Quick, now! No time to think! If you had five minutes to evacuate your home, what would you want to take with you?
Did you answer, "The people I love?" Me, too. In California we're in fire season most of the year, especially when we're in drought as we are now. We've seen the news reports. We know people just like us can be threatened by raging infernos that can leap across valleys and eight-lane freeways, or by floods that wash away neighborhoods. We all dread even thinking that we could be caught in a scenario like that.
But it's good if we do so once in awhile, just to help us stay balanced in how we view life. Think of the many individuals who have faced such disasters. We see them afterward, when they're interviewed. They all echo the same thought: "Our family is safe and that's all that matters. Somehow we'll get through this."
If that's true for adults, how much more for children. Whatever may be going on in your family, remember one thing: To a child, Mom and Dad are security. So even if your family income drops, don't tie yourself up in knots with fear and guilt. Don't imagine that you're cheating your children. Your kids look at you and feel safe. That matters more than the extras.
Maybe you're waking up in the night, worrying about this economic news or possible lay-offs where you work. It helps to turn your thoughts back to what really matters. You may be living in tough--or tougher--times right now, and you don't see the end yet. Tempers may fray, moods may drop, the family may get tired of eating beans. But if you know the people you love most are okay, give thanks. If everyone is well, give thanks and celebrate! You possess everything that matters most.
After all, if "things" brought happiness, everyone who's rich and famous would be ecstatic ... all the time. I haven't noticed that's true, have you?
So look into the faces of those you love, who love you back, and be at peace.
Remember, life itself is the gift!
Lenore
Your comments welcomed!
