WHERE AM I?
The Penske truck sits in the front yard of our daughter Kristin's house, 2/3 unloaded in her basement. Remainder goes into a storage unit here.Theresa and I are snuggled into our 21 foot fifth wheel, with actual living space 8 feet by16. Close quarters indeed. We are scattered with "stuff" lin three places here and two storage units are filled inNampa. Consequently, "where is the ---?' is a frequent verbal and nonverbal exchange lately.
WHO Am i ?
Oh, I know all the right answers...child of God, one with Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, husband to Theresa, father of three, etc. etc. But, as bare bones are being exposed (identity based on 'stuff' is shot, can't find most of it anyway). no performance for ID; no Nampa+based friendships. I know God has calledT and I to a grandparenting ministry - but how do you do that?There are books written detailing activities with grandkids, But the transformation from a self-focused performance-oriented rascal to one with a heart for the kids = just to be with them, just to BE, that is the challenge.
Barn to build. House to build. Fences to CONSTRUCT. Just "Be", Ray. Just BE. It seems as though God is directing me tothe quiet place, where I can hear Him better.
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The author
The writer, a Life Coach, observes the tough times of life as challenges to gain great life lessons and personal growth through the loss of comfort, status, material, position, health, relationships, etc. "Consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come...You know that under pressure, your faith-life...shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." His and others' stories make up the blogsite.
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Ray Burwick
The author
About Me
- ray burwick
- Former college basketball coach; private practice counselor; author of "Self Esteem: You're Better than you Think" and "Good and Mad:Learning the Value of Anger and Becoming Free from the Clutches of Unhealthy Anger." Graduate of Northwest Nazarene University. Masters from Oregon State and doctorate from U. of Alabama. Five children. 16 grandchildren. Married to Theresa 12-23-2000. First wife of 36 years, Ann, died in 1999.
Tough Times can be Valuable
"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" Romans 5:3-5 The Message
Good And Mad
THANKS
A heartfelt thanks to Tim Milburn of NNU for his technical expertise in the development of this blog layout and for his special friendship.
1 comment:
I'm laughing as I tell you that "grandparenting ministry" is probably one of the worst terms I've ever read. It sounds like a windowless room at church where they serve those not-so-good cookies and warmish lemonade, and everyone's very nice and polite, but something about it all seems strange and disengaged.
Y'all are going to have a blast. Hanging out with your grandkids for a day job? Are you kidding me? These are people who do not know a time before the internet, cellphones, or the International Space Station. In their own lives, like Satchmo said, they'll learn so much more than you'll ever know. A most complete generation gap. Take advantage of it. Don't try to get them to be like you. They are from a different world than you are. Being like you wouldn't work. Seriously, y'all have a nice plan there. Excelsior!
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