I'm really enjoying the Lisa Samson book I mentioned a couple of posts ago. Her writing is different, and that's about all I'll say....(but watch me go on about her!) She's not a run-of-the-mill writer of Christian-based fiction. She's not fluffy. There's truth tucked in there, and sometimes she hits on a topic that drives it home. That's the way with this one. It's appropriate for where I am right now. What I like is her gutsy way of getting to the point in this book. No pussy-footing around, just writing the hard stuff, but it's real too. Can't say as I get this enthusiastic about all of her books, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. Refreshing too, especially considering much of current Christian fiction is weak and pitiful.
Anyway, have been thinking about this 'turning fifty' mindset, and there's a bit of freedom in a new decade. I'm asking myself where I want to be during the next ten years---am I happy with the way things are, or it is time to change things around? Trying to not over-think, but just ponder a bit on how I want to be in my heart and how I want to be with others. How much to give, and hold back. I'm seeing that sometimes giving is really not appreciated or necessary. While enabling others isn't one of my character traits, I do tend to want to help, yet I don't get all controlling about it. But when the other person is clueless, the choice is a bit harder. It's almost a pearls before swine mentality. (I know I'm being vague---just thinking things through.)
There has to be a case-by-case aspect of taking care of folks. You really can't put a label on your own behavior, thinking that others can be treated in a certain fashion all the time. People are different. What's appreciated in one person goes unnoticed by another, or even worse, you see a greed in the acceptance of help at times.
My personality tends to easily go to into guilt mode. Seems I never can do enough, or will question whether I have or not. The trouble with that is that others sometimes take advantage of that mentality, sort of driving it home. Suckers are easy targets, you know? Fortunately, I'm not talking about my immediate family, here in this house. If anyone tells me to slow down and take a break, it's my husband and kids. Lucky me. :)
As I say, just thinking on things. No big stuff, just mental exercises.
Anyway, have been thinking about this 'turning fifty' mindset, and there's a bit of freedom in a new decade. I'm asking myself where I want to be during the next ten years---am I happy with the way things are, or it is time to change things around? Trying to not over-think, but just ponder a bit on how I want to be in my heart and how I want to be with others. How much to give, and hold back. I'm seeing that sometimes giving is really not appreciated or necessary. While enabling others isn't one of my character traits, I do tend to want to help, yet I don't get all controlling about it. But when the other person is clueless, the choice is a bit harder. It's almost a pearls before swine mentality. (I know I'm being vague---just thinking things through.)
There has to be a case-by-case aspect of taking care of folks. You really can't put a label on your own behavior, thinking that others can be treated in a certain fashion all the time. People are different. What's appreciated in one person goes unnoticed by another, or even worse, you see a greed in the acceptance of help at times.
My personality tends to easily go to into guilt mode. Seems I never can do enough, or will question whether I have or not. The trouble with that is that others sometimes take advantage of that mentality, sort of driving it home. Suckers are easy targets, you know? Fortunately, I'm not talking about my immediate family, here in this house. If anyone tells me to slow down and take a break, it's my husband and kids. Lucky me. :)
As I say, just thinking on things. No big stuff, just mental exercises.
