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Inspirational Thoughts
June 1 & 15, 2000
FATHER'S DAY
June 15, 2000
By Shelia Shumate
What are your favorite memories of your father? Take a moment to reflect upon some childhood memories of him. If your youth was filled with a lot of negativity, anger, hurt or pain, can you acknowledge that it happened and then go a little deeper to understand why he did what he did? Realize that your father did the best he could under his circumstances for the amount of knowledge and wisdom he had in that moment. Maybe he was never treated with love and didn't know how to show it. Maybe he had issues with his father that were never resolved and he was hurting. Even if you grew up without your father, or he has passed away, you can still heal and reflect how your exact circumstances made you the person you are today. To forgive your father would be the greatest gift you could give him this year.
This is not an easy one for me to write as this is the first year without my father. Last year I talked with him on Father's Day and a few days later he died. I miss him! My birthday is the first part of June and every year for as long as I can remember, my father send me a birthday card, without fail. I sorely missed his card this year with his thoughts on it.
My childhood was not easy and even though there was a lot of abuse, anger, hurt and pain, there were special moments as well. My father loved poetry and could recite many different poems; I can still hear his voice sharing his favorites. I was raised southern Baptist and I remember as a teenager I started to attend the Church of God in town and when I arrived home after services one day, dad said to me, "Just so you know I don't believe in what that church teaches, but if you want to go that is your choice but be aware of what you are getting into." I never forgot that. He allowed me to make my choice even though he didn't agree with it. If you think back you can find ways where your father has helped or supported you in some way or given you special moments.
As a spiritual reader and counselor I know life is not always filled with love and beauty, however today, find something to be thankful for about your dad, allow the special memories to surface and choose to forgive. Make this a day to rejoice in loving memories and Just Be!
DEALING WITH DAILY CHORES!
June 1, 2000
By Shelia Shumate
Where is your mind when you are doing repetitious activities? Is it dreading the situation or accepting your part in doing it and being creative? So much of our lives is doing the same activities over and over: washing dishes, cooking, making phone calls, driving to work, etc.
If so much of our life is doing similar things over and over, then why not make it a time of joy, wonderment and fun? Play games with yourself while driving to work, cooking, making beds, or filing papers. Stay in the moment and Just Be! Let’s take washing dishes for example: maybe it is an activity you are dreading to do today. So put your imagination to work and let it run wild and play; pretend the water says “I am responsible for getting the dishes clean,” while you dip the plate in the soap suds, the soap suds speak and say, “No, I am the one that gets the dishes clean,” and as you scrub away, the dishrag chimes in with, “Remember me, I am the one that comes forth to wipe all the food off the dishes, so therefore I am the one that gets the dishes clean!” Above them all is the crystal clear water pouring out of the spigot which reminds everyone that they are all very important in getting the dishes clean and that each can be very proud of what they do, to contribute to the clean dishes. As you are thinking about what you are doing, playing and focusing on it, times slips away and the job is completed! Look to Mary Poppins for your inspiration!
When I was a young, I had an active imagination,. like most children. When it was my turn to wash or dry the dishes, I remember the days that I decided to play a game while doing
this chore, it would go by so very quickly. But on those days, when I wasn’t feeling well, didn’t want to do it, those were the days it seemed to drag on and on, feeling miserable and it took forever. I learned back then it was much better to play than dread it! My intention is to enjoy life to the fullest and remind others they can as well.No matter what daily activity you have before you, you can choose to be creative, bring in laughter, and bring forth fun in all that you do. Make this a day of play and Just Be!
Check back every two weeks as the inspirational quotes, thoughts and poems change often. Click on Dates for other Inspirational Thoughts and Messages December 1, 2000 December 15, 2000
November 1, 2000 November 15, 2000
October 1, 2000 October 15, 2000
September 1, 2000 September 15, 2000
August 1, 2000 August 15, 2000
February 4, 2000 February 20, 2000
January 11, 2000 January 25, 2000
December 9, 1999 December 19, 1999