Unplugging Works Wonders
It worked ! My computer was giving me fits, so I asked my grandson, Basil, to help me. He calmly came to my aide and asked, " Have you tried shutting it down, Momo?" "Nope," said I. And sure enough, once "we" did that, it worked. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Anne Lamott: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."
So, lets look for ways to unplug. Fear less. Trust more. Hate less. Love more. Worry less. Pray more. Besides the Bible, I have favorite sources, authors who help me consider my ways, rethink some issues and remember to enjoy the journey. Here are a few that may help you do likewise.
Thoughts from Wendell Berry: "Do unto others downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you." And one of my favorites, which I've shared with you before, "Be joyful through you have considered all the facts." He also wrote,"The great enemy of freedom is the alignment of political power and wealth."
From Frederick Buechner I'm learning to,"Listen to your life. All moments are key moments." And from Henri Nouwen,"Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken with Jesus, our friend and guide."
Then there's the matter of prayer. From Philip Yancey I'm reminded to, Just show up." Consistency counts. Pray anyhow. And Anne Lamott reminds me of something I've experienced more than once, "As it turns out, if one person is praying for you, buckle up! Things can happen." She also wrote, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers."
And so I keep praying for our world, this country, family and friends. And for you.
So, lets pay attention.
- Unplug
- Pray
- Buckle up
- Watch
- Good happens, too.
"
16 Comments
So good Jan. Copying this: “Fear less. Trust more. Hate less. Love more. Worry less. Pray more.” Excellent mantra! ❤️
Well, I'm pretty sure that's been your mantra for many years. So keep at it, dear Wendy!
Thanks Jan. It really matters to what we listen as our questions easily are framed to reinforce current biases. My "rebel" group of Wheaton friends continually send me articles to read that they know are at odds with my current thinking. I read and respond first with what I learned and gleaned from the article. There is no second, as they likely know where the differences are. I find such communications helpful, not because I am searching and open to new theology but because I want to understand how they think so I can share the Jesus viewpoint. Blessings, Dale
This doesn't surprise me, my dear friend. Listening to learn is one of your strengths. So is being willing to stay at the table with folks who differ from you in some areas. Which reminds me to thank you for not hitting UNsubscribe after you read some of my thoughts. It's why you, Marty and I remain forever friends.. And why I learn from you, as well.
Our youngest son has worked for Apple for nearly 10 years, and I can't count the times he has advised me - without recrimination - to unplug and reboot. Such good advice for computers and their owners! (Actually I think they own us.). Thanks Jan!
Yup! You'd think it would be my automatic go-to when I have a glitch in my computer or life, my Norwegian friend.. But I'm a slow learner. But, hopefully, still learning, even when on slo-mo.
This is great, Jan! I think Philip Yancy also said, “ Learn to dance in the rain!” I say “amen” to all! ❤️
Well, it's raining today in this part of California. Which is a good gift. But, while dancing in the rain may be a good idea, no matter who suggests it, I think I'll pass today. But thanks for the nudge, dear Sue. You always bring some sunshine when I see your name show up..
❤️
Thanks, dear Tara. A very appropriate symbol for the month of February. And it's my favorite motif. Happy Unplugging from that which distracts and adds to an anxious spirit. And may prayer continue to plug you into the One who brings peace and makes all the difference., when all's said and done.
Fantastic quotes and reminders. Can't say thank you enough for these.
You're so welcome, dear Alyssa. Always good to hear form you in far off Utah. Say Hi to Andrew.
Thank you for all, but especially Anne Lamott! When I first read the blog, I thought I had already read it, as I remember reading that quote. Then I realized it was in a magazine (from July 2023, I'm behind on my reading). The author of a column used the same quote. So now it has been reinforced.
(the other) KathySullivan
Thanks, dear Kathy, for reading and letting me know you're "the other Kathy Sullivan." It's a great quote by Anne, no matter where you read it, in my humble opinion.
Yes, I love Anne. This one is also one of my favorites: “I’m here to be me, which is taking a great deal longer than I had hoped.” Anne Lamott
I love that one, too. We can waste more than time when we try to be someone else. I keep this prayer on my refrigerator by the Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, "And now Lord, with your help, I shall become myself."