Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Angel's Among Us

       I've had a good week-tiring, but good. Here's my quick recap of my joys, simple pleasures and things that made me smile.

  1. Just two of us were available for Trivia-we joined with smart people, and ended up winning.
  2. Book club was held by Zoom, but was still fun Friday night. The Firekeepers Daughter-highly recommend it. 
  3. DH took me out for lunch on Friday at one of our favorite places for ambiance. We had a terrific waiter-so pleasant, and even got one of our meals half price.
  4.  DD2 stayed over to take care of pup wile we were gone. She kept us updated on our little boy. 
  5. Lot's of joys related to our weekend-the concert was absolutely fabulous. How college students caring full loads, jobs, and other activities (though some are studying to be professional musicians)  can create such an incredibly high caliber concert is amazing to see and hear. 
  6. While we didn't have much time with our daughter, we got to have both a quick lunch before her first Saturday concert, and then dinner before her evening concert, the one we attended. 
  7. The roads were fair heading south so we did not get stranded. After the first 50 miles or so, the roads were quite clear and the countryside was just a pretty light blanket of white.
  8. All my deliveries from black Friday, with the exception of the one cancelled item, arrived and in good shape. Nothing was thrown over a river bank-how awful for people to have that done to their stuff! (I know this was a ravine, but I am in river territory.)
  9. I made a humongous batch of chicken, vegetable noodle soup using the last of a rotisserie chicken. It was light on chicken, but loaded with veggies and hit the spot on a blustery day yesterday.
  10. My daughter and I completed most of my shopping last night. I used Kohls cash and decided anything else will be cash or gift cards. 


      Now about my title. "We all got angels, but some of them haven't worked in a while." Sure, the quote was from Greg Coleman, former Minnesota Vikings now commentator on the radio, but I know what he means. It feels sometimes like the breaks in life, the little feeling of safety, the extra bit of good will, evades some people, again and again. Now he was speaking in relation to the dismal Minnesota Vikings season-and even before their pathetic loss to the at that point, winless Detroit Lions, but I'll apply to things that really matter in the world. I don't understand why some families have been utterly devastated with Covid, and others have been so, pardon the pun, immune from the deadly or sickly impact that they feel it is at worst, a bad cold? Why are some people making such low wages and without benefits that must work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and one health issue may leave them with nothing? Why can one CEO make millions in the health insurance field? 

     I've been reflecting on the word "blessed" and how often I have used in the past, or read and hear others use it as in, "I am so blessed to have a big family to enjoy the holidays" or "I'm so blessed to buy this house." So for those that  don't have big families, or may be struggling with estrangement or abandonment, why are they not blessed? Why is everyone not blessed with a place to call home? It seems those that are blessed, don't really do a blessed thing to deserve it over those not. It seems more good luck than Devine intervention. I still wish and hope though that this world can start healing and the citizens respond and act with true love and kindness towards each other. Not act with just good intentions-because we all know what is paved with good intentions! Yes, some angels have really been taking a holiday for a while, but we do not have to. 

      In addition to my weekly list of joys and simple pleasures, I'm instituting a challenge to myself. I don't want to be a humble bragger so not sure how much I'll share, but I want to do at least one additional thing this week, and the weeks leading up to new years, for others, with nothing in it for myself. It might be looking through the "requests" list in the community Facebook and see if I can fill a wish. Maybe it's taking a meal to someone who could use a visit and cheering up.  I don't know yet- I'm hoping something calls to me. I just know this month with all it's joy and wonder, it feels right to do better for someone else, let them feel a little blessed.

24 comments:

  1. The packages were not thrown over a riverbank, but thrown down a ravine at the side of the road. This happened 40 miles north of me and 20 miles south of my home.

    I say I am lucky, not blessed. How cruel would that be to consider that "you" had been favored above people no less good than you. (Not you, but whoever is speaking.) This statement of yours is about the best thing I have read lately. It acknowledges you have not been favored above others for your goodness or worthiness. Thanks for that. I feel incredibly lucky even for all the hard things I face at times. But, I do not think I am blessed even though others have said that about situations.

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    1. I had that wrong-slight edit above. I still think it sounds more dramatic to say river bank! I don't think of it as cruel to say blessed-I just don't like to use it because I feel like it implies I'm more closer to God. And I say this form someone who has led an incredibly fortunate life.

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  2. Doing things for others always makes me so happy. A couple of weeks ago we went out to eat at our favorite place. The server was amazing as always and instead of just leaving a big tip like we usually do we left a VERY big tip. We tried to get out before she noticed but didn't make it. She didn't want to take it at first but we insisted and she was so thankful and grateful and wished us a merry Christmas. Doing random acts of kindness big or small brings me so much joy. I don't usually tell anyone when we do things like this so I know what you mean about not wanting to brag or anything. I just wanted to share that I understand how you feel and it feels so good to do these things.

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    1. A good server makes eating out so much better. This man was a dream-attentive, funny, helpful, and efficient. We are good tippers-I hate that they get such bad wages, but this is the system in the US that we have.

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  3. Some people do indeed seem to get all the "lucky breaks" don't they. I have to say for myself that while I am from a large poor family I was VERY blessed to have such a loving family and all my basic needs met. Anything beyond that really has been a blessing!

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    1. I too came form very little money when we were young-better by the time I hit my teen years because over half the kids were gone! I was very lucky to get the job I have, and earn a good living. I'm no more qualified than many others that are struggling financially in early childhood education and try to remember the days when I made $5 an hour teaching preschool.

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    2. Yes I’m struggling with this concept. Blessings/choices/luck? Today is the ? Anniversary of my nieces death from alcoholism. Her exact date is unknown as she had severed relationship with all family and was not found for days. Both of my parents were alcoholics (my dad dying from cirrhosis). and my two youngest sisters also died from liver failure years ago, fairly young. Another Niece was hospitalized last weekend. This is not for any sympathy but wondering the whys. We had 5 girls, I’m the oldest but my two remaining sisters have issues. Of course because of her daughters loss but even before then both so bitter and negative. My husband died at 41 of cancer, but I don’t know why/how I’ve had a wonderful life, wonderful kids and I say it too much but with 12 grandchildren so far. Why am I so “lucky”? I think it’s a choice to get up every day and for most choose happy isn’t it? A tough day. Sorry, your musings brought this out in me especially today.

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    3. Your family has had a lot of trials and challenge. I'm glad you felt like you could get it out there so to speak. Sometimes "talking" through writing a comment is enough to get emotions out to get back to that place if finding our own happy. I appreciate that you find my space a safe place to share.

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  4. When I thing about being blessed I never think of it as favored. I find myself repeating what one of our ministers said long ago "It is a blessing to be a blessing".
    I believe more people than not do have a pay it forward attitude.

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    1. I like your positive attitude about paying it forward. I just have felt a bit jaded by churchy people throwing their darn blessings around and acting like those with less must have done something to deserve less, when the truth is, likely they have what they have through pure luck and circumstance.

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  5. Sam thanks for the link for the concert, loved it and it really cheered me up. Reminded me of my own daughter singing. When we serve others I believe we are closest to Christ. I love that goal of yours.

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    1. I feel as Anne mentions, the need to pay it forward. If not for a few breaks at multiple times in my life, we could easily be the ones in need of others help.

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  6. I hear a lot of very poor folks down here say they are blessed, even those with heartache and loss of loved ones this year. I thought it was a local terminology but maybe not. I always took it to mean they are grateful for what they do have. It is interesting the different interpretations of words. I think you soup sounds wonderful! Cindy in the South

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    1. I think it has a regional flavor, but it also implies receiving bounty from God. Perhaps this is more a regional thing up here in the north, lol. I feel like perhaps I was a bit disrespectful to some peoples beliefs, but I truly am struggling with how much inequity there is in the world, and why some people choose to think they are worthy of what they have as if those down on their luck are unworthy.

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  7. Wholeheartedly agree with you and the “blessed” momentum out there. It does exclude others that aren’t as lucky. You are spot on. I have a teen son with severe autism, nonverbal with serious behavioral issues. The comments “you’re not given anything you can’t handle by god” is excruciatingly insensitive, dismissive and wrong. His life/our life is so less than. He/we do not deserve this pain, sacrifice and “less than life” of a very intellectually handicapped child. 24/7caregiving, all the struggles…we have been chosen for?! My last addition to this “ugly sentiment theme” is “ you are such a strong woman/person.” Nope…just scarred. IMO all these things ARE toxic positivity. Thanks for letting me vent.

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    1. I always hope my blog is a safe space where people can get their opinions out there-even if, especially if, different from mine, if done with sincerity. I have not known your trials, but you have my empathy.

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    2. Thank you. Sincerely, thank you. I’ve appreciated your blog, your open mindedness and your fairness for years. Thank you for acknowledging alternative perspectives to so many things. Thanks again not “canceling” my comment yesterday. -anAutismMom

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    3. That is so sweet! I am very appreciative that anyone reads anything I write, let alone comments. A dear friends son will be with them forever, never being independent. We all love him dearly... and I know how challenging her day to day life is. I hope you have others in your life to share in the care, or at least be a good listener.

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  8. Definitely some food for thought today. I know we are blessed in many ways. Let’s hope we can spread it around a little bit this holiday season.

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    1. I sure wasn't going for pessimistic when I started the post yesterday, but took a turn that way I guess. I know there are a lot of incredibly kind and helpful people that pay their good fortune forward. It seems like winter brings out the great divide even more so-family, security, and belonging.

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  9. I actually just sent out a province-wide push for our company to donate to charity (we are supporting at-risk youth and the single parent resource centre), with a "meet or beat" my own donation challenge. Since I easily make the least amount in my branch (hooray for the undervalued admin), I really hope it pushes a few people to take the time to donate.

    I am glad you are counting your blessings or thanking your lucky stars, or whatever, Sam. Being mindful and living that "attitude of gratitude" is so important to feeling connected to others, and to appreciating our own situation. We are happier when we take a moment to think of what we are grateful for.

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    1. I truly believe kindness and doing well for others is part of mindful living. I just get a little sick of folks having a "I deserve this attitude" over someone who has been down on their luck. I appreciate everyone of my colleagues, those I work along side, report to, and especially those to whom I am their "boss" because they are terrific and I'll fight tooth and nail for them to be adequately compensated. I hope your colleagues value you, Sheila.

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  10. The concept of “blessed” has been much used and abused. Thank you for highlighting this and always, your frankness and courage in pointing out these incongruities.

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    1. Not so much courage but having little mind worms that spin in my head and need an outlet. I don't want to offend people that use this word as they show gratitude and thankfulness, but as you said, it has been misused and abused in some settings.

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