There is something so comforting to me about journals. Personally, my favorite kind are made by Moleskine. They are leather bound, usually black or red on color and have a simple elastic band around them to keep the journal neatly closed.
I have journal that I've taken on most of my road trips and carried with me most every day for the last few years. There are notes from meetings, lyrics from songs or poems I've written and random ideas, thoughts or drawings of things I need to process or work out. I've carried this journal so much, that the elastic band actually snapped open - I need to find a giant rubber band for it soon.
Some days ideas pour out of me like a waterfall, other days its a slow trickle; but collecting ideas in my notebook helps me be greater aware of the journey I'm on both creatively and intellectually.
Sleeping with bread is my Monday online journal. It helps me to see what is going on in my life and know what I need to let go and hold on too. It's something like a spiritual check up or check in. As I think of the last week, here are somethings that I've gleaned from what it was.
Letting go:
Sometimes it is difficult to imagine a positive result from a situation that appears to be similar to a disaster from the past. I need to remember that being aware of a potential problem and learning from a mistake is acceptable, freaking out over what ifs is not.
The road to true community is not one I can arrive with alone. If I take that route in life, it would be something like planning my own surprise party. I'd end up sitting in the dark waiting for myself to arrive. Life is way more challenging, but worthwhile in community.
Holding on:
The time for quiet and reflection is something that is a necessity for me. I am trying to be intentional in sectioning out regular sabbath time for myself.
Sometimes a student will say something so profound that it takes my breath away. Last weekend, a student said, "See, God is in my eyes!" hit me like a ton of bricks. I was overwhelmed by her joy in understanding in such a sincere way that God is with/within her. Tears came to my eyes as I pray for all my students to understand how much they are loved by God and me.
Silly quizzes are fun and sometimes very accurate. Below is a quiz I took after seeing at my friend Jay's blog.
What number are you?
Your Spiritual Number is Seven |
 You bring knowledge and wisdom into people's lives. You are an expert in many fields, and you give excellent advice. Right now, your life is about perfecting your skill set. You are almost a virtuoso at the thing you love best. With some practice, you'll get there. You are highly intelligent and intellectual. You have profound analytical skills. But you also have the soul of an artist. You long to create. |
Comments
I thoroughly enjoyed the slice you shared today--thank you.
And apparently I'm an 8. Pretty darn close--'cept for the money thing. ;-)
You bring inspiration and success into people's lives.
You understand how the world works, and you have a knack for money.
Right now, your life is all about goals and progress.
This is nothing new though - you're always moving forward.
You have a lot of perspective in life. You are able to remove your emotions and see the big picture.
You usually bet right in life. You have are intuitive and win often.
T