I'm working on a blog series about the strengths & struggles of being a "more-sensitive-than-most" Christian woman. I'd LOVE to hear and include your perspective, so I'll be doing some short surveys. e-mail me if you'd like to be included. Or sign up here: http://eepurl.com/vVfE1
So, I've now spent 60 days using the word "cherished" as a very specific lens through which to see the year and, more importantly, each individual day.
As I pause to look back, I once again see a common theme running through the month. For January, the theme was "yes." For February, it was "receiving."
1. I received wise counsel.
Early in the month, I told my life coach that it was time for us to come up with a solid plan for next school year. Or at least a plan for how to make the plan. I was tired of loose ends, frustrated by the plethora of possibilities, and I was ready for some certainty!
Andrea suggested trusting and waiting. You know, my two spiritual gifts. (NOT!)
2. I received support.
In light of #1, it's ironic that I've been participating in the Online Bible Study of Karen Ehman's book Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith.
The small group I'm in, led by Beth Anderson, has been such a source of support.
3. I received new opportunities.
Early in February, I received daily inquiries about speaking for two weeks straight.
Of course, not all have booked. Some I responded to and have heard nothing. (But one that has confirmed is in England!)
4. I received my very first book contract.
A few weeks ago, the eagerly-anticipated contract for The Good Girls' Guide to Breaking Bad Rules arrived!
5. I received an e-mail from an old friend.
The day before I left for southern California to visit my family, I got an e-mail from my former massage therapist, who I hadn't seen in five years. She'd written to tell me that I'd been on her mind for the previous two weeks.
Long story short, I was able to schedule a wonderful massage shortly after I landed in Ontario, before the difficult conversations with family began.
6. I received kindness.
The day after I returned from southern California, one of my students handed me a hand-written note that said, "Mrs. G, I am so sorry your mother is not doing well. I see you are not doing the best today, and I am praying for you."
7. I received love.
This last weekend, I received the blessing of my husband's time, attention, and laughter after missing them for two months.
We went out to dinner, hung out by the fireplace, spent time in our "prayer chairs" having quiet time...it was heavenly!
While telling my father about all my February "receivings," he commented, "I have a hard time receiving."
Which got me wondering: What is the relationship between receiving and giving? I know scripture says that it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
But I'll confess that all this receiving made me feel so blessed last month. Incredibly cherished.
And I'm wondering if sometimes, I need to receive–fully receive–in order to learn how to unreservedly give.
Otherwise, I don't really give. I just do. I "give" out of do-ty. I get things done.
Receiving in such abundance last month not only helped me experience being "cherished" but it also awakened a desire to give out of my abundance.
I feel like I have been gifted with so much I can't possibly keep it all to myself.
(And I suspect I'll have more to share about this next month!)
This week, I'm giving away a copy of Holley Gerth's new book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream. To enter, simply leave a comment here on the blog!
Your Turn!
- How are you at receiving? What do you see as the relationship between receiving and giving?
- If you've chosen a "One Word" for 2013, how was February in light of your one word?
- If you've not chosen one, it's not too late! If you were to choose one, what might it be? Why? (My husband told me last night: "The word 'integrity' keeps coming to my mind..."
- Anything else on your heart!