You know I need you. We’re wired for connection, Love and belonging.
Me (Jan) with Lexi, Bernie & Suz
Birthday girl needs love. Friends need connectivity. We crave relations.
We’re in the same nest. We’re born in this together. But don’t smother me!
I rise with the sun Into a brand new morning Facing a new day.
Connected to God. Learning to live cautiously, Leaning on my Lord.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
When is it Time?
If baby robin #4 in that nest up there doesn’t sharpen her will, poke her beak up with the rest, and open up, she will be doomed to the nest forever!
So, we who need one another are asking ourselves, “When it it time to open up? When it it time to let our courage and our natural need for connections take hold? When can we do it safely?”
Should we wear a mask or not? Should we join the protestors or not? When it is time to believe COVID-19 is safely at bay?
Each Person is Different
Not only is each person different, but each area of our world is different, too. Here in Montana, I could join my friends for a small birthday gathering outside (only 7 of us) and feel safe. I realize everyone in the world does not have that luxury.
But while we each are different, so are we all alike in many ways. We all crave genuine connection.
Matthew Lieberman, a Harvard-trained psychologist wrote,
“The human brain is wired to be social. Love and belonging might seem like a convenience we can live without, but our biology is built to thirst for connection because it is linked to our most basic survival needs.”
Birds of a feather Flock together, connecting Love and harmony.
Likewise, we humans Crave times to touch each other. Isolation hurts!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
This verse in Philippians got me to thinking. What are the things that I would consider in these categories? Think about them… add your thoughts after each word. Where do these words take you? What is:
Lift your thoughts to the highest peak. Let your mind’s radio tune in to the thoughts that are uplifting and worthy of consideration. I tried that this morning. Here is what I came up with. I encourage you to come up with your own. How are your thoughts different from mine?
Think on things that are TRUE: a) The Bible b) The love of my family c) The need for friendship
Think on things that are NOBLE: a) Active, Honest, Capable and Fair government leaders b) Bob Goff’s “Love Does” c) The work of doctors, nurses, caregivers
Think on things that are RIGHT: a) The innocence of little children b) Agape Love (as demonstrated by the unconditional love of my pup, TazE… and my devoted spouse, Bob) c) The obligation to reach out and help the needy
Think on things that are PURE: a) The motives of devoted, loving friends b) The love of Christ for us sinners c) Blessings from heaven
Think on things that are LOVELY: a) Signs of spring = green leaves, daffodils, crocus, tulips b) Kisses from my grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) c) Phone calls, letters, texts from our children
Think on things that are ADMIRABLE: a) The work of classified staff (such as nurse’s assistants and custodians) in nursing homes and hospitals b) The volunteer work of pastors, elders, deacons, and others who give so much time/effort to the church c) The donations of those who give time, food, and resources to help the needy
Think on things that are EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY: a) The efforts of teachers who are committed to continue helping students learn via ZOOM and other technology during this pandemic b) The scientists who are working tirelessly to find a COVID-19 vaccine c) The dedication of people who continue to serve in spite of the virus – – – food service workers, truckers, pharmacists, etc.
Your mind is like a radio – You can tune it to what’s good. Find the Philippians 9:8 channel And think of love. You should!
Change Your Mind’s Channel to Thoughts of Gratitude
Thanks for tuning in to JanBeek. Tell me about your uplifting thoughts based on Phil. 9:8
Paul Holdorf posted the following beautiful, eloquent essay on FaceBook today to accompany his wonderful photograph above. Do yourself a favor and take time to live in the scene with Paul and me for awhile. I am still there… in the arms of love and contentment.
No further comment from JanBeek necessary. Just savor Paul Holdorf’s creativity. <3
“I can’t help but wonder what life was like for the occupants of this home. One might at first say that life sure is easier now, but is it? To be sure, it was a hard life, but it must be so rewarding to directly benefit from hard work. Very few things had to be purchased. Most things were made from whatever was available. A hard days work did not have to be converted to cash in order to benefit the family. The same soil that had to be scrubbed out from under fingernails, when properly tilled and watered, grew food for the table. It also grew food for the livestock that in turn also provided sustenance for the inhabitants of this home. As I stood there, I could hear the life that once resided here. A chair scraped on the rough wood floor as Dad got up to go make sure all was well outside before darkness settled in. The children helped clear chipped and faded dishes from the table as Mom brought in a pale of water to rinse things off. There was enough light left for several hours of exploration, so soon the distance sounds of laughter blended in with the clanking of dishes and the splash of dirty dishwater being thrown out the open door. Next to the door, in the corner of the room, stood an old broom, patiently waiting to remove the gravelly evidence of an evening well played. Later, after the children were all played out and tucked into a crowded bed, a silhouette could be seen in the warm light of the setting sun. Out in the yard, next to the swing hanging from a tree, a tired but fulfilled couple sat on an old log bench with their arms around each other. She leaned her head on his strong shoulder, and he thankfully leaned his head over hers. They watched the golden light dip behind the distant mountains and spread a blanket of oranges and reds over the high mountain valley much like the bedspread that would soon bring warmth and comfort to this couple. They work hard, they sleep when the sun sleeps and rise with it in the morning but it is a good life. Nothing is wasted, and everything is wisely used. I walk away from my daydream as they drift off to sleep. Stars begin to twinkle and an owl calls from its roost out in the forest. Rest and rejuvenation fill weary bodies with readiness for the next day, when they’ll do it all over again with joy and contentment in lives well lived.”
The best version of yourself Is generous with everything you’ve got. You reach out to feed and help others, Never hoarding what’s in your pot.
When you look deep into your best, You see a person who is humble and kind. And if others don’t seem to see it, Don’t worry, my friend. They must be blind!
