In her latest entry she compared herself to the cat in The Cat In the Hat, always running around looking for approval and wanting everyone to see how special she hoped to be. Oh, I can relate.
It’s that running and self-consumption that keeps me from seeing the needs of those around me. I’m not talking about the needs of people I don’t know. I’m talking about the needs of people in my daily life.
The stinky, friendless teen I teach. I have loads to do. I don’t have time.
The friend who just lost another baby. I called twice. She will call if she needs me.
The lonely mom with a perfect smile and beautiful kids who feels her sparkly life is a prison. I’ll ask her to hang out this summer. I’ll have more time then.
I know to truly see the needs of others, I need to stop flying around worrying about my needs, and yet I struggle.
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com (Just in case you want to be a stalker too)
8 comments:
Good post! I too am surrounded with needs and emotional pain, but I so often choose to look the other way as I protect my precious "personal time". As a therapist, I listen to personal problems for a living, so I value and protect my personal time. This generally keeps me refreshed and gives me the ability to continue to work in my field. However, I struggle reaching out and supporting the people I care about in my life, because "I'm Off" and I need to relax. In essence, I feel I neglect the needs of those around me, because it does not fit into my day of counseling. As I take this journey with Amy and our family, I hope to be more generous with my time with those I care about!
Shane
I can totally relate, Aim. It is way too easy to be consumed with my own self. What do I get to do for me today? When do I get some time for me? I sometimes find myself making it through the day just to get to that precious "me time" or time with Steven at night when the kids are in bed. I know there is a balance, but I don't want to miss the opportunities to be kind to others throughout the day even in small ways just because I can't stop thinking about myself. Thanks for helping me to stop and think about what matters! Love you, L.
Oh, and thanks for introducing me to Mary Demuth - Instantly loved her, too, but not an official stalker yet!
Lor,
Finding a balance? Ugh, I know, I know. It is so tough.
Mary's a good one to stalk--not only is she honest, intelligent and insightful...she also won't mind when she finds out she's being stalked (especially by someone as honest, intelligent and insightful as yourself!)!
So glad to make your acquaintance through High Calling Blogs! I just saw your recent comments and wanted to fly over and introduce myself. I look forward to getting to know you better!
Ann,
Ok, I checked out your site, and I have to read your book "Not So Fast"...it's my daily story. The book sounds really relevant and totally goes along with what I've been thinking about lately. Very exciting! Are you working on anything else?
Amy, Your insights enlighten us all. Thank you for opening up and sharing your thoughts so elequintly.
Amy, you're my first stalker! How fun! Just don't get too creepy on me! :)
Post a Comment
Talk to me, friends.