Today, I could say that work stinks. (Literally. Our building had some septic issues, and the most direct route for pumping it out was through our office. Thankfully, it didn’t get too bad indoors, and it’s over with.)
Normally, that is not my attitude. Today, that wasn’t even my attitude about my job, just the office. I am grateful for a job that generally agrees with me. Sure there are a few tasks that I would rather someone else be in charge of, but I am able to find satisfaction – and yes, even happiness – in the work that I do.
A great deal of what I have been doing lately ties in to my purpose of discovering beauty. In proofreading, I get to chip away the “ugly” parts and let the beauty shine through the words. Now, to just find a little time to dig through the papers that are accumulating on my desk to bring the beauty back there (sigh!).
Do you have a job that you love? Or at least like? If not, what is stopping you from pursuing it?
Just in case, I think I’ll bring some air freshener in to work with me in the morning.
It’s been so hard to put my thoughts into words. To begin the month, I was sick for a week, so my brain was a little fuzzy. For work, I have been doing so much proofreading lately, getting out of the author’s head and thoughts and getting into my own has been a challenge.
I’ve been learning a great deal about the writing process. Even for a skilled and knowledgeable writer, the time involved is huge. First, there is deciding the book’s audience and what you want to convey to them. Outlining, first draft, proofing & editing, rewrites, more proofing, sending out copies for feedback, and on and on.
There’s lots to think about and plan before I write my own book!
With various challenges that have been going on in my life, I felt like I was close to hitting bottom. I’ve been hanging on and doing okay, as long as nothing else broke or went wrong. Well, something else did go wrong today. Nothing tragic or life-threatening; just something disturbing, stressful, and difficult to deal with.
On my way home from work, after “staying strong” and processing the situation, I was listening to the local Christian radio station. A song came on that is one of my favorites: “Praise You in this Storm” by Casting Crowns. I was able to cry my way through singing the lyrics (not one of my better “performances”), and felt more peaceful at the end of the song.
I know God is there to help me through any and all of my challenges. This song reminded me of that fact. (I do have a question. In Florida, where does a person “look to the hills” for help? It’s hard when you’re from a city named Mountain View. But I digress.)
THANK YOU God for guiding me through the storms that blow my way.
Those who know me know me as a quiet person. Those who know me well know better.
For most of my years on this earth, I have been like a human sponge – always soaking things in without letting a lot out. Being the youngest in my family, by several years, I was usually just listening to the adults around me talk. That was my place in childhood, and it felt comfortable to stay there.
I am the one who hears and remembers details like birthdays, favorite foods, hobbies, etc. When I mention something to the person I am speaking with, he or she is rather surprised that I know anything about it.
The idea of the human sponge came up recently at work. Our small office has recently added two new employees. Since I have been around almost 6 years (although it doesn’t seem like it) I can share a fair amount about past projects and ideas. The new ladies now know to give me a little squeeze, and the information will flow.
I love learning. While I don’t have a photographic memory, it’s pretty sharp. My husband calls me his brains. He will only play Trivial Pursuit if it’s team play and we are on the same team. I think you would want me on your team too.
If you like learning, here are a couple of websites to check out:
At dictionary.com, you can learn the word of the day either by reading it at the site, or signing up for an email.
If you want to be more knowledgeable about books, check out DailyLit.com. There you can sign up to have book portions emailed to you. There are even several you can get for free.
Why have I titled my blog Discovering Beauty? Am I sharing beauty tips? (No, but if you ask, I have a few.) Am I on a journey “looking for beauty in everything I see”? In a way, yes.
Discovering Beauty is my personal purpose statement – the shortened version of it. The whole statement is “To the glory of God, I exist to serve by Discovering Beauty.” This purpose statement format comes from Kevin W. McCarthy’s book The On-Purpose Person and related writings. More information can be found at the website www.on-purpose.com.
Discovering Beauty to me has a few definitions. I needed to discover the beauty in myself. My perfectionistic tendencies and unforgiveness of myself were getting in the way of my relationships with God and other people. Now that I have found that healing, I enjoy helping others find it too.
Nature and the universe around us have so much beauty to observe. Sunsets, roses, and stars are some of my favorite visuals. Music, birds singing, and children laughing are sweet sounds to the ear. A soft breeze and a hand to hold are wonderful touches. Flowers and fruit are pleasant fragrances. And chocolate is a great tastebud tickler!
One of my favorite tasks at work is to proofread. So, I may be a little nuts. But I’m good at it! I discover beauty in the words by cleaning up the “dirt” that prevents the accurate message from shining through. I love to see articles, brochures, etc. go out without any typos. Errors like misspellings and transposed letters jump out at me. Yes, I have a dictionary handy. And you’re right, I haven’t been cured of all perfectionism. Now I’m a little paranoid of publishing this post, but I will get over it.
I first read about this idea in When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden. “Someone has noted that perhaps men think compartmentally, like bureaus with many drawers. They pull out one at a time, giving the open drawer their full concentration. A woman, on the other hand, is more like a ball of yarn. In her world, everything connects.”
A recent presenter at a conference mentioned the following video. I think it explains the concept quite well.
“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.”
–Vesta M. Kelly
A friend has this quote in her email signature. She lives where she sees snowflakes. I never have lived where it snowed, but I enjoy seeing the beauty of it on the mountains.
This quote reminds me that as individuals, we can’t do it all. However, when we work together, it is amazing what can be done. Especially when God is part of it. Here’s a great example!
Okay, it’s time for me to jump on this blogging bandwagon.
I have been a sponge for most of my life, listening and learning many fascinating and lots of trivial facts and ideas. I hope to be able to share the good stuff with interested people.
Please be patient as I’m getting this site up and running.
I’ll start with this quote: “Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!” – Anne Frank
