Sunday, September 23, 2012

Being in Love


It’s that time of year when shadows lengthen as the day quickly fades away while producing chilly nights.  Soon we will be waking to frost covered grass with a nip in the air while gusty winds hasten to strip the trees of their varied colored leaves.  The evenings lengthen providing opportunity for reflection on yesteryears with the many twists and turns of past journeys of the Wayfarer.  Fond memories of year’s eve are recalled with its unique seasonings which enhance the rich flavors of one’s existence.

The most endearing time of autumn is when you fall in love.  To say that springtime is the time for romance may be true, but what better time than fall to relish the hours spent with the delight of your life.  Taking a walk through rustling leaves on paths or cuddling before the fire on a chilly night; reminiscing on the times shared or dreaming together the anticipated joys of tomorrow.  What more can warm the heart than these moments in life?  Is this love? 

Each relationship is unique, though there are many similarities in feelings and reason, fluctuating in intensity from individual to individual.   The onset of such desires strike when hormones come into existence among adolescents.  “What’s this feeling come over me when I look at her?”  Thus commences the journey into bliss that blinds us to everything about us.  The pulse races, stomach churns while the body breaks into a sweat and light-headedness has taken over.  All reason goes out the window leaving one senseless.  “She is definitely the one for me to spend the rest of my life with.  No one else on earth can ever possibly thrill me as much as she does.”

The reverie lingers only briefly as we sort through the confusion that has fleeced us of understanding and reason.  In due course our footing stabilizes as we press forward with some normalcy of life.  At this juncture new focus sets in as we ponder the question of love, being cognizant of the desire to have Mr. or Miss “right” to cherish our life together.  Thoughts of marriage occupy our waking moments for, “I know she will make me happy because she’s an angel – pure heaven on earth.”  (Can’t help but interject in jest from the song that she’s just a devil in disguise.)

Thoughts of being happy together dominate the cerebral cortex like nothing before.  For many nothing else matters except to live happily ever after, with little to no understanding what that means.  All the delusions that plague the mind in moments of elation too often lead us down the wrong path that brings anything but pleasure.  The safeguards that have been set in place are veiled behind the wall constructed by “pure imagination.”  As the saying goes hind sight is 20/20 vision but totally lacking in the present.  With maturity comes understanding that love is more than an emotional rush or moments of thrills and chills.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance to break through the walls of “pure imagination”, putting aside the emotional rush, and wade through the hazy fog to find reason and understanding.  Somewhere in there reality exists for our discovery, which must be applied to the present state of our being.  The reality that no one can make another person happy; the reality the thrills and chills are but fleeting moments in time; the reality that love comes by reasoned choices; the reality we may not be the perfect choice for the other; the reality that we don’t know the other person as much as we think.  There are many other realities which come to light over the path of time causing us to pause in determining the correct choices that must be made.

How many relationships are entered into when hormones kick in, leaving their impact on the psyche and emotions?  The feelings of bliss clouding sound reason is never adequate for developing loving relationships, for love must be based on more than this.  Unfortunately there are no guarantees right choices will be made even after careful consideration and thought has been given to the process.  This makes love difficult as neither emotional rushes nor reasoned judgments will necessarily result in the desired outcome.  It does no good to look back and say, “If only I had done this or that it would have turned out all right.”  Of course we can learn from reflections on the past but we can only move forward as we apply what has been learned.

There must be balance between emotions and sound reasoning in order to develop a bond of love in any relationship.  Love without bliss and ecstasy would be boring and love without reason and sound judgment would be chaotic at best.  Be not hasty in acting on matters of the heart but add a mix of understanding and reason before making the leap.

Here’s hoping the remainder of this autumn finds you enjoying the pleasures of love, seasoned with understanding and reason.  Take time to reflect on autumns of yesteryear while enjoying the camaraderie of your true love.  Shalom.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Dreams


Today’s musings are about dreams and a story comes to mind of a young fellow that was having recurring, alternating dreams.  One night he would dream he was a tepee and the following night a wigwam.  This had been going on for quite some time and he was becoming quite disturbed, not knowing what to make of it.  Finally he went to see a psychiatrist and explained the situation, hoping that he could reveal the meaning behind them.  The doctor told him the reason for these dreams was very simple – he was merely too tense.  (Okay, don’t make me spell it out.)

What about dreams?  Why do we have them and what, if anything is their significance?  (Keep in mind that these are musing and thoughts of the Wayfarer, not scientific research.)  Dreams are caused by many factors, no doubt.  Perhaps they are revelations of what’s been in the sub-conscious mind, or was it something you ate before bedtime?  Are they brought about by some trauma you have experienced or some hoped for expectation?  Many people believe dreams have meaning, and I’m not going to argue that as I believe there are many instances when they do have meaning in our conscience life, but how do we interpret them?

This brings to mind the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh in the bible.  Those dreams had huge significance and were accurately interpreted by Daniel and Joseph, respectively.  Do these types of dreams happen today?  Many believe so, and I’m not one to debate that.  I tend to agree with that premise, though have no firsthand knowledge of dreams becoming reality.  I have read recently of individuals having had prophetic dreams that concern future events.  Are they to be taken seriously?  I can neither deny nor attest to their accuracy other than to wait and see if they play out.  I’m neither a scoffer nor an adherent to such dreams as I know prophetic dreams have occurred previously and because of that I believe they still can and do happen.

Last night I had a weird dream that seemed real but realize it wasn’t, but what am I to make of it, if anything?  No need to go into details of the dream except to say it was weird in the sense of not likely to occur in reality due to the circumstances surrounding said dream.  It had to do with the death of a young person in the public arena and my being there when it happened, which makes it improbable that I would be involved in such an event were it to come about.  The question I put before you is when such dreams crop up are we to ponder them as possible warnings or to simply ignore them as a fluke?  Is there some other meaning behind them – hmm, what did I eat last night?

It’s interesting how dreams can impact our emotions when we awaken from them.  They tend to stimulate the thought processes as well, giving us pleasure or freaking us out.  We often can’t wait to share our dreams with others and then there are dreams we would never dare utter to a living soul.  Some dreams are too embarrassing to think about and others just totally weird, as in completely absurd.  And as the story I told in the onset of these musings there are the recurring dreams many people experience.

We can’t leave these musings without bringing up nightmares.  Often nightmares are the result of trauma experienced by the person having them.  They tend to leave a devastating blow to the psyche, creating fear and apprehension.  Everyone hopes to avoid Nightmares but unfortunately most, if not all, do experience them on occasion and to varying degrees, it’s just part of life.  If nothing more they get the heart pumping and adrenaline flowing and stimulation is not a bad thing.  Hopefully, we walk away from them without harm.

There is also day dreaming and dreams of the future to follow.  Those dreams are not part of this musing and will be left for another time.

If some dreams are indicators of reality and some are warnings, or have significant meaning, then why not all dreams?  Where does one draw the line in giving credence to dreams?  Are we to take them seriously or merely to be shrugged off as having nighttime visions, with sugar plums dancing through our head?  Don’t expect the answers from this Wayfarer as they will not be forthcoming.  Do your own research if you are curious enough to find out.

This concludes another chapter in Inner Musings and Thoughts of this Wayfarer.  Here’s to sweet dreams to all. 

Shalom

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Repentance


The inner musing and thoughts of this Wayfarer are rather heavy today, reflecting on all the gloom and doom happening around the world.  More disconcerting is what we see going on within our nation as we observe our freedoms being stripped in the name of diversity, political correctness and equality.  We have become a Godless society over the past few decades and this Godlessness marches forward at an ever increasing pace.  There is a greater divide in this country between ideologies than ever before in the history of this once great nation.  The infighting grows stronger by the moment and we are experiencing a civil war of words and ideas, escalating at a rapid rate, with the indications of rioting in the near future.

We have liberals versus conservatives, Republicans versus Democrats and the moderates and independents tossed in the mix.  Mud-slinging among the politicians, propaganda from the differing ideologies dispensed to the populace and overall chaos being created from all directions.  So much unrest and dissention comes from all corners bringing much confusion to the general population.  Everybody espousing they are right in what they think and believe, yet no unification to be found anywhere that can bring us all together in harmony.  Is there no solution to such an enormous problem?  Is it possible to bring unity in the midst of such bedlam?

First of all we need to ask, “How or why did all this happen?  Where did the breakdown of our UNITED States happen?”  Without resorting to history lessons at this point the simple answer is the national tendency to neglect the ways of God, as had been established by our Founders.  We have turned from the common practice that we were a nation under God, with our attention given to acting upon the principles of the His Holy Word.  Through the course of time we have chosen to gradually turn away from His instructions on how to follow in the ways of truth and righteousness, rather choosing to go our way because we believed we know better.  This has proven to be our folly, and so now we reap what we have sown.  There is so much evidence to support what has just been stated but time and space constraints do not permit further elaboration on this matter at this time.

This missive is not addressing unbelievers of the Almighty Father but rather to those claiming to be His People.  We are not guiltless in the downfall described above and need to accept the simple reality that we have turned our backs on Him as well.  We have failed to stand for righteousness and instead chosen to accept the morass of society.  We failed because we have not called upon God to guide us; we have failed because we have chosen to disobey His instructions to us; we have failed because we seek our own pleasures above His ways, where there can be found joy beyond measure.  We cry out, “God help us in this time of crisis,” but why would He if we are unwilling to stand for Him?  He did warn us what would happen if we pursue life in the manner that we have.

Now we find ourselves in the center of this quagmire while in a state of bewilderment.  Is it no wonder that we do?  We can only look at Israel in the times of old as an example of what happens to a nation who turns their back on a loving and caring God.  Destruction came upon Israel when they disobeyed, why should it be any different today when our nation has been disobedient?  It’s the same God, for He changes not.  He has been very clear about the consequences of disobedience, but we have chosen to ignore it.  Are we any better than Israel that we should not deserve such treatment?  Have we not provoked God into allowing such devastation to occur within the walls of this nation?  Dare we cry out for deliverance when we have brought this upon ourselves?  Let’s take a quick look from God’s Word that sheds light on where we find ourselves today.

“’’Why has the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?’  And it shall be answered, ‘Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, Which brought them forth…and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them:  therefore hath He brought all this evil upon them.’”  (II Chronicles 7i:21, 22).  That seems rather clear as to why we as a nation are where we are today.

However, we are not without hope.  We can look at two more verses that bring the solution if we will only heed its message for us.  II Chronicles 7:13, 14:  “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My People; If My People, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  How much more simple can it be?

We, as God’s People, must repent first and foremost.  Nothing less, or other, can effect a change for this nation without true repentance occurring first.  In answer to the question of “what can I do?” it’s very clear – REPENT!  We first must repent individually and secondly, corporately.  Have you yet repented?  Here’s seeing us on our knees.

Shalom

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Accountability


Through the course of a day many thoughts penetrate the mind, with some lasting but mere moments while others linger on for extended periods of time.  Is it ever possible for one to have a completely idle mind with no thoughts or activities to occupy it?  I’ve never heard of such a thing and of course I’m referring to individuals who are awake and aware of their surroundings.  Okay, was that an oxymoron?  I mean, if you’re aware of your surroundings does that not occupy your mind?  Getting back to the topic at hand about thoughts penetrating your mind, this may go on during physical activities that don’t require mental concentration, as well as during times of physical idleness.  What is it that causes us to have thoughts?

Of course there are many triggers that will bring thoughts to the fore front of our psyche.  We witness specific activities that may conjure up memories we enjoy pondering.  Perhaps we had a dream the night before and we try to figure out its meaning, or was it just the pepperoni pizza I ate before bedtime?  We heard something new, impelling us to weigh the pros and cons to determine its merit.  Well, I don’t mean to insult your intelligence by stating the obvious, for surely you are aware of the thought processes – at least from a practical standpoint.  To get into the physiological science involved would be out of my league for discussion, and that, of course, is not the intent of my musings and quite frankly really of no interest to me at this time.

Is this really worth bringing up to try and wax eloquently about?  Well, during the course of the evening, actually night, many thoughts were making their way through the labyrinth of my mind in hopes it would land on something noteworthy.  One thought that sat for a spell was concerning accountability.  What does it mean to be accountable and what purpose does it serve?  Some synonyms for accountability are:  responsibility, answerability, liability.  This would mean we are to be accountable for our own behaviors and choices, and all too often people want to play the “blame game” rather than take responsibility for their own actions.  Does this infer they are to be accountable to someone other than themselves?  This may be another can of worms that just opened.

The laws which govern us make us accountable to them and when ignored consequences are enacted to remedy the infraction against society.  But what about being accountable to one another?  What is the requirement for that, if any, or is it a matter of voluntary agreement?  Under what circumstances might we choose for such an agreement?  Under what situations, if any, would it be advisable not to make yourself accountable to another?  What may be the pros and cons to being accountable to others?  We do have the ultimate accountability and that is to God.  Which brings up one other question:  if we are accountable to God, then are we to be accountable to others, as well?

There can be many considerations about this, but one that comes to mind is when being accountable to another person then we are relying on the capability of the other person to be in that position.  In other words, are they reliable to provide proper input and guidance to assist us on the right path?  Knowing that I’m accountable to God requires that I know how to conduct my life in accordance to His instructions and to walk in obedience to that.  If I have strong inclinations that I’m sensing He’s leading me in a certain direction, not contrary to His Word (instructions) then I must adhere to that and not be swayed by others who would have contrary input.  With that in mind, when is it wise or safe to place ourselves under someone to provide wise counsel?   We must be accountable in all our decisions and actions, be they right or wrong.  Here’s hoping each of us will account to something good.

Shalom.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Suffering


When your heart is heavy to the breaking point for loved ones and there is no relief in sight; when solutions are not forthcoming; when despair begins to set in as hope fades; when the well of plenty has gone dry; when the creditors are knocking at the door, what then?  Darkness has set in and all you want is a little ray of light to beam down to enable you to see even the slightest glimpse of the way through the pit you’ve found yourself in.  You struggle just to make it through the next minute, let alone the rest of the day.  But somehow the day has ended and you lay on your bed desperate for sleep that will provide a few hours of respite from the agonizing you have been going through.

Your only recourse is to reach out to God in the hopes He will come to your rescue.  But how often have you done that and the struggles continue, with little to no indication of liberation from the suffering?  Still you hang on to His promise that He will keep you and give you strength.  The only thought that comes to the forefront of your mind is the story of Job and what he said, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him.”  But why is it taking so long?  How much longer can I continue to trust Him when I’m still in the depths of anguish?  I’m about to give up!

How does one give encouragement to those agonizing through such circumstances?  What can you do when you’re separated by distances that keep you apart?  You have so much compassion for the one in pain but your hands are tied and there’s nothing you can do except to impart some words that will hopefully encourage them with enough resolve to hang tough just a little longer.  Prayer is the only alternative in such situations, but quite often it seems not enough.  What are we to do when we see the one going through such despair has given up?

That is when we must step in for them and trust God on their behalf.  We must not waver in our faith in God, even though we suffer with them.  In spite of the hopelessness that looms in all directions we look, we must have the resolve that God will surely come through.  We cannot look to the right or to the left, up ahead or behind, we must only look to God for the solution and trust Him to deliver it.

Sometimes the answers that come seem at first not to be the solution.   This deepens our confusion and brings frustration.  It is in these times we are to trust God all the more and be patient before Him for the understanding will be revealed in due season.  It’s important to never give up even in the bleakest of hours, for there will come a breakthrough, even if it is not what was expected.

For those suffering continue to put your trust in the Lord first and foremost.  Ask for understanding, wisdom and peace through your distress.  Perhaps repentance is needed or simply a deepening of your faith.  Reach out to others who will come along side and give their support, whether it is in person or through prayer.  Just never give up.

For those who are giving support to the needy do it with a heart of compassion.  Give words of encouragement and comfort, not as a “mantra” but words filled with sincerity and kindness.  Be in prayer for them, unwavering in your faith.  It may just be your faith that brings them through to victory.  Be vigilant and steadfast.  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”  Eph. 6:18

Shalom


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Changes


Though summer officially ends in about 2-1/2 more weeks the common perception is Labor Day has marked summer’s conclusion.  That may hold true for students returning to school, considering their summer vacation has ended and the fall school semester begins.  Soon we will see the leaves change color as they find their way to the ground, to the consternation of those who must remove them, and the oncoming change of weather patterns.  And so begins another change of season.

How does this relate to a person’s change in life?  For the student it’s the change of classrooms and teachers; the change of wardrobes to match the new season; there are those who change the décor of their homes; and let us not forgot the change in time soon to come, throwing us out of sorts with the adjustments necessary to survive that woe.  And so it goes, always change.  Change is welcomed by many, but detested by others.  The moms who expel a huge sigh of relief now that the children are back in school – well briefly, anyway.  With the new school term beginning brings with it the multitude of activities their children find themselves involved with.  Poor mom now needs to shuttle her brood from place to place, while managing a day timer to keep track of all the events of each family member.

These changes cycle through year in and year out as we adjust accordingly.  We go into automatic mode for we have become accustomed to this annual occurrence.  But what about changes that do not recur as does the seasons of the year?  Can we so readily adjust to them?  We have become accustomed to the way we do many tasks that have become routine.  And then, wham, bam, out of the blue someone throws a “monkey wrench” into the works and simply spins our world out of control.  The latest technological development forces us to change the way we do things.  They promise it will improve our efficiency and make life so much easier for us.

“Promises, promises always promises of a better life, what do they know about doing it a better way?  It’s been just great the way it was, thank you very much.  This is horrible; these changes are too awkward and slow me down.  I’ll never get it!  *&!*&@$% changes!”   This is often the reaction of many people to changes, but there are always those who welcome the improvement and can see the merit to the changes.  And then there are those who simply like a new challenge just to prove they can adjust to a new way of doing things.

Normally, over a period of time – longer for some than others – the change finally sets in and we have adjusted to them.  We may even increase our productivity as a result of those changes, though to admit to such would be unthinkable.  There are also those who will refuse to make a minor change that would actually be better for them to make with little noticeable difference in how they do it, but they have a fear they won’t like it and are happy to keep things the way they are so they won’t even give it a try.  Of course there’s nothing wrong with them continuing to do what they are accustomed to.  They just simply do not want to face the change.

What were stated above are changes that force us to change methodologies, but what about changes that affect our life style, turning our world upside down?  The onset of a disease or chronic illness, loss of a job, loved ones that die, divorce, laws impacting our lives and the list goes on endlessly.  These are situations which are difficult to face, having a huge bearing on our lives which greatly overwhelm us.  All too often we don’t know what to do and may go into a panic.  In these situations there are no simple answers, but we have to face them square on with the resolve to find the right answers.  As is always the case some are more resilient to managing these crises than others and make the necessary adjustments.

As is always the case attitude plays such an enormous role in how we control the day-to-day functions and maintain our sanity.  It is always advisable to lean on others for help, especially those who have gone through the same crisis we are now facing, even when it’s hard for us to accept help from others.  God is always available to us to bring comfort and peace during such times of difficulty, but we need to learn to trust in Him.  To apply courage while in the storms of life is a great asset as well.

As is normally the case, my musings are not meant to provide all the answers to any situation, but to offer encouragement and provide food for thought.  Here’s to your success as you face the changes in your life, and may you learn to have the right attitude in every circumstance in which you find yourself.

Shalom.