Sunday, December 11, 2011

Day 18 - Shifting Thought Patterns.....

Like many women, I have many roles in life - wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother.  I am also a friend, a coworker, and my career is extremely service oriented. 

It seems that I am constantly doing something for someone! 

Every once in awhile, I get to thinking along these lines -

"I just do, do, do for everybody.  All the time.  
Nobody ever does anything for me!  
Why am I always the one doing for others?!?!?!  
I wish someone, just once, would think of doing something nice for me,
without me even asking!!!"

Imagine that in this monologue in my head, my inner voice grows louder and whinier with each statement.  And as I begin to submerge into this line of thought, my actions grow resentful and hateful.  Joy flees in the face of resentment and anger.

Any of this sound familiar?  If you can honestly say, "No, absolutely not", then I applaud and admire your sweet and giving spirit.  Because, I am just not there, yet. No, I still get off on this negative line of thinking when I feel stretched, or even sometimes used, by people and events around me. 

When I get to feeling like this, the best way for me to get out of it is to work on my list of gifts, blessings for which I am thankful.  Because, at the very top of the list, on page 1, I always see when I open my notebook, is the greatest gift of all.....and the one that gives life and meaning to every gift that follows....

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, 
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16

It is a powerful reminder that someone has done something for me! 

God gave His Son; the Son gave His life - for me. 

No matter that I let the emotions and actions of the world weigh me down, I am still a child of God by blood.  And it would serve me well to remember this always.....and to give thanks unceasingly.

Today, and every day, I am thankful for this most precious gift! 

Peace to you, sweet Friends....

Jane

3 comments:

  1. Jane, I just couldn't agree with you more. I keep a blessing notebook to and try to add at least one thing everyday. I think we all get a little whiny when we are stretched beyond where we really need to be. Some of us forget to take care of ourselves when there is so much to do. That's why I love this blogging. We help remind each other. Thanks for your post. Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yep....when you put it into perspective those little voices hush pretty fast don't they?
    Merry Christmas to you Janie!

    PS...White Christmas is one of our favorites (especially the sister song....when Danny & Bing do it!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful reflection Janie.

    ReplyDelete

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