On this blog

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Fifty States of Pray - From Connecticut


My name is Diana Wilder and I am living in the state of Connecticut.   

I saw this blog hop, started by Mark Koopmans  which ties in with a good many things I had been considering over the past year.  I did not see the blog instructions until after I entered the hop.  Residents of Connecticut are sometimes called ‘Nutmegs’.  Drop the ‘megs’ and perhaps you have a good description of me, at least regarding reading instructions first thing in the morning. 

A man I chatted with once, who worked as a counselor, had this to say about past regrets: 



You have to think of your life as a sort of building.  Its construction continues while you live, and each happening adds to it.  Your past is in the lower courses of the building, and no matter how much you may regret it, it is there and without it the building would not be what it is now.  Concentrate on what is being done now: that is all you can do.  And it is enough.

I have dealt with the aftermath of my father’s death over the past year and a half.  His burial was two weeks ago.  During that time I found countless reasons to give thanks that that man had been my father.

Can it be so for us?  That people will count their contact with us as blessings?  I think so, and I am going to do what I can to make it so.  I am also looking at those I deal with using new eyes, seeing who they truly are, what burdens they bear, and how they have touched my life for good.  And if I see no good in an association from the past (I can name two complete scoundrels who seemed to like to wreck people) I will let go any bitterness and pray for them.

It doesn’t take much to spread kindness.  This video (I hope the link works) expresses it very well:
 

I wish everyone on this hop, and everyone who reads the posts, the most blessed and happy of years to come.


15 comments:

  1. In the end it's always about the relationships we have with people. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and fabulous New Year while remembering your dad and what he gave to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My heartfelt prayers go out to you on the loss of your dad. It truly makes us cherish our family a bit more when we lose someone. Wishing you a happy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A good video. Thanks for sharing it. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great analogy.
    Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas!
    Writer In Transit

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi
    A well said page, indeed the video is very touching. Yes, we all can give a little help to our fellow being or our neighbor, that speaks volume. thanks for sharing this meaningful video. Have a Happy Holiday. :-)
    Have a blessed time ahead

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm very sorry about your dad. I think that your positive outlook will help get you through this difficult time. Happy holidays to you, and your family.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aloha Diana,

    Thanks so much for your post - and for sharing the video - it brought tears to my eyes!

    *THAT* is exactly how we can change the world - by small, positive actions that impact another :)

    My condolences on the loss of your dad, and I hope that you can one day be at peace.

    Wishing you a blessed Christmas season and a joyful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's a beautiful thought, Diana. Thanks so much for sharing it. Happy Holidays -wishing you much peace and healing this season.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Foundations, the past, are good to look over once in a while. Merry Christmas, good thoughts and prayers are sent your way.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like your counsellor was a very wise man :) Slowly visiting everyone on the bloghop!
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Diana .. you've done wonders remembering and respecting your father - he will be remembered and by us too.

    I loved the video - we can all benefit from helping others .. then the building blocks of life starting with my feet, ankles, legs and on upwards .. better get the top part sorted out fast!

    Have a blessed and peaceful year ... with the same to all of us .. Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's an excellent way to look at past events. And the best thing about it is that seeing it as part of an overall structure brings much needed perspective.

    Have a blessed and prosperous year! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. This was great, Diana. I'm glad Mark did this blog hop because it led me such insightful and wonderful ways to encounter the holidays. Happy New Year to you and all you love.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a warm and inspiring post! Best of the season to you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm sorry about your father. It is better to rid yourself of all bitterness. You'll feel so much better in yourself.
    Have a wonderful New Year, Diana.

    ReplyDelete