List Of A Few Things That Are "Real"

A Hang-Nail.

It may seem like nothing in comparison to a skinned knee, but pull off that little piece of skin, and see if you can ignore the pain.

A Mother's Touch.

Say what you will, especially if you don't have a great relationship with your mother--or your father, for that matter. But there is nothing that can replace the hug, or the gentle touch from your mother.

Baby Talk.

My niece is getting older by the second. (Well, aren't we all?!?) And nothing makes me fall in love with family more than hearing her baby talk. From calling me 'Ato' (uncle) or wishing me a 'Hatty Berday', it always warms my heart.

Making My Family Laugh.

It's a great sense of accomplishment I get when I make the people who know me best, laugh. It's easy for me to piss them off. They know this, I know this, it's been established. So for me to be able to get them to forget the rotten person I can be and just let out a big fat chuckle~that's a natural high.

Oh, The Weather Outside Is (fill in the blank).

From the balmy breeze off the Pacific ocean, a windy day on a Chicago Avenue, the humidity from the streets of a New York summer or the cool rain drizzling in the Pacific Northwest, there is no denying how perceptible and convincing the weather can be.

Two All-Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickled Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun.

Who has ever been hungry? So hungry that 2 Big Mac's can't cure? If you've felt the pangs of hunger, then you know what real is.

Where's The Bathroom!

I have a routine everyday. Around 4:30pm, I peel myself from behind my desk and hit the lua. There have been days where I haven't, and abruptly left the office at 5pm running to catch the bus. And have I been sorry!

The Miracle on (fill in the blank) Street.

Found money in your pocket when you needed it most? Had someone treat you to a meal when you had nothing to eat? Had someone help you without asking, at a time you felt like giving up? That's the evidence that miracles exist, and that evidence makes it real.

I was at work and someone asked me a question, and told me to 'keep it real.' I agree. During very stressful times like these, it is important to remain vigilant and be awake regarding life issues. Aware of the stressors that may overwhelm you, but most important, to put all of that into perspective. Recognizing that although the issues in your life are actual and exist, the things that 'REAL'ly matter, are the things that require our attention, and essentially our focus. If someone tells you to 'keep it real,' a suggestion to you is to take a moment to think on things that are real to you. Then focus on the good things that you thought of. Hopefully that will make your day go a little easier and your stress, not that burdensome.

Philippians 4:8 (Amplified Bible)
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Busy, Busy

"Being still is seen as an interruption instead of an invitation."

I just read this in an article this morning and it made me wonder how many times I get so busy doing things that it becomes the 'norm'. I get unnerved when I find myself with a few hours of quiet time. I realize that it's because I've become so accustomed to the noise in the office and the noise on the streets, and the noise of my life--that when it gets quiet in my apartment I don't know how to function.

I usually turn on the t.v. in one room and a radio in the other to fill the silence with something. Noise. Anything. I realize right now that I've become this way because I've lost my appreciation for quiet time.

When I was taking care of my mom and it was just she and I in the house, it was quiet. I'd read a little, talk a little, then just relax and do nothing for a little. It was easy to calm down and enjoy the silence because it was a normal thing to do. Where did my respect for the quiet time go? Have I become too consumed with being busy, that any time that is not occupied with something, I get nervous?

That's not good. I can name at least 5 people who would give an arm or leg to have some 'me time.' I'm reminded now about something that came to me while I was praying a few years go. I wanted to call and speak to somebody to pass the quietness, but the people who had the time to talk were the ones I didn't really want to talk to, and those who I wanted to talk to weren't available. Just before anxiety was about to overwhelm me with boredom, a quiet voice I heard in my spirit said, 'talk to Me.' I knew instantly it was the voice of the Lord calling.

I took some time to just sit and relax. tried my best to clear my mind of all thoughts and I listened to the quietness of the moment. And though it seemed to be a very long time to just sit and listen, it was probably only about 30 minutes. I found myself having the time to just talk to God. To ask His opinion on things I was thinking of. Talk about the things I was worried or afraid of. I didn't hear an audible voice, but I remember feeling refreshed. Feeling a sense of peace that my soul really needed.

What I need now is that same refreshing. That same renewing sense of calm and assurance that only God can give. Thinking about all of this makes me appreciate the quiet time I find this week at the hotel. I realize this is my time to contemplate the thoughts that flood my mind and steal my peace. And to be reminded that this invitation I have to rejuvenate myself is a gift that I should enjoy. Perhaps this is yet another appointed moment to talk to God and let Him speak while I stop the noise making and just listen. Perhaps this is yet another opportunity that I am being afforded to sit and rest. I think I'll do it.

When you can, take some time out to let God refresh you too. Accept any invitation for quiet time you get, and relax a little. All I can say now is, Speak Lord.