Well, I came through last night pretty easily. I had no major fears to deal with. Jack and Kim dropped in to visit at dinnertime. We started a fire, sat around the campfire and talked about life, the growth experiences some people in our lives have provided, our church and the local branch of CAW, which is called StarDragon, SweetWood, becoming clergy, and more.
I told them some of my concerns about finding an area of service, and not knowing what I really have to offer. Both of them came up with the idea of training. They paid me a very nice compliment in saying that they felt I was very good at doing training.
It's the strangest thing but lately several people have gifted me with some wonderful compliments. One person told me that I am able to deal with people without getting my own "stuff" in the way. I can put my own agendas aside (for the most part:) to hear and work with what others need. Another person told me while she might not always agree with my point of view that none-the-less I am able to provide her with some perspective and something to think about.
I have to say I really cherish the words from these 4 different people. Often enough I can see where I fail to live up to my ideals, where I'm not able to accomplish my goals, or when depression has me wondering what's the use. It is much harder for me to see my successes and I do consider being able to set my own agendas aside, providing perspective, or being good at training, to be successes. They are not the kind of things that get a lot of recognition, certainly not fame or fortune, (LOL) but they are aspects of the person I always wanted to be.
I'm not a very showy person. I'm not particularly charismatic though once a long time ago someone told me I was compellingly persuasive. I wonder whatever happened to that? It certainly doesn't work on my sons. Have you tried to get a a teenager off the computer long enough to empty the dishwasher? Definitely not one of my talents.
Today is partly cloudy and the sun is playing peek-a-boo. Just then there was a moment of brilliant sun and wonderful warmth. Hey there it is again.