feet of me right now.  Asleep.

I'm blessed.  And I'm happy about it.

And I've learned some simple rules to life:

1.  There truly is a God-shaped hole in our hearts we are all trying to fill. 

2.  Knowing that, God gives us family so we can have some iota about how He feels about us.

3.  It's our job to love these people completely, flaws and all, because we are loved flaws and all.

4.  It's also our job to live life to its fullest, because we are only given one life here to do it.

5.  Everyone needs positive in their lives.

And knowing number 5 to be true, I have a new resolve.  To be as positive as I can.  No complaining about this pain or that heartache, or this aggravation.

Because you know what?  In the grand scheme of things, when I'm complaining, I'm not singing.


December 2009--Me spending time being a big kid at Disney World, while reveling in a beautiful creation:  Cinderella's Castle from the Polynesian Resort.

Nothing interesting

I get up.  Get ready for work.  Go to work.  Work.  Come home.  Go to bed.

Repeat.

39 work days in a row.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time that I've done that.  But done it I have this year.

Monday is the 40th day of school.

I have a doctor's appointment.

You know, I don't believe I've ever really looked forward to a doctor's appointment until now.  I'm worn out.  My capacity for patience with the students is fine, but my patience with the adults I work with?

Nonexistent.

Picture today?  One that I took from the top of Expedition Everest.  Dan almost died when I took the picture for fear of losing our camera.