Thursday, February 27, 2014

From the spirit world

I recently had a slightly errie spirit experience that succeeded in capturing my attention.

I had worked very hard crocheting a frilly scarf for a friend who is in a nursing home in Texas. When I began making it I had no idea who it was for, but as I wrapped it up I knew where it was going. This friend is very special and if I had been given a sister it would be her. She is funny, creative and loves to write.

After finishing my project I found an appropriate container and took it to the post office to mail to my friend. As I reached the door to exit a lady was on the other side preparing to enter the building. I took one look at the woman, who also looked directly at me, and I had difficulty breathing. She looked exactly like my deceased grandmother, who had died in 1984. The vision caused goose bumps that return when I think about the experience.

Why in the world would my grandmother be sending me a message I wondered. She and I always had a special relationship. When things like this happen there is always a reason.

I thought back to the few months before she died and vividly remembered that I had crocheted a shawl for her, which she proudly wore. It was yellow with white fringe.

As I know there are no coincindences, perhaps her spirit was simply acknowledging my generousity by appearing at the post office door.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Playing a good game

I have spent the last few days eagerly watching a youth basketball tournament that my grandson was participating in. His team, the Bulls, did a wonderful job and amazed everyone because they had not won a game all season. The team ended up playing 5 games. They lost their second last night, knocking them out of the tournament.

My grandson was changed to this new team this year because of a coach who rarely let him play last year. How are you going to get better if you sit on the sidelines? Some coaches seem to believe just because a player is small they can't play well. I have news for those miss informed souls- they can shoot just as many baskets as a taller player if given a chance.

Rants over back to the tournament!

I have been very impressed with his new coach. Even though his team never won a game he always told them, "it isn't whether you win or lose it's how you play the game that counts". Whatever the score was he encouraged them.

During the tournament I was also impressed with his compassion. Whenever a player was hurt he was right there to give his assistance. I noticed that his attitude of caring also showed up in his players when they had been the cause of someone accidentally being injured, whether it was one of their own or a member of the opposing team. The look of concern showed on their faces.

I know this coach has made a big difference in my grandson's athletic life and I hope he sticks around to do the same for many other young players for years to come. Youth sports need coaches just like him.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Dust bunnies the great teacher

How many of you have heard the quote, "there's either someone coming or going" when seeing dust bunnies under the bed? Of course, this is in reference to the biblical quote "to dust we shall return".

Dust bunnies can be a reminder of all those souls that have come and gone during our lifetime. How easy it is to dwell upon those that have left either by death or their own choosing. Very few souls are meant to stick around forever. Perhaps if we spent more time thinking about the lessons we have learned from past relationships we would live happier lives.

Today I am thinking more about the souls who are still a part of my life and apparently have not finished their reason for being there. We all learn and we all teach, it's just part of the game of life. Even when we leave this place called earth a small portion of our being stays here; alive in the memories of those we have touched.

I wouldn't mind being a dust bunny someday if it would help teach a lesson to someone left behind.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Teacher teacher

When I think about the word teacher it brings to my mind a variety of aspects. What started this train of thought was that a few of the younger children who participate in the after school program at Future Foundations Family Center sometimes get my attention by saying, "teacher teacher". It makes me laugh every time I hear this.

When I began my part time job last September I referred to myself as a supervisor. That was until I checked out the new web site for Futures and discovered that I am a "recreational aide". Who knew?

The word teacher is an interesting word. It once got me into a whole lot of trouble with certified teachers in our town because of something I wrote in the introduction of my first self-published offering, Spirit With a Positive Attitude. It was, "like any other, this town is made up of teachers, most of them do not have a degree, but have taught since birth".

I believe that every living person is a teacher from the moment they take their first breath and possibly even before.

My current job is certainly teaching me that teachers come in all sizes and ages. Just a few days ago I was taught a lesson I apparently still have not completely learned by a girl, probably 8 or 9 years old. She was causing a little bit of drama with another girl and I made a comment that upset her to the point that she ran crying from the room. I later apologized to her and yesterday I am grateful that we were given an opportunity to clear the air. My lesson, you might ask? Mind your own business and let people take care of their own problems.

When I think of teachers I have an outstanding memory that will always be embedded in my mind of a little boy who was terminally ill and knew he was dying. His only question was, "Have I done enough?"

Now as my life begins to wind down to the final chapters I ask myself that same question. Have I used every opportunity to share/teach what I have learned to help others grow?

Nobody needs a degree to be called- teacher teacher.