Diary of a Grown-Up Church Girl
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Don't Forget to Water Yourself!

5/23/2020

8 Comments

 
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I have a large, beautiful plant in my house.  It would be perfect for someone, but it is not perfect for me.  It's just too big.

I've moved it from room to room, from corner to corner, but it just doesn't quite fit anywhere.

I can't throw it out, can't purposely kill it, that just wouldn't feel right.  So, about a year ago, I started to ignore it.  I wouldn't water it, wouldn't give it the sunlight it needed, I just pretended that it didn't exist. 

​My hope was that it would die a quick, painless death and I could get rid of it with a clear conscious.

But that didn't happen.  That doggone plant thrived!  

I looked at it a few days ago and the thing is the most beautiful shade of green that I've ever seen!  

It has new growth... it's soil is moist... I have no idea how this happened.  It's almost as if my plant is a grown-up church girl disguised as a house plant, and she pulled and paraphrased the Scripture from Job and said to herself "Yeah thou she try to slay me, I will put my trust in God."  I'm serious, this is so strange.  I have no idea how that plant has survived.

But, you know me, I like to find the meaning in everything, no matter how seemingly mundane, and I think about how this plant represents us at one point or another in our lives. 

Come with me into the time machine...

Let's go back to a time when a person... a place... or a thing made you feel devalued.  Like you didn't matter.  Like life would be better if you weren't around. 

Remember how that felt?  Rejected?  With self-esteem lower than low?  Worthless?  Cheap?

What did you do?

Maybe you ran and hid, hoping that when you reappeared, feelings would have changed.

Maybe you went through the motions of trying to change yourself, trying to make yourself "more worthy" of the attention you craved.

Maybe you cried or became angry.

At one point or another, we've all probably done several of these things, but now I consider what my plant did when I decided that there was no room for it in my world. 

The plant thrived, in spite of it all.

It somehow watered itself... it basked in the glow of it's own sunlight... it fed it's own soul.

That's what we have to do, too.

We have to find ways to keep ourselves encouraged, even when that seems contrary to the voices we're hearing around us.  

This is more important now than ever, now that many of us are confined to our homes and unable to do the things that used to bring us joy.  The shopping trips are far less frequent, the brunch dates with family friends are nonexistent, those entertaining evenings at concerts and plays are not happening right now.  

So what tools are you using now to keep yourself encouraged?

I write.  I listen to music.  Or talk with family and friends.  I find things to laugh about.  And I pray.

Be sure you have your arsenal of tools you can use to nourish the soil of your soul.  We can't afford to dry up during this season, there is far too much for us to do.  The world needs us now.

​So, in the midst of this global pandemic, crazy news stories, and crazier politics... don't forget to Water Yourself.       

8 Comments
Yvonne
5/23/2020 01:56:32 pm

yes yes yes...
I love this! I have reservoir of goodies for life! I almost wrote goodies for survival, but I have decided to intentionally live and not merely survive!
Stepping out the comfort zone, I did move. So now what? Yvonne you will LIVE AND NOT DIE!
YES, I will seek professional counsel at some point, when I can afford it, for there are things that need to let go. But right now the spark is a fire, not a tiny ember!
WHEW, ASSIGNMENT AND PURPOSE REVEALED!
My story needs to be told and this is the time to write it! I am so excited, because I know it is needed!
So yes, things are still closed, I can't go to the movies, so I have a large screen tv that is sufficient. I can't see my friends in person, but I have learned to enjoy ZOOM no matter how long it takes me to connect properly, and I am not ashamed!
I haven't joined a church yet, but my relationship with our ABBA FATHER is stronger and growing, as He meets and greets me every morning, New Mercies! And for fellowship, I am on another Zoom channel and we fellowship, pray, receive the Word, communicate, laugh, sing, and share recipes! And I get to share my appreciation for colorful 💋 lipsticks and head ties!
I am even dancing more 💃 to my favorite 🎵 songs! You see, this is a challenge, as I walk with a cane, but thank God my sense of humor is still the same!
YES, the world 🌎 does need us now! And yes I water those seeds and nurture the buds of thought that come to mind daily. Can't wait to see 😍 this flower in
Full Bloom!!!!

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Gail
5/23/2020 02:26:55 pm

I love your response, thanks so much for taking the time to read this post. Your book is going to be amazing, Yvonne, I know there's a powerful story inside of you.

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Katrina
5/23/2020 02:57:46 pm

This was very encouraging. Thanks for reminding us of our greatness. Keep Sparkling

Reply
Gail
6/2/2020 08:37:26 am

Thanks, Katrina, you do the same!

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Denise
5/25/2020 06:18:40 am

Gail, you have a way with words! I love this post. It makes me think about the fact that I spend a lot of time watering everyone else and forget that I need water too. Thanks for the reminder.

Reply
Gail
6/2/2020 08:38:18 am

That's right, Denise, don't forget to water yourself! You can't pour from an empty cup.

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Diane Ables
5/29/2020 07:55:59 pm

Hi Gail,

Your blog is so real about watering your gifts and blessings.

The older I get, the more humbled and appreciative of so many gestures of kindness and caring. During this pandemic and all this senseless killing and hating helps me to remember the lessons that were ingrained from my parents,grandparents,
aunts and uncles who were so well seasoned with wisdom.

This is a time of reflection about how I am watering my gifts. I do spend a lot of time meditating about the life that I need to live. To embrace quality time with love ones while discerning who or what situations no longer serve me. This process is ongoing for me to step out of my comfort zone and accept change.

With God's grace and favor, I will
be able to face the challenges of this new chapter in my life.

I am so appreciative of being a part of your "Writing Your Story" which has given me more confidence to press on for the mark!

May God's richest blessings pour into all that you do.

Blessings,
Ms. Diane Ables

Reply
Gail
6/2/2020 08:45:54 am

It is so very encouraging to hear how you're taking some time to reflect and ensure that the "water" in your life is being used in the most beneficial ways possible. We have no water to waste. And thank you for being a part of the "Writing Your Story" sessions. You were a wonderful participant and I'm glad that you considered it time well spent. Your ongoing support is really appreciated, Ms. Ables, thank you.

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    I'm a grown up "church girl" who is bouncing back from some hard blows, including an ugly divorce, financial hardship, and dreams deferred.  Now, more than ever before, I am embracing the idea of transformation and beautiful new beginnings. 

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