"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

2.24.2010

Do we really see??


Today's devotional reading titled "Jogging"

"It is supposed to be good for the heart, the lungs, the muscles, and physical well-being generally. It is also said to produce a kind of euphoria known as joggers' high.

The look of anguish and despair that contorts the faces of most of the people you see huffing and puffing away at it by the side of the road, however, is striking. If you didn't know directly from them that they are having the time of their lives, the chances are you wouldn't be likely to guess it." ~Buechner

I thought to myself, the opposite is true as well. We see a multitude of people everyday, with smiling happy faces. But they mask a hurting sometimes devastated heart.

I seem to be drawn to this scripture again and again.

"My people are broken and shattered and they put on band-aids, saying, "It's not so bad, you'll be just fine!" But things are not fine!! (Jer 6:14 The Message)


I think this speaks to me in part because I walked through life with a smile that said all is well, things are just fine. When the reality was they were not. I had ignored all the "signs" that said differently. Until I acknowledged to myself first, then to God that I was a mess, that I was not doing well on my own, could change begin to happen.

I am seeing a little clearer these days, I am learning to see with a little more love, mercy, and tenderness.

Just a little, for I have far to travel.

Blessings!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Awww Mar this touched my heart too...You are so honest and it brings out the best in all of us who come to hear what you have to say...I for one need your postings as I truly believe they are prompted by God thru you. I love you little sister so very much...((hugs)) I've also been learning to see more clearly after removing so many masks...I do still have some much to my dismay!!!

CountryDreaming said...

As a former long distance runner on the high school track and cross country teams, I never experienced a runner's high ... closest I've come was relief that I crossed the finish line, accomplished my goal, and could stop running! Buechner's words remind me of a zany poster I once had that I managed to find a link to on an inspirational marathon blog if you want a humorous take on why people run:

http://community.active.com/people/pavni/blog?start=90

More seriously, a friend and I were trying to figure out just last night how she can communicate to her caregiver that even though she smiles, she is in tremendous need of help. She just came out of the hospital and has a strong spirit that loves life. I recommended prayer and gentle discussion.

Thanks for your thoughtful reflection, Mary! Love, mercy, and tenderness toward ourselves and others ... and allowing ourselves to accept these gifts from God, is so important.

Butterfly Works said...

I so identify with you about the masks....growing up in a dysfunctional home, you learn to wear them early and they become a part of who you are until God steps in to help you remove them...But ah, this is not an easy tasks for me...He is very willing but so often I say "I need that one Lord, we'll work on it tomorrow" but over time God has gently removed many of them and He is placing truth in their place.
Your posts are soul searching and I appreciate your honesty so much...plus thanks so much for the sweet, encouraging comments you left for me. I was moved to push on because of yours and others encouraging words....
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

mariamarooska said...

I just came accross your site from thewanderingpebble.blogspot.com, and am glad I did -your journaling looks so beautiful. I always wish I would start a visual journal too -your images and words are inspiring.

Jo Reimer said...

Wearing a mask... how true. I think I wear mine to pretend, even to myself, that all is well when it's not. Sure, I have life's basic necessities, and lots of luxuries, to. Lots of people love me and I have family and frieds aplenty. But I make sure that I don't add to other people's misery so I smile and encourage others and hide my heartaches, but down inside I'm hurting and I don't want to face the deep issues and do something about it. It takes so little to find relief from any and every hurt, to simply kneel at the feet of the One who offers unconditional love and support and comfort. I will. Right now.

Manon said...

Thanks for popping by my blog today! i can see that you're also a heart girl!! Gotta love em!!

Denise said...

This was really a touching post, bless you.

Martha Lever said...

...and miles to go before we sleep...and miles to go before we sleep..

Lily said...

Man alive, do I know about the masks! In fact I wrote a blog about this very topic a few years ago. I remember it well. Everyone does it. It's when you start lying to yourself that it becomes even more dangerous.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

thank you for your honesty...for sharing this..so many people walk around carrying things too heavy for them...Hugs to you....I think your heart is the best. Sarah

Buffy said...

Thats why I love the bible,the scriptures are so meaningful and true and always relate to our lives here and now. I used to read all the time,I need to read it more. This was a great scripture thanks for sharing. Its funny because I always say that to my husband about how people wear masks,nobody is true anymore. You think you know somebody and then the mask gets removed and they are totally different.

Buffy said...

Oh I forgot to tell you that I love your journal page too.

Art by Darla Kay said...

What a beautiful post Mary! You are SO right about this!!
As for running....I don't think I could ever enjoy it. In Jr. Hi our track coach would follow us in her car out on the country roads to make sure we kept running and didn't stop.
Jerk. :) I actually grew to hate it.
Thanks again for your wonderful and meaningful posts!!

Erin Butson said...

Love this Mary...both this translation of the passage & your honesty. So refreshing and inspiring... makes me wantto spend timewith the Lord. You are truly a blessing to so, so many,including me.

Butterfly Works said...

Mary, I received the book you suggested "listening Prayer" and I am having insights left and right as I read....I think I am going to try her way of journaling and see how it goes....a divided blinder sounds like a good idea.....What did you decide about trying her suggestions...?
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

Martha Lever said...

Hey Mar! That old lavender just pops up all the time just out of nowhere. I think it has a mind of it's own and does that just to spite me!!!