Dark Before Light

I watch you struggle. Failed tests, relationships and attempts. I watch you lash out in anger, cooperate with trouble, or sink into despair. These are dark times.

I wait this Holy Thursday in darkness and ponder The Last Supper. I will walk through the night to church, to adore Him among dim flickering candles. Tomorrow, Good Friday, I will pray the Stations of the Cross. How can injustice, pain, and death be good?

The Light comes. With Him, you will pass tests, have good relationships, and succeed. The Light always comes. And we wait in the dark.

...what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled...the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen."      Matthew 4: 14, 16

Love,
Mom

Favorite Book?

There are predictable questions adults ask.  "What is your favorite book?" is one that covers a lot of territory, acting as a job interview question, small talk, and a quest to find something in common.  Answers that will not reflect well on you or help build relationships include:

1.  I don't like reading. 
2.  Books are dumb.
3.  Book?

Answers that show you are smart, employable, and interesting include:

1.  A classic novel.  Pick a Great Book and get to know it well.  Which book?  Choose one with a character that you share things in common, such as age, gender, location, nationality, or ethnicity.  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a good pick for a humorous American male.

2.  A current work about your interests.  Love baseball?  Read the most recent biography about Henry Aaron. Love cooking?   Eat Tweet connects new cookbook format and current social media.

3.  A book that shows your complete package.  An athlete can show smarts through a WWII book.  An academic can share their outdoorsmanship through a camping book.  An artist can share their physical discipline through a book on running.

I look forward to hearing more about your favorite books!

Love,
Mom

HALT

Are you hungry?  Angry?  Lonely?  Or tired?  If yes, then it is time to stop. 

I first read about using the acronym H (hungry) A (angry) L (lonely) T (tired) to deal with stress when I was in my early 20's.  I have developed the habit of thinking "HALT" to help me to stop.

A definition of "halt" is to pause or stop.  When we HALT, we pause, regroup, collect ourselves in order to proceed with improved clarity, kindness, and credibility.  It is hard to stop. 

Stopping to eat and rest takes care of our physical needs.  Stopping to deal with our anger and loneliness takes care of our emotional needs.  We are more inclined to feel in control of ourselves and to avoid drama.  For your own sake, stop. 

When our basic needs are taken care of, we are less likely to lash out at others.  We are more inclined to see the situation clearly, to be patient, and to be concerned for all involved.  For the sake of others, stop.

Love,
Mom