The last eight days have been full of change. In fact, the first three days I felt like I was being eaten alive. Nothing was working, the phone was ringing off the hook and I couldn't get organized no matter how hard I tried. I went to bed exhausted and wondering what I had signed up for! Homeschooling three kids now instead of just the two has proved to be a learning experience for all of us.
Having a child in regular classes, starting in Kindergarten and picking up grade level teaching is definately pulling this seasoned fish out of familiar waters.
Puppy can't get enough work and it is so much fun to watch her learn and grow- in just a week she has already amazed me! And the time we get to spend one on one is priceless. I now have that individual time with each child and I treasure every minute... well, not so much the times when I'm getting beaten up over a math assignment but still, most of the time it is bliss. I learn as much from them as they do me- and maybe more since I'm technically in four grades...
My own school week got off to a rocky start. Actually, I don't remember the first two days because I was drugged up on medication. A mosquito bite landed me in urgent care where I received a tetanus shot, a steroid, some goo and gauze as well as an ace bandage that I must wear for a few days or until the swelling goes down. One should really rent a home by the water prior to buying so as to find out in advance if one is allergic to the massive mosquito population.
The first week I felt eaten and beaten by the overwhelming assignments and to- do list and the second week I felt eaten and beaten- literally! I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew (even with MY big mouth).
As much as I enjoyed homeschooling last year, I found myself questioning as to whether or not I was making a mistake in doing it again. Thursday proved to be much calmer and I felt, for the first time that week like I had oxygen again. I regained my strength only to have it taken again by a bug. Now, three days into this week I feel as if I am gaining some control back.
I guess, my point in all of this yo-yoing is that just because something is good or right does not mean it is going to be easy. And just because something is hard doesn't mean it's wrong. When things go as planned I can pat myself on the back and go right to sleep. Yet, when things are out of my hands, I must get on my knees and ask My Father in Heaven to guide me by the hand and show me the new way to go. I have been very blessed. I feel like the opportunity to teach my children at home has filled in the gap that I've had. Sending the older two kids off to school at age three left me feeling robbed in a way of years that I didn't get to have them at my side. I needed the help, no doubt and it was invaluable but still left me wanting for more time with my children.
This opportunity has given me time back somehow and now I feel closer to each child than I ever have. I truly share each struggle and achievement with them and I am the first one to catch them as they fall or high five them when they cross a finish line.
My own adventure in schooling has taught me that it's ok to ask questions, to learn at your own pace and to not have to be the top of the class. Given my other responsibilities, it is impossible for me to always make my grades top priority but the more I focus on the journey rather than the destination, I become engulfed in what I am learning and find myself wanting to do more; but this time it's for me and not for a teacher's praise. At the end of the year it's not how many A's you've earned, it's how many things you've learned. Only two semesters has brought me knowledge that has been beneficial in helping my children and myself grow. I am grateful for this opportunity as well and for modern technology that makes it possible to learn in any situation.
I've been eaten and beaten and we're not even through the second week of school yet. But, that's okay because I plan on doing a lot of chewing myself. We've got a chunk of life to bite into and fortunate for us, we've all got big appetites...
8.16.2011
reptiles, rainstorms and races
Sometimes being grateful is also being content. I am extremely grateful for all of my many, many blessings but too often I get caught up in every little thing that I over complicate life. I am really good at weathering the storm and running races but feel useless when the sea is calm and the race is completed.
I am a dreamer, a preparer and a fixer. There's nothing wrong with that. I love that about myself, I work well under pressure; but while I'm busy keeping the ship afloat amongst raging waves and thinking about tomorrow, I need to enjoy today and the gentle breezes as they come, even if they stay for long periods of time.
This weekend Mr. Zookeeper reminded me about the joy of a moment. We shared lots of little moments together, as a family and he even let me enjoy a few moments alone. He reminded me that I can still create, even though I can no longer create life. He encouraged me to embrace sunlight and renew my passions of the past. He helped me to re-discover who I am and I learned a few things about who I've become.
Because I am a fixer I have a hard time with things I cannot control. I cannot fix everything and some things are better as they are. I must learn to love things that may seem broken at first but are really just as they should be.
Because I like to be prepared, I often get in over my head. I have many fears and so I overcompensate with extra preparation hoping to avoid unnecessary or unwanted trials. In this, I fail to recognize that even I have limits. I focus on my own plans and tend to forget that not all things can be planned or prepared for. That's part of life. We prepare the best we can so we don't have to fear; we can just enjoy life as it comes knowing we're doing the best we can. Some things are better left a surprise and all things should be enjoyed, whether they were planned or not.
Because I dream, I spend a lot of time thinking about things that aren't realistic. When we sleep, a part of our brain shuts down to rest- this is the part that warrants reason to our thoughts, which is usually why our dreams are so off the wall... They are just random thoughts have no rhyme or reason. We should never stop dreaming of a better tomorrow but not at the expense of sleeping through today.
I love my life and am very grateful for everything and everyone in it. That said, I am convinced that we can always do better, try harder and get a little closer to perfection if we just dream, prepare and fix a few things.
One thing I have learned from the animals of the wild and the animals in my home is that patience accompanies hard work. Yes, we must work hard for what we want or need but we must also be patient for the right time and place to reveal itself. We must watch and wait but always be ready to act at a moment's notice.
Alligators are viscous killers. They attack their prey and win because they exert all of their strength toward their goal and while they use force and strength, they often win out in the ability to stand their ground for as long as it takes for their victim to give up the struggle. But even these hunters don't spend their days attacking everything that comes into sight. Instead, they lay, almost lifeless in the sun and focus all of their energy on renewing their strength. In fact, their survival depends on it.
While there are times we need to stand our ground and attack things head on, there are other times that we need to reserve our energy and just enjoy the sunlight on our face.
A lighthouse is always shining bright and tall but does not go looking for ships to rescue. Instead, she is there, steady and ready to act whenever the darkness comes.
Some storms never fully pass but the rain doesn't affect you the way it did before. One can either rock the boat and remove the shelter to increase the rain flow or use the shelter to make needed repairs and prepare for the next adventure.
I am at a new place in my life and I am not sure what to do with it at times. You work so hard training for and running a specific race that crossing the finishing line leaves you wondering what to do next. If we dwell on the last great race or that one track, we'll never notice all of the other exciting and fulfilling games there are to play. And just because we can no longer run doesn't mean we can't still compete, it just means we get to learn new skills and realize we have so much more to give than what we originally thought.
Sometimes, to be grateful means to be content.
I will always remember the struggles and victories of every great race but will try harder to be content with letting them be memories. I can look back but cannot stop running forward. I will not stop dreaming, preparing or fixing things but I will try harder to enjoy the days full of sunshine instead of always watching and preparing for the next storm.
I can embrace life while remembering the past and not knowing the future. I can learn to be content because ultimately, I am so very grateful. Sometimes we need to steer the ship and other times we need to let go and see where the breeze takes us next...
I am a dreamer, a preparer and a fixer. There's nothing wrong with that. I love that about myself, I work well under pressure; but while I'm busy keeping the ship afloat amongst raging waves and thinking about tomorrow, I need to enjoy today and the gentle breezes as they come, even if they stay for long periods of time.
This weekend Mr. Zookeeper reminded me about the joy of a moment. We shared lots of little moments together, as a family and he even let me enjoy a few moments alone. He reminded me that I can still create, even though I can no longer create life. He encouraged me to embrace sunlight and renew my passions of the past. He helped me to re-discover who I am and I learned a few things about who I've become.
Because I am a fixer I have a hard time with things I cannot control. I cannot fix everything and some things are better as they are. I must learn to love things that may seem broken at first but are really just as they should be.
Because I like to be prepared, I often get in over my head. I have many fears and so I overcompensate with extra preparation hoping to avoid unnecessary or unwanted trials. In this, I fail to recognize that even I have limits. I focus on my own plans and tend to forget that not all things can be planned or prepared for. That's part of life. We prepare the best we can so we don't have to fear; we can just enjoy life as it comes knowing we're doing the best we can. Some things are better left a surprise and all things should be enjoyed, whether they were planned or not.
Because I dream, I spend a lot of time thinking about things that aren't realistic. When we sleep, a part of our brain shuts down to rest- this is the part that warrants reason to our thoughts, which is usually why our dreams are so off the wall... They are just random thoughts have no rhyme or reason. We should never stop dreaming of a better tomorrow but not at the expense of sleeping through today.
I love my life and am very grateful for everything and everyone in it. That said, I am convinced that we can always do better, try harder and get a little closer to perfection if we just dream, prepare and fix a few things.
One thing I have learned from the animals of the wild and the animals in my home is that patience accompanies hard work. Yes, we must work hard for what we want or need but we must also be patient for the right time and place to reveal itself. We must watch and wait but always be ready to act at a moment's notice.
Alligators are viscous killers. They attack their prey and win because they exert all of their strength toward their goal and while they use force and strength, they often win out in the ability to stand their ground for as long as it takes for their victim to give up the struggle. But even these hunters don't spend their days attacking everything that comes into sight. Instead, they lay, almost lifeless in the sun and focus all of their energy on renewing their strength. In fact, their survival depends on it.
While there are times we need to stand our ground and attack things head on, there are other times that we need to reserve our energy and just enjoy the sunlight on our face.
A lighthouse is always shining bright and tall but does not go looking for ships to rescue. Instead, she is there, steady and ready to act whenever the darkness comes.
Some storms never fully pass but the rain doesn't affect you the way it did before. One can either rock the boat and remove the shelter to increase the rain flow or use the shelter to make needed repairs and prepare for the next adventure.
I am at a new place in my life and I am not sure what to do with it at times. You work so hard training for and running a specific race that crossing the finishing line leaves you wondering what to do next. If we dwell on the last great race or that one track, we'll never notice all of the other exciting and fulfilling games there are to play. And just because we can no longer run doesn't mean we can't still compete, it just means we get to learn new skills and realize we have so much more to give than what we originally thought.
Sometimes, to be grateful means to be content.
I will always remember the struggles and victories of every great race but will try harder to be content with letting them be memories. I can look back but cannot stop running forward. I will not stop dreaming, preparing or fixing things but I will try harder to enjoy the days full of sunshine instead of always watching and preparing for the next storm.
I can embrace life while remembering the past and not knowing the future. I can learn to be content because ultimately, I am so very grateful. Sometimes we need to steer the ship and other times we need to let go and see where the breeze takes us next...
8.11.2011
Second Hand Lions
I have always been a succor for thrift shops. Occasionally I'll pass on getting the cart thinking I'm going to just find a few things... and then BAM! -out of nowhere you find a rack that says buy one get one free and everything is in your size! I love those days. Of course, you have to act fast because chances are there's another hungry lion that looks about the same size as you heading your way. That's when you start piling hangers into your cart and then sorting from there- hey, it's a jungle out there and it's every woman for herself.
In addition to thrifting, I also have no pride about jumping into dumpsters. I try and stay clear from the grocery stores; that never ends well. My brother and I used to go driving down the alleys of Las Vegas with our spotters focused on anything that caught our attention. Good Times.
My favorite experience? Big Lots. One time I found a giant bag full of neon colored plastic pineapples. They unscrewed open and served as double drink coolers. I thought it was ingenious. I took my treasures home and proudly showed off my find. I was more excited than anyone else apparently but they were just jealous. To show my finders keepers gentler side, I gave pineapples out to all of my friends and family, well 35 of them anyway.
My least favorite experience? Jumping into a dumpster full of promise and hearing, "Ouch!" Apparently that one was already taken. I booked it for home rather than meet my victim's acquaintance. Took me a few weeks to start digging again.
It's one thing to see a couple of artistic teenagers rummaging through junk and a completely different scenario as a mom and four kids. I can see us now. There we are in our minivan rolling into a back alley and stop alongside the dumpsters. I roll down the windows so the kids don't suffocate because I can't leave them alone in the car with it running. The kids all have their snacks and mom's peaking her head over the edge while jumping and yelling, "look what I found!" Social services show up with the police to make sure everything's OK and after I convince them that I'm just cheap and not too poor to feed and clothe my children we head for home. The kids are so excited that as soon as dad gets home and asks what we did today they all fight over each other to be the first to shout that they got to sit in a police car and also to show him what Mommy got out of the trash.
Mr. Zookeeper would only laugh at me if he had to bail me out of jail, so, for now, we'll just stick to thrift shops.
I've been looking for some desks and tables for home school. I was waiting for someone to leave four matching ones in front of my house but after a week of disappointment; I figured it was time for plan B. I had no luck with the newspapers or local ads. Google failed to deliver and I was close to purchasing them for full price (GASP).
I thought I'd try my creative streak and make some. I could have built them from scratch but thought I'd skip a step and get some old dressers or end tables that I could convert into desks and then get some chairs or stools to complete the set.
"Get in the van kids, we're going to the thrift store."
The kids love it as much as I do because they always walk out with a handful of stuff... They have to carry it because the cart is usually full of the things I find. What? I need a free hand to help steer the wandering child so it only makes sense that I get the cart and we can't very well ALL push a cart... Moving on.
I started scoping out the goods and became discouraged. Nothing was measuring up to what I had envisioned. We took a walk out into the yard and then the Hallelujah Chorus began. Well, it was actually Monkey crying that she had to go potty but there was still a light shining down through the worn out warehouse ceiling. I couldn't leave because right in front of me were three child sized school desks with chairs attached, an adult table big enough for my stuff and a computer, a chalk board easel and a smaller table with a toddler chair. It was like someone donated my entire classroom! (although next time I need the larger chalkboard, thanks)
Monkey really had to go. While I was afraid to lose my treasure to someone else I was more afraid she'd pee on one of the chairs so we raced off.
The thing with my family is that we have to stick together because no one can be trusted alone. The boys can't go with me into the girls room so that always proposes a problem. Really Monkey, next time- go before we leave the house.
I had Puppy in the doorway of the bathroom so she could see Monkey. Rhino was close to the desks so he could see if anyone got to them. Tiger was playing in the dresses a few feet from the door Rhino was holding and I was right in the middle so I could see everything and everyone... it's a good thing the bathroom wasn't on the other side of the store or I'd have needed a lot more animals!
We gathered up and put our name on the classroom furniture.
Excited and revived we went on a shopping spree.
Rhino found a giant stuffed Gronkel, a camouflage hat and a green shovel for the new 12 ton sandbox we got over the weekend. Tiger found a bag of K'nex, some gloves that sparkle (at least he traded in the 2 barbies- THANK YOU to whoever donated those K'nex), an orange old navy baseball hat and a pumpkin shaped candle. Don't ask.
Puppy found a new doggy to add to her collection, a bucket, a shovel and a cowgirl hat. Monkey found a set of four- soda can sized plastic figurine princesses to play with; Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Snow White. We had a little issue when we discovered there was no Sleeping Beauty but when I gave her a brightly colored purple bucket to carry her toys in, she kindly got up off the floor. I also found a pair of sneakers that had flowers on them and won Monkey's approval. We found her a shovel and headed to the check out.
Everyone had their hands full and we got a lot more than we had come for... can't imagine why my kids act spoiled at times... but it was such a good deal!
How good of a deal you might ask?
One store bought desk (without the chair) would have cost me $42.00 plus shipping. A put-it-together-yourself table (again, without the chair) was $19.99 for local pick up.
The total bill for three desks with chairs, a table, sand buckets and shovels, toys, gloves, hats and a pair of shoes....
wait for it.....
$42.25
Yeah- that's my second hand lion awesomeness you just felt.
So, I will wave my second hand banner high and forever shout my war-cry in the name of thrift stores. They're not as cheap as the free pineapples but there's also not the risk of jumping in on someone or getting arrested either.
Thrift shopping is not for everyone, I understand. It takes a certain mentality to stalk the racks like a lion after its prey. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but that's part of the thrill of hunting. Not everyone wants to wear other people's things. I draw the line at underwear but my wardrobe resembles a napkin half of the time so I've got a fifty- fifty chance that the second hand lions are probably better than the first.
It's probably better that only some prides want to thrift shop because I'd hate to have to throw the kids in the cart, pull them by the hand or leave them dangling behind, as I race throughout the store with my eyes focused on you making sure you don't take my stuff.... we only like to do that with strangers!
In addition to thrifting, I also have no pride about jumping into dumpsters. I try and stay clear from the grocery stores; that never ends well. My brother and I used to go driving down the alleys of Las Vegas with our spotters focused on anything that caught our attention. Good Times.
My favorite experience? Big Lots. One time I found a giant bag full of neon colored plastic pineapples. They unscrewed open and served as double drink coolers. I thought it was ingenious. I took my treasures home and proudly showed off my find. I was more excited than anyone else apparently but they were just jealous. To show my finders keepers gentler side, I gave pineapples out to all of my friends and family, well 35 of them anyway.
My least favorite experience? Jumping into a dumpster full of promise and hearing, "Ouch!" Apparently that one was already taken. I booked it for home rather than meet my victim's acquaintance. Took me a few weeks to start digging again.
It's one thing to see a couple of artistic teenagers rummaging through junk and a completely different scenario as a mom and four kids. I can see us now. There we are in our minivan rolling into a back alley and stop alongside the dumpsters. I roll down the windows so the kids don't suffocate because I can't leave them alone in the car with it running. The kids all have their snacks and mom's peaking her head over the edge while jumping and yelling, "look what I found!" Social services show up with the police to make sure everything's OK and after I convince them that I'm just cheap and not too poor to feed and clothe my children we head for home. The kids are so excited that as soon as dad gets home and asks what we did today they all fight over each other to be the first to shout that they got to sit in a police car and also to show him what Mommy got out of the trash.
Mr. Zookeeper would only laugh at me if he had to bail me out of jail, so, for now, we'll just stick to thrift shops.
I've been looking for some desks and tables for home school. I was waiting for someone to leave four matching ones in front of my house but after a week of disappointment; I figured it was time for plan B. I had no luck with the newspapers or local ads. Google failed to deliver and I was close to purchasing them for full price (GASP).
I thought I'd try my creative streak and make some. I could have built them from scratch but thought I'd skip a step and get some old dressers or end tables that I could convert into desks and then get some chairs or stools to complete the set.
"Get in the van kids, we're going to the thrift store."
The kids love it as much as I do because they always walk out with a handful of stuff... They have to carry it because the cart is usually full of the things I find. What? I need a free hand to help steer the wandering child so it only makes sense that I get the cart and we can't very well ALL push a cart... Moving on.
I started scoping out the goods and became discouraged. Nothing was measuring up to what I had envisioned. We took a walk out into the yard and then the Hallelujah Chorus began. Well, it was actually Monkey crying that she had to go potty but there was still a light shining down through the worn out warehouse ceiling. I couldn't leave because right in front of me were three child sized school desks with chairs attached, an adult table big enough for my stuff and a computer, a chalk board easel and a smaller table with a toddler chair. It was like someone donated my entire classroom! (although next time I need the larger chalkboard, thanks)
Monkey really had to go. While I was afraid to lose my treasure to someone else I was more afraid she'd pee on one of the chairs so we raced off.
The thing with my family is that we have to stick together because no one can be trusted alone. The boys can't go with me into the girls room so that always proposes a problem. Really Monkey, next time- go before we leave the house.
I had Puppy in the doorway of the bathroom so she could see Monkey. Rhino was close to the desks so he could see if anyone got to them. Tiger was playing in the dresses a few feet from the door Rhino was holding and I was right in the middle so I could see everything and everyone... it's a good thing the bathroom wasn't on the other side of the store or I'd have needed a lot more animals!
We gathered up and put our name on the classroom furniture.
Excited and revived we went on a shopping spree.
Rhino found a giant stuffed Gronkel, a camouflage hat and a green shovel for the new 12 ton sandbox we got over the weekend. Tiger found a bag of K'nex, some gloves that sparkle (at least he traded in the 2 barbies- THANK YOU to whoever donated those K'nex), an orange old navy baseball hat and a pumpkin shaped candle. Don't ask.
Puppy found a new doggy to add to her collection, a bucket, a shovel and a cowgirl hat. Monkey found a set of four- soda can sized plastic figurine princesses to play with; Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Snow White. We had a little issue when we discovered there was no Sleeping Beauty but when I gave her a brightly colored purple bucket to carry her toys in, she kindly got up off the floor. I also found a pair of sneakers that had flowers on them and won Monkey's approval. We found her a shovel and headed to the check out.
Everyone had their hands full and we got a lot more than we had come for... can't imagine why my kids act spoiled at times... but it was such a good deal!
How good of a deal you might ask?
One store bought desk (without the chair) would have cost me $42.00 plus shipping. A put-it-together-yourself table (again, without the chair) was $19.99 for local pick up.
The total bill for three desks with chairs, a table, sand buckets and shovels, toys, gloves, hats and a pair of shoes....
wait for it.....
$42.25
Yeah- that's my second hand lion awesomeness you just felt.
So, I will wave my second hand banner high and forever shout my war-cry in the name of thrift stores. They're not as cheap as the free pineapples but there's also not the risk of jumping in on someone or getting arrested either.
Thrift shopping is not for everyone, I understand. It takes a certain mentality to stalk the racks like a lion after its prey. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but that's part of the thrill of hunting. Not everyone wants to wear other people's things. I draw the line at underwear but my wardrobe resembles a napkin half of the time so I've got a fifty- fifty chance that the second hand lions are probably better than the first.
It's probably better that only some prides want to thrift shop because I'd hate to have to throw the kids in the cart, pull them by the hand or leave them dangling behind, as I race throughout the store with my eyes focused on you making sure you don't take my stuff.... we only like to do that with strangers!
8.03.2011
The Talent of Balance
We have been talking a lot about talents around here. Noticing little gifts that we're good at have made it easier to build self esteem when there is always so much to be worked on.
The great news is that we all have talents. Some birds are excellent singers while others really know how to shake a tail feather. There are comedians who can't leave you with a straight face. Some animals have strength while others show intelligence beyond their years. There are those who live independent and others who are always surrounded by loved ones.
What may be considered a weakness can also be a strength, and, likewise, what serves as a strength must be nurtured to prevent us falling weak to it.
Tiger, for example, does not care what others think- there is great freedom in that and we all wish we could wear our swimming suit, snow boots, head phones topped off with a cowboy hat and walk into church declaring that we are the sheriff.
Rhino has the ability to live simply. He simply does not realize he should shower without being told, simply will not eat foods outside his favorites and simply obeys regardless of what he is asked to do (except eat healthy foods). He loves to draw and has an excellent memory... I just wish he would remember to shower before getting dressed.
Monkey has spirit and determination. This usually lands her in the time- to- think-chair as we try and harness her lioness power and keep her from eating rhinos, tigers and puppies but it has also saved her life more than once. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to fight for it- even if it takes all night.
Puppy is afraid of everything. I take full responsibility as I too carry a flashlight when I walk to the bathroom either for needed light or protection. We are both working on replacing our fear with faith. In the meantime we use our caution to keep Rhino from over eating, Tiger from running away and Monkey from joining the gypsies. She is afraid of not having Tiger to play with or Monkey being upset. She is more afraid of losing friends and respect than she is of her own wants and desires. And even though she should be in bed, boy can she dance.
Mr. Zookeeper has no concept of time. This is good in that he doesn't care when I'm late but then, he doesn't notice if he's late either... we'll leave that one alone. Mr. Zookeeper is one of the kindest people I know. He can talk to anyone about anything. Though he may not be quick to defend himself that same power makes him very quick to forgive... I know this first hand but we'll leave that one alone too.
Me? I am extremely talented (what? It's my blog so I can write whatever I want)but the one that sticks out most right now is my ability to beat the odds. I don't believe in failure. No experience is ever wasted if you learn something from it and just because it takes a thousand tries to make a light bulb- you still did it. In my case, it would be five years of potty training a tiger, seven years of therapy feeding a rhino, six years of speech therapy, eight years of near death experiences and well, you've read my blog- you know what kind of crazy stuff goes on around here!
I have two favorite Chinese proverbs:
"The branch that bends with the wind does not break" and
"Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still."
It's seems like the only thing that moves quickly around here is meal time and messes- those are continuous events!
Indeed, I don't believe in failure. If one thing doesn't work than we try something else. Of course this gets me into trouble in that I am rarely content to just let things be. (I say this as I am currently remodeling my entire backyard) But, this talent has also served my family well in the many obstacles we've overcome.
We all have talents but the trick is to balance them. We should be careful not to overrun ourselves. Using our ability to think, yet another talent, we can develop our talents and know when to use them and when to restrain.
That said, Puppy asked me why Tiger likes sitting on the table playing with Legos. I replied that God gave him the talent to focus intently on one thing and because he keeps working at it, he's getting really good at building things. She seemed to agree and then opened a new can of worms,
"So, like because he keeps working on being naughty he's getting really good at that too?"
Like I said, balance in all things...
The great news is that we all have talents. Some birds are excellent singers while others really know how to shake a tail feather. There are comedians who can't leave you with a straight face. Some animals have strength while others show intelligence beyond their years. There are those who live independent and others who are always surrounded by loved ones.
What may be considered a weakness can also be a strength, and, likewise, what serves as a strength must be nurtured to prevent us falling weak to it.
Tiger, for example, does not care what others think- there is great freedom in that and we all wish we could wear our swimming suit, snow boots, head phones topped off with a cowboy hat and walk into church declaring that we are the sheriff.
Rhino has the ability to live simply. He simply does not realize he should shower without being told, simply will not eat foods outside his favorites and simply obeys regardless of what he is asked to do (except eat healthy foods). He loves to draw and has an excellent memory... I just wish he would remember to shower before getting dressed.
Monkey has spirit and determination. This usually lands her in the time- to- think-chair as we try and harness her lioness power and keep her from eating rhinos, tigers and puppies but it has also saved her life more than once. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to fight for it- even if it takes all night.
Puppy is afraid of everything. I take full responsibility as I too carry a flashlight when I walk to the bathroom either for needed light or protection. We are both working on replacing our fear with faith. In the meantime we use our caution to keep Rhino from over eating, Tiger from running away and Monkey from joining the gypsies. She is afraid of not having Tiger to play with or Monkey being upset. She is more afraid of losing friends and respect than she is of her own wants and desires. And even though she should be in bed, boy can she dance.
Mr. Zookeeper has no concept of time. This is good in that he doesn't care when I'm late but then, he doesn't notice if he's late either... we'll leave that one alone. Mr. Zookeeper is one of the kindest people I know. He can talk to anyone about anything. Though he may not be quick to defend himself that same power makes him very quick to forgive... I know this first hand but we'll leave that one alone too.
Me? I am extremely talented (what? It's my blog so I can write whatever I want)but the one that sticks out most right now is my ability to beat the odds. I don't believe in failure. No experience is ever wasted if you learn something from it and just because it takes a thousand tries to make a light bulb- you still did it. In my case, it would be five years of potty training a tiger, seven years of therapy feeding a rhino, six years of speech therapy, eight years of near death experiences and well, you've read my blog- you know what kind of crazy stuff goes on around here!
I have two favorite Chinese proverbs:
"The branch that bends with the wind does not break" and
"Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still."
It's seems like the only thing that moves quickly around here is meal time and messes- those are continuous events!
Indeed, I don't believe in failure. If one thing doesn't work than we try something else. Of course this gets me into trouble in that I am rarely content to just let things be. (I say this as I am currently remodeling my entire backyard) But, this talent has also served my family well in the many obstacles we've overcome.
We all have talents but the trick is to balance them. We should be careful not to overrun ourselves. Using our ability to think, yet another talent, we can develop our talents and know when to use them and when to restrain.
That said, Puppy asked me why Tiger likes sitting on the table playing with Legos. I replied that God gave him the talent to focus intently on one thing and because he keeps working at it, he's getting really good at building things. She seemed to agree and then opened a new can of worms,
"So, like because he keeps working on being naughty he's getting really good at that too?"
Like I said, balance in all things...
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