Funky Stuff This is part of a title of an old song I really liked by Kool and the Gang and it brings a smile to my face but the topic is actually more serious. I went through a bit of a "funk" recently but I am CHOOSING to come out of it.
Causes Relationship issues Disappointment with getting interested in a woman and then expecting too much too soon (the real possibility of a relationship exists but I need to go slow and keep God as my first priority, then what happens, happens). I got some great advice in this area, especially with on the "bicycle" thread.
Resentment of separate parenting; Son's Birthday and Thanksgiving Son had his 14th birthday last weekend and we did one weekday small celebration at my parent's house because his birthday was on the weekend he was to be with his mom. Our celebration was shortened because D really had to get home to work on school work. I saw the hurt in my parents eyes and it hurt me. I attended the birthday gatherings his mom had for him, one at her house and one at a laser tag place. I was ok with being at the parties and interacted with Mr. X but this will take time AND I need to realize I will experience the inclination to Pitty Party or Resurrect Resentmentand there will be sort of a "Hang Over" effect after such experiences in the future. Because of I will have these ongoing encounters and experiences I remind myself:
Forgiveness or Resentment a daily choice! Thanksgiving was to be spent with me since the kids were with X last year. However X hosted it this year for her family and she started hinting that the kids should be given the opportunity to have a say so. I chose to not be a spiteful and agreed to leave early and take the kids to her.
Step mom movie It was on cable earlier tonight and I watched it again; I was drawn to it even though I felt pained to do so. I felt the resentment Susan Sarandon had towards Julia Roberts who was coming in as the step mom. As the non custodial parent, I felt the wound of being apart from my kids. The twist, for those being familiar with the movie is that the mother character was dying and would not be there for the future of the kids.
Attitude of Gratitude The thought of separation because of death brought me back to the importance of being grateful for what I do have. As bad as divorce is, at least the newlyweds and I have worked things out and have a good relationship to build upon for the future. The list of things I have to be thankful for is extremely long and I need to remember this ALWAYS.
The Holidays Pledge I anticipate that I will be tempted to fall into resentment or come to the edge of be coming melancholy in the upcoming month but I am pledging to myself to resist such urges and to be proactive in dwelling on the positive and making the best of the situation.
21 Months and counting I think one cause of anxiety has been my daughter's eventual departure for college. I know all parents experience this but it just seems more ominous to this non custodial parent because I have sensed a distancing between us over time. I will do what I can to bring us closer together but some of this drifting and independence is common to teen and parents. It is just one of those things that is harder to accept when your child doesn't live in your house.
Be wholly Committed2Him This is my formula for peace and joy even in trials and tribulations and I resolve to stay the course for past experiences have shown me that I have no better option that guarantees said peace and joy.
Committed2Him- "C2H" All Things (Back from Spain!)...18
Happy Sunday!(Now that I have posted the "heavy" thoughts
Hanging with son Son had some time off from school and I spent time with him playing basketball, video games and just hanging out. There wasn't anything specifically memorable except that we just were together, father and son.
Thanksgiving 07 I mentioned splitting thanksgiving with X and the time with my family was very enjoyable. We hung out with my sister and her kids at my parents and then played a couple of games of bocce ball like we use to do at family functions. The adults and the kids had an enjoyable time even though the kids first resisted the idea.
Soccer season! My D's first game is this week and I will have the opportunity to share the experience with her. She loves the sport and I will be getting some more time with her, something that has been lost due the demands on her time.
USC vs. UCLA I have been planning this father son time for a couple of months and it is finally here. The game is quite the experience and we are both very excited about soaking in the whole experience this upcoming weekend. Son will get a kick out telling his friends he is going and the game will be the talk of the city. We will tailgate with friends and fans from both schools before the game as there will be plenty of friendly trash talking and then we will tailgate again after the game.
This should be a good week, all the way around.
Committed2Him- "C2H" All Things (Back from Spain!)...18
The upcoming "holiday" season is one that has strayed SO far from it's original purpose and has now become "dreaded" by so many, even by committed believers like me. My goal is to stay centered on my "Reason for the Season," the celebration of the birth of Christ. If I focus on that, and my relationship with Him, my Lord and my Savior, this upcoming month will be one filled with FAR more joy and blessed experiences than negative incidents or emotions.
I pray that each of you who read this post will also be able to focus on your own reason for the season, whatever it may be, and that we all go rolling into 2008 with positive anticipation that it will be the best year of our lives.
Committed2Him- "C2H" All Things (Back from Spain!)...18
As always thank you for another inspirational reminder. After all that's what Christmas is all about, and you're right, remembering the true meaning can only make it more joyouus!
Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmas time, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. He finds his answer in the passage below:
"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."
"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."
"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt
Merry CHRISTmas
Committed2Him- "C2H" All Things (Back from Spain!)...18
Hey C2 You are so very right! and i absolutley LOVE that part of Peanuts Christmas.
I have had for years this nativity , the little people are small porcelin precious moments figures but the stable my dad made from wood for me, its soooo great! He did a wonderful job w/ hay and little fences. I havent displayed it the last 5 yrs because Mr. Ex put it back in the garage in a different place then other Christmas stuff, up in the rafters?? Well B found it this weekend! I was putting it together today, and stopped to really remember ( after a busy day of shopping!) what its all about and hope now that i am out of retail, I can focus more on that!
Thanks C2!
Be Happy for this Moment, This Moment is your Life
