Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2008. All rights reserved.
I’ve read that some scientists believe that human beings have a curious capacity to take things for granted. It is suggested that repetition and time are the culprits that dull our sense of wonder. For example, they say even the most exquisite diamond loses its luster with familiarity or the sunrise fails to astonish because it is commonplace.
Certainly there are many things that have become routine and expected in my life.
Have you ever been in the shower washing your hair, as I have, when suddenly the water stops coming out because city crews have shut down the system for repairs? Or how about when storm damage causes the loss of electricity? Or your car is in the shop and you have no other mode of transportation? Can you remember what life was like before the internet and cell phones? Or what about the brother you can always count on, or your good health or the many freedoms we enjoy in America? Oh yes, there are many things, experiences and people I’ve taken for granted!
An email landed in my box this week that inspired more thought on this subject. It told about a group of students who were asked to name what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. The wonders which received the most votes included Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon, Panama Canal, Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica and China’s Great Wall.
But apparently one student had trouble finishing her list, stating she could not make up her mind because there were so many to choose from. The teacher encouraged her to share her list aloud with the other students to see if they could help. She read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh and to love.”
This unexpected list was followed by a poignant reminder —“the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”
This student listed “wonders” that I never thought much about until one day a couple of years ago when my husband and I gave a terminally ill friend a jeep ride around our farm.
Riding in the jeep was not a big deal to me, perhaps because it was “old hat” as some might say. But my friend noticed details I never had and she relished every moment of her ride. I found myself being captivated by her adoration and reverence of what she was seeing and by every breath of fresh country air she gratefully took in. That was my friend’s last jeep ride. She passed on a few months later.
But my one jeep ride with her taught me lessons I will never forget. I discovered colors in the sunset I didn’t know were there. I learned that each of our cows has its own distinct bellow and some have really long eye lashes. I noticed that the deeper the hole you drive over, the harder your laugh will be. I found that looking out over big Texas pastures reminds you of the broad expanse of God’s love. And gazing at the horizon when the sun is setting fills you with a peaceful sense of the infinity of life.
So how do we keep our sense of wonder? How do we maintain our appreciation of all the everyday miracles that compose our day? And how do we never overlook the blessings that make up each life moment?
I’m learning that to even ask such questions is a good beginning. Pausing to ask these questions also requires pausing to explore for the answers. And our sincere desire to cherish life is a prayer in and of itself — and one that will be answered.
As I learned in my jeep ride, the more acutely aware we are of what makes up and who shares our days, life will be more meaningful and satisfying. Savoring and mindfully using any of the wonders of sight, hearing, taste, touch, feeling, laughter and love, will guide you to even more wonder that God promises for His beloved children.
Start right now — this very moment — and keep yourself in a constant state of awe, admiration and respect of every ordinary and extraordinary wonder in your day! You don’t want to miss anything! I sure hope I don’t!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2008. All rights reserved.
We’ve seen their faces and heard their names. We’ve learned their ages and where they were from. My heart breaks when I see television news reports informing us American soldiers have died.
This time loss of life wasn’t in battle. It was going to be what’s known as a “flyby” over the Liberation Day parade, celebrating the U.S. liberation of Guam from Japan. Flybys are something B-52s and some other military planes probably consider routine and I suspect the crews who fly these missions feel honored to take part. But this time, something went terribly wrong and six soldiers were lost in the B-52 crash off the coast of Guam.
When I first heard the tragic news of the crash, my heart sank when I considered the possibility that my son-in-law could have been part of the crew. We were relieved to hear of his safety, but our relief for him was soon turned to shock and sadness when we discovered that one of the crew lost was a good friend to our daughter and son-in-law.
Suddenly the loss of a soldier became “more real” as my husband and I reflected on our memories with this young man.
It has been difficult in these past few days to continue on with my daily activities and responsibilities without the dark cloud of melancholy hanging over me. In fact, I’ve found myself feeling guilty every time I laughed. In every happy moment, I couldn’t help but think about all the dear families and friends of these soldiers who were — in that same moment — consumed with grief.
I have to express my enormous gratitude for these and all American soldiers. Let us never forget that our American soldiers choose to be soldiers. They choose to put their life at risk when duty calls. They choose to do everything in their power to keep us safe and free. And their families, too, willingly and graciously live the life that puts “country” before all else.
It has recently occurred to me that we — all of us American citizens — are the legacy of our American soldiers. We owe them our lives — lives that must be lived to their fullest potential. And this is the greatest tribute we could possibly give to soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
So I will do my best, dear soldiers, to live a life that will make you proud. I will strive to live a life that is worthy of your life and death. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Soldiers must have extraordinary love for their country and their fellow citizens to be willing to relinquish their lives for others! I wonder if I could ever love that much.
Can you imagine a world where every citizen loves each other unconditionally and impartially? A world where each person is always ready to lend a hand when help is needed? A world where people believe the safety and welfare of others comes before their own? A world where respect, loyalty and trust is never questioned or doubted? Such is the world of the American soldier.
We have much to learn, my fellow citizens, from our soldiers. Their lives and sacrifices teach us many invaluable lessons. We are privileged to have our lives and freedoms in their strong and faithful hands. May we always be a grateful nation and never forget to show it. And may you and I remember that we must show our gratitude with our own lives well-lived!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
Are our problems as big as we think they are? Problems often appear unsolvable on the surface. We feel a certain direction is the wrong way to go and yet we can’t think of another possible direction to take. The result is we may feel without hope for a viable and practical solution. At such a moment, our dismay becomes consuming, overwhelming and ultimately — paralyzing.
But perhaps the barrier to our thinking is our thinking. It could be that the most important factor in problem solving is how we approach the problem.
When difficulties arise, evaluate your first impression of the dilemma. Some say our first impressions of a problem may be similar to our first impressions of people. Ask yourself — “Are my first impressions narrow and superficial?” Harboring stereotyped notions will cloud vision, confuse reason and stifle imagination.
Perspective can outline and limit options and ideas and thus hamper results and resolutions. Indeed some have said — and proven — that a new view of a problem can lead to a solution.
I’ve read that when Einstein approached a problem, he found it necessary to formulate the subject in as many different ways as possible. He was once asked what he would do if he were told that a huge comet would hit Earth in an hour. He said he would spend 55 minutes figuring out how to formulate the question and 5 minutes solving it.
It seems his emphasis was not so much on defining troubles, but on considering alternate points of view. He apparently expected this process to inspire the elucidation that would lead to a feasible answer.
This approach to problem-solving suggests that when considering any predicament, we should try to restate the question at least 5 to 10 times to generate multiple perspectives about a problem. This method intrigued me and I’ve been putting it to my own test. I’ve discovered that what I often perceive to be an insurmountable problem will suddenly become solvable.
One day my question was: “How can I find sufficient time in my day to do all that I need to accomplish?” Admittedly, I knew at the outset that there was no answer that could add more hours to a 24-hour day. As I continued restating my question, the problem turned out to not really be a question of time as much as it was the need for practical daily goal-setting. Implementing Einstein’s problem-solving method has helped my days become more satisfying, productive and progressive.
Before trying Einstein’s approach, I was trapped in a daily pattern of complaining about not having enough time and consequently I never found a day with enough hours in it.
It’s like the story I once read about the housefly. I suspect we’ve all had flies trapped inside of our house who frantically buzz in front of a big glass window desperately trying to get back outside but can’t. Again and again, the fly hits the window going nowhere. And yet, all it has to do is go back through the open screen door which it likely came through. How many dead flies have we seen on a window sill? The fly dies because it cannot change its thinking — or approach.
As some unknown author once said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
Fresh perspective is imperative in finding new ideas and reasonable answers. And a fresh perspective is only born when we stop describing or ruminating about a problem in the same old way.
This approach to problem-solving changed many of my questions and resulted in solutions that were attainable and doable. My question, “How can I afford a bigger house with more storage space?” was changed to “How can I use the space in my current house more efficiently and effectively?” And my question, “How can I lose weight?” was changed to “What can I do each day to cut back on fat calories and be more physically active?” In both of these cases, I found satisfying — as well as immediate — results and solutions.
So do you have a problem that seems impossible to solve? Try Einstein’s method of problem solving and restate your question at least five times. You may be surprised how quickly you find an answer that works!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2008. All rights reserved.
Day after day — for months now actually — I get out of bed and begin the new day and before I know it, the day has flown by me and I’m trying to figure out where it went. And again and again, at the end of the day, I’m feeling like I’ll never catch up.
I’ve made myself feel better with the “there’s always tomorrow” speech. But lately I’m finding no solace in those words. I refuse to concede that there may never be enough time to do all that I want to do with my life. But I’m tired of life moving too fast, and I want it to slow down.
Once again, I’ve been clipping along so fast each day that finding time for God — for prayer and meditation — is something that never gets enough attention. And somehow I know that if my day could include more God-time, my day would be much better.
It has occurred to me that perhaps it’s not life that is moving too fast but rather it is me that is moving too fast through every moment of my life. And if I’m the one doing the driving, then I’m the one who can get out of the fast lane and change to the slower lane on the right-hand side of the road.
“Slowing down” reminds me of a favorite song from my youth. I believe its title was “The 59th Street Bridge Song” written by Paul Simon. As I write, I find myself singing its lyrics:
“Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last. Just kickin’ down the cobblestones. Lookin’ for fun, and feelin’ groovy.”
Feeling groovy? Those words certainly don’t describe how I’ve been feeling lately. I would surely love to make my mornings last. Yes, I definitely need to stop moving so fast.
Then I continue to sing.
“Got no deeds to do. No promises to keep. I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep. Let the mornin’ time drop all its petals on me. Life, I love you, all is groovy.”
Life — I love you? I haven’t said that in a long time.
I’m not sure I know what it means to have the morning time drop all its petals on me. But somehow I like the way that sounds, and I want to find out — especially if finding out will mean everything will be “groovy” in my life!
But it’s 8:45 in the evening. My morning and day have disappeared yet again. And I still have not taken my daily walk. One of my goals has been to walk a mile each day, but way too many days have gone by without my walk. I almost thought, “Another day is done. It’s too late.”
But then . . . “It’s not dark yet.” And I bounded out of my house and began my walk.
Suddenly it didn’t matter whether or not I walked a mile. So what if I didn’t have much time or even enough time to get my mile in before dark. I could still walk!
It’s not so hot in Texas right before dark. There was a nice little breeze blowing my hair out of my eyes. The colors of the sunset were barely glimmering in the horizon. The trees surrounding me were becoming dark images. It was like everything was changing from a color photo to black and white. Quite an incredible transformation I must say! And in those few peaceful moments, any anxieties I had been feeling were replaced with the calming knowledge of God’s ever presence.
I sing, “Ba, da, da, da, da, da, da, feelin’ groovy.”
And I was feeling groovy!
My lesson? Relish every moment of the day. Every minute is important and there to be experienced. If I didn’t outline so much, it would never be too late. I make way too many rules for my day.
Let’s enjoy every moment, my friends. May we all slow down and be more reflective of God in our life throughout our day. And then I suspect we’ll find all will be groovy!
Oct 28, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2008. All rights reserved.
Our national anthem — most of us know the words, but have we all pondered their meaning? Many of us probably only know the words of the first verse since that is the verse we sing. Frances Scott Key’s poem, however, actually has four verses!Recently I received an email with a link to a powerful dramatic rendition (click to listen) telling the story that led to the writing of our national song — with details that I had never heard before.
Now some will argue that the facts told in this telling might not all be true since some of the details have not been recorded in history books. And I can’t shed any certain light to these questions. Regardless, I want to review some of these details because whether embellished or not, listening to this story has caused me to ask myself some significant and worthy questions about my own patriotism.
In this rendition, it says Frances Scott Key was sent to negotiate a mutual exchange of American and British prisoners. After successfully reaching an agreement while on board the British ship, he was not allowed to return to shore because of an imminent attack soon to be launched on Fort McHenry.
The storyteller describes an arrogant British ship captain who is quite certain of the fall of Fort McHenry to the mighty British fleet. And this captain suggests the negotiations would soon be meaningless because once Fort McHenry surrenders, Key and the American prisoners on board would once again be under British rule.
The story tells of Frances Scott Key expressing his concern to this British captain that Fort McHenry is predominantly not a military fort and includes many American citizens —- men, women and children. But the British officer tells Key that the citizens were given an ultimatum assuring them that if they lowered the American flag and surrendered, the shelling would stop and their lives would be spared.
After hours and hours of relentless bombing throughout the night, the British captain is mystified and exclaims to Frances Scott Key, “This is an impossible situation.” He could not understand why the citizens would not surrender and save their lives. Then the storyteller shares a quote he attributes to George Washington: “The thing that separates the American Christian from every other person on earth is the fact that he would rather die on his feet, than live on his knees.”
Twenty-five hours later, the British stop the attack and retreat from the shores of Fort McHenry. By morning’s light, the American flag — although in shreds and its pole leaning — is still flying.
This story goes on to tell of Frances Scott Key’s return to the Fort where he learns how the citizen soldiers kept the flag flying even though it had taken countless direct hits. The storyteller relates that the citizens knew all too well what it would mean if the flag was allowed to fall, and they knew — at all costs — the flag must remain high in the sky. The citizens held the flagpole in place, even though they were under constant threat of death as the flag and flagpole continued to receive direct fire. Many died to keep the American flag flying.
I can’t help but ask myself, “Am I willing to make such a sacrifice? Am I willing to stand up for something greater than self — an ideal, a hope, a vision — and would I sacrifice my life to ensure those ideals live on for the benefit of others”
It occurs to me that there are Americans who are willing and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout the history of this great country. Today, our military consists solely of citizens who have volunteered and are willing to sacrifice their lives in service to our country — to preserve our freedom and protect their fellow citizens.
I pray that I be worthy of their sacrifices. I pray that I would do the same for them in an hour of need. And I pray that I never forget the sacrifices of all the Americans who have given their lives so you and I can be free today.
God bless “the land of the free and the home of the brave!” God bless America!
