Are You A Teacher?

I hesitated.  I was surrounded by school books and papers, getting ready to check over the day's work that my girls had accomplished.  They attend a school where parent involvement is encouraged.  My Joel and I are passing the 4th AND 2nd grade with flying colors, I'll have you know.  HA!!  But...I digress.

Said scene would certainly prompt that question, 'Are you a teacher?'  I hesitated.  Well, technically, no - I have been humbled to the position of 'aide' where I had been a 'teacher' (life-coach, as I like to call it) and I wasn't employed with a school district.  B-U-T...I AM a teacher - to my two great daughters!  I get to teach them a whole bunch of stuff that the books in front of me lack.

- How to be honest
     (and how to talk yourself out of...JUST KIDDING!!!)
- How to 'use your words' and communicate clearly
- How to gently confront, even when it's a bit uncomfortable
- How to HUG (I have a degree ya know!)
- The art of a HANDwritten thank you note
- The art of giving back and being generous

The list goes on and on.  And I don't list the above as some angle to boast.  Absolutely not.  I write as an effort to heighten awareness that we are A-L-L teachers.  I'm not just talking about homeschool mom's, public school teachers, private school, etc.  You must realize that we teach everywhere we go and people are watching our every move.  Again, not because I'm all that and a bag of chips.  Again, awareness. 

Let me share a few 'sightings' -
- The mom I overhear getting stern and frustrated.  (Oh how I've been there).  Yet she teaches me how ugly that looks and sounds; of course my heart just aches for that child.
- My dear friend that can laugh at just about everything her kids do!  I have GLEAMED volumes from this woman.
- Another friend that has a real knack for turning my eyes back on God in any given situation.  Be it by prayer or by reading God's word.

Again, the list is long.  But none of the above did I read in a book!  I learned from WATCHING and LISTENING!

My challenge to you today - TEACH without saying a word.  And hug just a little bit more...everyone needs a hug.

And yes, I am a teacher.  I get to be the best possible teacher to my two beautiful, bright girls.  It's not all good material because I sure do have my days; but I'm doing the best I can.

Humbled, buoyed and blessed -
MamaFox

Forget? I Think Not

He did it again.

He does remember.

He loves me enough to let me know.

I went to a concert a few weeks ago.  Something you should know is that I'm afraid of Jordan's memory being forgotten.  Now, I know that within the confines of our family, she will forever be in our hearts.  However, I have the need to know that she continues to impact the lives of others.  Every few months, I get a touch panic-y that she's fading.  And then...He comes through.

Back to the concert.  I will not name drop, but we attended the concert of a friend of mine.  She has some notoriety in the community and our kids go to school together.  Apparently, when I was sharing about The W.A.R.M. Place (see post 'Click' / September 2010), something resonated with her and a song bubbled up to the surface (In Her Shoes - how appropriate, given my addiction to shoes!!)  She referenced this conversation, mentioned our sweet baby girl and our loss...I was touched!  She remembered and Jordan was not forgotten!!!

Not five minutes before that, my Sweet T was telling me about how she had shared our story that week, with a new friend at her school.  Her new friend was touched to tears.  This just warmed my heart!  Not that I enjoy 'making' someone cry, but to know that she was crying for our girl! 

What's the point of this?  Why do I bother to allude to knowing famous people and that my friend shared our Jordan with her new friend?  Because, I want you to know that God is THAT personal.  THAT loving.  THAT interested in the matters of the heart. 

Secondary to this, it was a reminder that our actions are observed and our words are heard even when we don't think that they are 'doing' anything.  I shared with no expectation.  I recently heard a quote, every exchange we have with someone, we are making an impact.  YIKES!!

Thank you, my famous friend and thank you, my Sweet T.  Thank you to everyone one of you that remembers our Jordan, that share her story or just ponder her precious 5 1/2 weeks.  For your tears...those are most precious. 

Humbled, buoyed and blessed

Eyes On Him

Mama Fox

Bubbles

I was ‘that’ person today at my local grocery store.  Went through the express line with my ten items, but I was lured into the impulse buy at the checkout (so, it’s sort of their fault, right?) and added another four items.  I watched the cashier scanning my items and only then realized that I had gone over the express lane maximum.  I gasped!  I joked about what I had done, looked at the folks behind me and said, “OMWord – I am THAT person!  It’s ok – you can give me ‘the look’ because I’d be giving ‘the look’!” We all laughed, the clerk was sweet, said it was fine. 

But then I just wanted to cry.

As I looked into the faces of those complete strangers, it occurred to me that they had no idea that I was mourning my Jordan, having lost her two years ago. 

And I had no clue what any of them were facing in their own lives.

Bubbles.  We’re all in one.  Going about our daily lives, floating around in our own space, our own thoughts and occasionally we bump into another bubble.  Sometimes our bubble pops because of another person that is having their own bad day (HA! - forgive the pun). 

Back to my day – I’m usually pretty in tune with my own bubble and fellow bubbles around me, taking into consideration that a cashier or waitress may be having their own ‘stuff’ going on.  But today (sigh) I was having a tiny pity-party, very self absorbed on my sadness.

Interestingly enough, it brought me back around.  I reminded myself that I am not the only one that has lost a child.  I began to wonder about those other ‘bubbles’ and feel compassion towards them too. 

So why do I share this with you, my fellow bubbles?  To bring a heightened awareness to those around you, to be sensitive and consider the ‘stuff’ that someone else is going through.  I’ve been known to shift my paradigm towards someone after I learn something tragic has happened in their life.  But why do I (you) need to wait?  EVERYONE has something – tragic or not – going on in their life. 

Ever blow a bubble and two develop?  They’re side by side, floating in harmony, not popping but completely in sync?  Why not be that bubble?

And in case you’re wondering – I did cry today.  Several times. 

When asked, ‘How are you?” 

In a word, “Sad.” 

Yet in that sadness, I am loved on by so many of you and blessed beyond words.  

I continue to be...humbled, buoyed and blessed

Eyes On Him

Mama Fox

I do want to extend a special thank you to my Sweet T and my Beth-friend in Colorado for just...listening today.  Thank you thank you.

Lifeboat on a Lake

Many of us are familiar with the passage in Matthew where Jesus calms the storm.  For those of you that are not, the disciples follow Jesus onto a boat, storm comes, disciples freak out, Jesus calms storm, the end.  No worse for the wear, these twelve, albeit a little wet.

Well, I had the pleasure of reading this passage the other day.  I have a little devotional book that I use occasionally and it led me to this particular passage.  As is the case with passages that I've read over and over, for some reason it all came to light this particular day.  The clogs shifted in my brain and WOW!!!  The symbolism knocked me right over.  May I share?

Matthew 8:23-27

THEN HE GOT INTO THE BOAT

AND HIS DISCIPLES FOLLOWED HIM IN

The boat represents life / living.  I am to follow Jesus, trusting him completely.

WITHOUT WARNING, A FURIOUS STORM CAME UP ON THE LAKE, SO THAT THE WAVES SWEPT OVER THE BOAT.

As is the case with any 'storm' in our life, upheaval, crisis, tragedy and sometimes just a plain ol' rotten day comes out of nowhere.  And note - this isn't the ocean (as I've often envisioned), it's a lake.  You can see the other side (usually, The Great Lakes aside).

BUT JESUS WAS SLEEPING.

Can you blame him?  (I'm KIDDING!!!)  Seriously, he was calm in the storm.  He not only did not jump ship, he stayed in a steady and peaceful state.

THE DISCIPLES WENT AND WOKE HIM, SAYING,

"LORD, SAVE US!  WE'RE GOING TO DROWN!"

In the storm, Jesus is literally with them.  The disciples mirror our human nature so beautifully.  Full on panic, short sighted with doom and gloom as our conclusion.  Understand, I'm not at all coming down on the disciples - I mean, I've had a few of my own "I'm GOING TO DROWN!!!!" moments.  But I certainly didn't wake him up...ok, yes, I probably did - HA!

HE REPLIED,

"YOU OF LITTLE FAITH.  WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID?"  

THEN HE GOT UP AND REBUKED THE WIND AND THE WAVES AND IT WAS COMPLETELY CALM.

Ouch.  Yes.  Why am I so afraid sometimes?  He doesn't move until after he rebukes the 12.  'THEN' he got up...it's not like he shot up out of his boat cot, "WHAT?!  A storm?!  Why I oughta..."  And marched out there to punch it in the nose.  He remained calm throughout.

THE MEN WERE AMAZED AND ASKED,

"WHAT KIND OF MAN IS THIS?  EVEN THE WIND

AND THE WAVES OBEY HIM."

(sigh) I love the visual of this passage.  Floatin' along in the boat of life with my Jesus.  BOOM!!!  <thunder lightening effects> Storm hits!!  And He is still there, my anchor, my steady and my calm.  SNAP!!  Storm ceases.  I can see the other side. 

Great stuff people, great stuff!!



Thanks for sharing in an A-HA moment with me. 

Eyes On Him

Mama Fox

(oh...and I talked to the author, he said it was ok to share)

Untethered

(I clearly have an issue with technology.  Going over past posts...apparently I've given my two cents a few times.  I apologize.  Maybe I just don't feel 'heard' <sigh>  Next post will be on something else...I promise - hee hee.  Apparently it  doesn't bother me too much - I'm blogging now - HA!!!!  Oh...the vast vortex!!)

(gasp)  As a man, desperate for water crawling on the desert floor (or, as of late, the Texas)

"Our Internet is down?!" (gasp!!)

For THREE DAYS?!!?! 

<for those of you that know me, you can imagine how difficult this is to type without my beloved emoticons...HA!!>

But...but...what about emails?  And FaceBook?  How will anyone KNOW that I'm ok and how will I share my opinions with my friends at large?  I mean...HELP ME NOW!!! 

During those three days my sweet husband walks in while I'm sorting my catch all recipe drawer.  He asks, "Internet still down?"  I simply look at him, indicating with the nonverbal, "Uhmm...yeah...you think I'd be doing sorting my recipe drawer if it were working?"  Silly man.

Whew...at least there was my 'smart' phone for those three agonizing days.  Heaven forBID I pick up a phone or better yet, NOT be ruled by almighty technology.

But really, how 'smart' are these phones?  It's terribly disconcerting to see these blue glows on every one's faces, constantly connected - be it text, email, social media and often the loud conversation on the phone.

Yes, yes - I've touched on this before.  And all of these great things have their place.  I mean, there is comfort in having my phone with me should something happen or I would like to ask my Joel to pick up something from the store.  Or when major life crisis happens, have mercy - the tool of social media was a tremendous way to get information out on a large scale.  And of course, staying in touch with those that are overseas - it's a huge comfort to see their sweet faces and know that they're ok.

But why, why, why has it become our obsession?  Are we that miserable with actual human contact or rather, place so little value on it, that we can't give technology a rest?  Since when did it control us? 

I'm pretty certain that the memory my girls will have of me is the back of my head, like Cousin Id, "Mmmm...I think her eyes were green.  She definitely resembled a Smurf."  Seriously - I'm pretty sure they just turned another year older while I was checking my emails.  Ugh.

'Ding, ding' - OH!!!  an email!  a text!!  (sigh)  I'm just as guilty - a little shot of adrenaline...I'm popular!  Someone loves me! 

Honestly, I do not know 'the answer'.  As I've said, there is a place for these tools in our life.  But that's just what they are - tools, to be used by us - not the other way around. 

So my challenge to you today.  Set some boundaries.  Does your email really have to be open ALL DAY?  Do I really need to know what you're doing on the hour?  Every hour?  I mean, I'm thrilled that your digestive system is working and that they weren't out of toilet paper in the bathroom, but really...?  I need that visual?

I'm just sayin'. 

Eyes On Him (and I'm fairly certain He doesn't text)

MamaFox

It Took Just As Much

She smiled when the woman with a cane struggled to sit down. 

She smiled when another customer asked for help with their carry-on.

She smiled when that woman with the cane spoke a little too loud and stared telling (everyone) why she was traveling to Chicago.

She was overly accommodating during the beverage service.

She was a flight attendant on Southwest, and I sat in quiet observation, marveling at her kindness through her smile and gentle accommodation of each of her guests.  I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. 

I've seen it, I'm sure you've seen it.  Those flight attendants (or anyone that deals with customers) that, while smiling to the face of a demanding guest, turn with a sneer, rolling of the eyes or looking clearly annoyed.  Sometimes I have even participated in the sharing of their frustration, that 'Oh...I understand...can you believe that person?" with an exchange of 'that' look.

And what does it gain?  It took just as much effort to extend that smile and kindness that it does to scowl and extend insincerity. 

Yet, while it may have taken just as much / little effort - the impact was monumental.  I will forever remember this woman's sweet face and use it as a reminder to be that person that errs on the side of kindness.

I encourage you today to be that person that offers a sincere smile, go the extra mile.  It certainly won't hurt.

By the way, I did hand her a note on my way off the plane.  I guess the other title for this could be You Never Know Who's Watching...so true, so true.

Until my next inspired moment (hopefully not six months away...ha!!).

Eyes On Him

Mama Fox

Remember the Last?

I took it as a significant 'sign' that I was not only due to post, but I had been 'given' my subject.  I told you, I only want to write when so inspired. 

I was talking to my girlfriend the other day.  She shared that she was thinking about me and the girls.  She asked if I remembered the last time I (in this case) had picked one of them up to hold them.

(GASP!!)  Not because I could actually remember picking my oldest up (and when did she get so BIG!?  All of these limbs!!), but because I could actually remember doing it.  It was the 28th while we were at the vet.  We learned about our Athena having cancer and that her days are numbered.

However, how many other 'lasts' have I forgotten or completely missed them as being 'the last'?  It tugs a little at the heart strings!  My youngest is six, so while it was many many years ago, I cannot remember the day / time that I last nursed her.  I did it as I had done so many times before, but that final time; finished, went on with my day (my life) and POOF!  She's six!!  HELLO?!?!  How about the last time I spoke to my friend before she passed away a year ago?  I cannot pinpoint our last moment...maybe it was at that yogurt place...?

How do you even track them?  I have one friend (and I love this idea) that celebrates 'The Last Day You Are ___' enter your age the day before your birthday.  Fabulous! 

While firsts and new beginnings are significant (anniversaries, first impressions, first meetings), let's not forget that the lasts are vital too.  They mark the end of a season, closure and a chapter closed. 

We will have our 'last' W.A.R.M. Place meeting tonight.  This is significant.  We move forward in a new chapter of healing and coping. 

Capture the lasts...if you can.  Don't allow them to be so elusive.

Eyes On Him
Mama Fox