Reading a new (actually old) book...

A co-worker loaned me a book the other day. I had just had a rather frank discussion with him about the challenges I'm facing. He thoughtfully recommended a book he has gotten some real good out of reading. It's titled How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. I would not have classified my struggles at work as 'worrying'...but as I begin to read, perhaps a lot of the stress I'm experiencing is from not simply doing what is in front of me, and worrying about it.

In chapter 1 there's a lovely poem that I'll share.

SALUTATION TO THE DAWN

Look to this day!

For it is life, the very life of life.

In its brief course

Lie all the verities and realities of our existence:

The bliss of growth

The glory of action

The splendor of beauty,

For yesterday is but a dream

And tomorrow is only a vision,

But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day!

Such is the salutation to the dawn.

Continuing to probe limitation.

Since September 2009, I've been responsible for two IT application development sections at work. This has been a significant management challenge. The amount, complexity and political nature of the work is unprecedented in my experience. I'm quite exhausted at the end of every day.

Robin & I continue to lead a small group teaching Growing Kids God's Way, which has been very rewarding....but at 17 weeks long is beginning to take it's own toll. We continue to mentor a couple whose marriage is struggling, and Robin and I both mentor several people (one woman for her, two young men for me). We will be finishing one session of GKGW in March, then immediately picking up with our Chapter Summary bible study that we haven't done now for almost a year.

In the past 7 days, both Dan Winther and my mom ended up in the hospital. Dan with intestines wrapped around scar tissue causing a blockage. This required surgery, and he is now recovering at home. Robin is there helping out. My mom had a small stroke and is still in the hospital. She's in for about 10 days of physical, occupational & speech therapy. It's been great to see my brothers & sisters in law rally together to help out.

Limitation. It surrounds me. I'm aware of it every day. I'm beginning to learn to embrace it.

This morning the Lord gave me Psalm 27:1-- "The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?"