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Learning to love the weeds

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Somedays are so full of weeds you don’t even know where to start to pull them out and clear your mind.

Although weeds are messy and they are often unwanted. It’s those little niggly things that can make you stop and appreciate the flowers in your world.

Being grateful in times of growth and challenge has every potential to change the way you see your circumstance.

When you feel overwhelmed at a situation. You feel unheard, you feel misjudged, you feel put down, you feel misrepresented, those times where the weeds are exposed, have the potential to truly change your perspective on your everyday.

Grateful for the little things, the beautiful simple flowers that are unnoticed until times of challenge come.

Weeds are flowers too once you get to know them A.A. Milne

If you’ve had a hard day, don’t worry so have I, my day however has caused me to reflect on the beauty that is in my everyday life and take time to love the weeds, because they bring attention to that which is unattended.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Love

Amanda

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Safe

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How often do we play it safe to protect ourselves from being hurt again?

In our creativity?

In our friendships?

In our families?

One of my favourite poems is from a magnificent lady ‘Marianne Williamson.’ I put it in my first capture book and have been drawn to it many times since. It is profound.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

You were created to shine.

You were creative to thrive.

Playing it safe, will never inspire another to step out of the boats that contain them.

Playing it safe, will never enable the dreams deep within your heart to burst open.

Playing it safe, never encouraged another to live beyond their limits.

Sail out of the harbour dear friend.

That is what you were created for.

Amanda

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Your voice

20140120-204014.jpgSo many people forget that they have their own voice.

It is unique.

It is purposed.

It is beautiful.

Your voice is your capacity to create and bring your thoughts and brilliance to this world.

So many people echo other people’s ideas, innovation and creativity.

Rather than projecting their own voice.

Simple thought today.

Stop copying other people’s thoughts and use your own perspective and bring something fresh.

Use your voice.

A

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the vision awaits

20140119-200842.jpgLast night we went to the most beautiful setting to watch the most graphic of films.

I finished the evening with a sigh, I was glad to have had a night out but the content of the film was deeply disturbing.

I am glad that ‘12 years a slave‘ is getting acclaim with awards at the moment, because it means the topic will receive the focus globally it deserves.

However I am not sure it was necessary of the film directors and writers to dwell on the graphic content of the abuse, the violence and the disturbing treatment of the slaves.

Although the film was set in the 1800’s and focused on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man, who was sold into slavery, I found myself relating it to the people who are sold into slavery still today.

Every image made me think of nations like Thailand and India where young men and women everyday are treated in the same inhumane ways, often to provide us with our cheap fish prices, that $2 tshirt from Kmart and the consumerism we take for granted.

I was so personally challenged about what I take granted here in Australia. The freedom, the beach, the safety of my family and more.

Every year Solomon was subjected to the most appalling racism and abuse the most striking part of his character was his undeniable patience.

A man who walked into his family after 12 years of the most appalling of circumstances, asking for forgiveness for being away from them.

He had every right to walk in with righteous anger, asking for preferential treatment, with an attitude of the victim. However he walked in with humility, so grateful that his vision had come to pass and his family were reunited again.

How do you carry yourself through the hardest times of your life?

Do you wait for the vision to be realised with humility and faith?

Do you walk in offence, expecting everyone to help you and make you feel better about the circumstance of your past?

This scripture from Habakuk has been taunting me all day.

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; It hastens to the end; it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Hab 2:3

The things I am waiting for are no where near as treacherous as the abuse that Solomon encountered, or people who are in situations of violence and mistreatment. My heart still aches though for the fulfilment of dreams that I long for.

Are you waiting on something of importance?

Do you feel frustrated at the journey?

I have learnt from the story of Solomon Northup and also this scripture today, that the way we carry ourselves in the in-between place, is more important to the fulfilment of the dream anyway. What we learn? Who we treat badly or well along the way?

Laying down our lives for another.

Although the vision awaits, I am desperate to do it with awareness of how blessed I truly am and how many people in our world live lives that are truly desperate and in need of freedom.

I want to live a life that sets people free.

A humble life

A present life

A life full of perspective.

How about you?

A

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Filled with joy

20140118-122817.jpgWe had a great chat with our sometimes neighbour this morning, who had just come back from his holiday walk on the beach all inspired.

He was telling us about a friend of his who is getting married this afternoon, after a terrible few years of trauma after losing her first husband suddenly.

We talked for a long time about being filled with joy by the little things, rather than allowing the confusion and pursuit of success and happiness to overtake our days.

What a great conversation with a neighbour.

One of my best friends also lost her husband a few short years ago. Just before he passed away, he left a note for her saying.

‘Life is short, love what you do’

The prophetic statement of the coming unexpected days of their lives is eerily haunting.

But it is true.

I think we believe we are immortal, however the trauma and tragedy of those around us shows us that we really don’t know the hour or day when our time will come to an end.

In those last hours of life, the bank statements and the hurtful words that have been said by an acquaintance, the washing piles and the unmet expectations will not be the last thoughts on our minds. Memories of family and meals. Good times and great regrets, these will be those things that consume us.

Take time to be filled with joy this Saturday.

Life is Short

Love what you do.

Thanks Craig.

We miss you

XXOO

Amanda