"A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night."
~ Marilyn Monroe
This week has been a week where I've done a lot of reflecting upon who I am. I will admit, that I struggle sometimes with not having a "full-time" job. It has been 2.5 years since I left Corporate America, and there's been many joys, but just as many doubts. My biggest struggle is seeing my Corporate America "accomplishments" side-by-side to my current "accomplishments."
As I was reflecting upon the above this week I thought about why we, Americans, define who we are by what we do. Why is it when we meet someone new we ask, "so, what do you do?" Does someone's job really define them as a person? Does a position give one individual more significance as a person than another? I sure hope not!
So let's stop defining ourselves by what we do, and start defining ourselves by who we are!
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What have you done this week to make someone smile?
What have you done this week that you thoroughly enjoy?
Are you just a list of "to-do's"? If so, cut it out! (I love a quote one of our Pastor's has posted in his office "Activity DOES NOT equal Accomplishment!")
When was the last time you sat down with your family for a meal?
Did you take time to REALLY play with your kids this week? (No iPhones, Blackberries or computers distracting you?)
When was the last time you called your Mom or Dad? Grandma? Sister? Friend?
Have you been there for someone, to just listen? Remember, there's always someone in your life who could use a friend's hug!
Does it really matter that there are Cheerios stuck to the floor, or your car needs vacuumed, or there's a load of laundry in the washer? Does tonight really need to be the night you work late? What are you missing because of these distractions?
Have you admired the world around you today?
Have you found God in the little moments? A smile. The sun, or for today, the rain. A roof over your head. Food. Clothes on your back. Friends, we are SO blessed!
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And the next time you meet someone, try asking, "So what makes you you?" rather than that dreaded, "So, what do you do!"
Remember friends, that you are loved and who you are is more important that what you do!
Blessings,
~JAE
Picture I took at the Pella, Iowa Tulip Festival
~ May 2008
A miserably cold and rainy day, but beauty was still everywhere!
A miserably cold and rainy day, but beauty was still everywhere!
