BE

I have 'been' for awhile now.

be - to exist; to get along; to get by; to endure; to last; to hold on or hold out; to continue.

The past several years have held much -  our children coming in to adulthood; dealing with the "daily-ness" of life (car maintenance, home maintenance, laundry, meals, cleaning, relationships, etc.); a chronic health issue; aging parents; going back to school for a masters degree in a totally new field - including internships and special project; and whatever else gets thrown my way in the midst of living this journey. 

Summing all of that into what just amounted to one sentence somehow doesn't really encompass what I've lived during that time - both the trials and the joys.

I've learned (and relearned) some huge life lessons in that time...
- anyone that says parenting gets easier as your kids get older is a liar
- you can't do it all or have it all; quite simply it's not healthy to continuously pursue nor would I ever want it if it was possible
- the things we seek the most are usually found right in front of us; we've had them all along
- often times those who voice that we are the problem and cause great heartache are the ones who possess a problem and have great heartaches themselves
- rest doesn't just come; unrest unfortunately does
- time doesn't heal all wounds but there is ONE who does
- "when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and swing"
- the grass may seem greener where you are not but artificial turf exists
- depth matters
- there's a HUGE difference between  happiness and contentment
- it's not what you have but who you have that matters in life
- the best things in life are not things but rather the people you love, the places you go and the memories you make
- no one is "together"
- family can be of 'blessing' - it does not necessarily come through 'relation' but rather 'relationship'
- uncertainty is the only thing that is certain except for the ONE who IS... HE is greater than any uncertainty
-perfection does not exist except for that which is found  in THE CROSS
- every human being is an imperfect and flawed person with shortcomings and insecurities yet of value and one who is loved by the FATHER; I need to try to view each one as HIS child (they are a lot easier to care about when viewed as such)
- wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age
-the more you know the more you know you don't know
- when in doubt don't
- sometimes punting is your only move
- much of life involves 'calling an audible'

 The list could go on (just start to think about your list for a minute).

 But recently, I've had a period of adjustment that forced me to learn... relearn... what is for me my biggest challenge and hugest life lesson.  It is the fact that there is a difference between 'being' and 'Be-ing'.

BE - to act; to do; to obtain; to breathe; to abide; to prevail; to live.

It is much better to BE.
But it is much harder to BE.
You have to be intentional to BE - it doesn't just happen.  It involves pausing in the midst of all the chaos and the business of 'being'.  It is not easy but it is essential and necessary.

So now I move forward after a few steps backward.  My prayer for you is that you are able to BE.

"BE still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:9