I’m starting with the woman in the mirror…
|24.Aug.2008
It is probably nothing short of sacrilege to merge the lyrics of Michael Jackson and scripture from the Bible in a single post, but I’m doing it, so consider yourself warned.
There is a point and eventually I’ll get to it, maybe…no promises though.
Y’know that old 80s song, Man in the Mirror? The chorus goes…
I’m starting with the man in the mirror.
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do going forward. What kind of wife, mom, daughter, friend, worker, blogger, etc… I want to be. My Grandpa’s death was a message of sorts to me – one that is ringing loud and clear. One that says, “This is the only life you have on this earth – make it smashing, make it meaningful, and for the love of Pete, don’t make it all about yourself.”
I do want my husband to feel he is the most loved and adored man on the earth. I do want my children to feel secure and loved and forever thankful that they are mine. I do want to make my parents proud and give them peace that they raised me right. I do want my friends to feel cared for, and of course, I want my clients to feel confident, but MOST OF ALL I want to honor the Lord in all I do. As a child of God, I am here for one main reason – and that is to glorify Him in my every action. Being good at all of the above is important to Him, but being true to His will is even more so.
So, there has been a great deal of introspection. Because one day I will be the one going to be with the Lord, and it is my prayer that as I rejoice with my Lord in heaven my children and my grandchildren will miss me like I miss my Grandpa – and my Grandma that went on before him. And when they stop to reminiscence, they would first say, “She loved the Lord – man, did she ever love the Lord.”
And that they, like me with my Grandparents, will never doubt that they too will see me in that sweet by and by.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Those of us still HERE are here because we have a divine purpose that is not yet fulfilled. I’m seeking after mine and once again, I’m thankful for all the encouragement, passages of scripture, gentle nudges, and quick emails to just say, “I love you.”
This is a fabulously encouraging community.
I’m so thankful for all of y’all and ready to get back to the grind now that I’ve had some time away.
Blessings!
27 Comments
Sue at eLuckypacket
Love and hugs, Heather!
cc
The way you put it is not sacrilegious at all.
Keep on keepin’ on.
MMM
Amen.
bethany actually
Hey, if you can find echoes of God’s grace and love in a Michael Jackson song, more power to ya, I say.
Laurie
I’ve started on a similar journey. I realized that I’ve got to quit fighting God and start following Christ.
May he keep you in the sheleter of his wings.
Laurie
Err uhmm.. that should be shelter.
jamie
Amen. Absolutely.
chocolatechic
Amen and amen.
I also wanted to say how lovely your hair is looking.
My son (18) walked by as I was reading this, and he asked “is that blond or gray?” I said it is gray, isn’t it lovely? and he said “she really is a good looking woman”
lorimo
That is a very good point.
My Dad’s death did cause me to look at myself and think what do I want to make of this one life that I have. I thought about the amazing, although short life that my Dad lived. And I thought about the amazing things that I wanted to accomplish and stand for in my life. And most importantly, I realized that I am on the right track.
Mandy
Amen Sister! And we’re glad you’re back!
Leigh
and I add to the chorus of “Amens!” I’ll be praying for you.
Octamom
This is beautiful–great way to kick-off the week!
Aileen
Welcome back Heather. I love your renewed perspective. Love it. I’ve been trying to do more of this myself, but sometimes I feel like I’m running up against the stream b/c I seem to be the only one in my house with this perspective. So, I guess that’s where I need to start — in my own house!
Angella
Another Amen, friend. Love this.
Dad
Heather, you are loved.
Heather, you are well favored by our precious Lord.
Heather, you are the one in “Whom I’m well pleased!”
Heather, you are the voice I love to hear on the phone.
Heather, you are the one who brings a smile to my face just by thinking of you.
I am incredibly blessed to be your earthly Dad.
And firmly believe we share a desire to “do what is right in the sight of the Lord.”
Your very fortunate Dad.
Kate
Amen to all you said Heather, but tears sprang to my eyes at your dad’s post.
Now I know for sure that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Big Mama
Never underestimate the power of a Michael Jackson song. Lots of truth there. Just think about the lyrics to “Wanna Be Startin’ Something”.
Loved this post, loved your thoughts.
mary
An amazing and inspring post, Heather. :)
Bella
I commend you for taking the first big step! But is the life you’re living really that bad? You’ve lived & loved, helped & hurt, and actually care about life! Being a role model is a really noble cause too…
Sarah Bean
totally understand that… my sister was diagnosed last week with terminal cancer and not long left – something about death of a loved one sure makes you put your own life under the spotlight.
I didn’t comment on your granddads passing at the time because I was too cut up about the whole subject right then – but I was thinking of you.
Kim R
Lost my mother in law in March – horribly painful, but I know that my God loves me. Each morning I allow myself to be loved by Him and start a new day – each day gets a little easier (once in awhile a tough one will sneak in) and each day I know the next will get better. Hang in there – honestly the days get better.
Carol Thompson
What great parents you have Heather! We are proud of u too!
Anne Marie
Heather – you have such courage to glorify Our Lord in your work and life…and not blur the two. What an inspiration you are to others who believe.
Peace.
hana
Praying for you heather, here from the City of Angels. I’m looking at myself also and there seems to be some changes to be done…
Angela Tippets
AMEN SISTAH!! That’s what this life is all about.
Mrs. Wilson
AMEN! Definitely AMEN!
Stefani
Oh man. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but I think I love you even more today than I did before :-)