Peace

Today I received a message from "The Universe". No, it wasn't from God Himself, but from one of my favorite websites http://www.tut.com/. Although this website is designed to send out inspirational messages on a daily basis (or to your preferred frequency), sometimes these messages do seem to speak right to my soul or know exactly what I need at that moment. Can you say, "Eerie?"

For example, the inspirational message of today was:

"All pain is self-inflicted, Andi. Ouch... Which, quite frankly, Andi, is fantastic news, since it means you needn't feel any at all once you stop choosing to hurt." The Universe

This website also always ends each message with the following statement: "Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!"

Although I don't see myself as a depressed individual, the stress I have somedays seems unbearable. Today was one of those days. Sadly, I was so upset about some things that I was actually glad that my family was not home when I got there because my day had been so tough that I just needed some time alone. My strong introverted nature was simply craving a non-stimulating environment where I could silently reflect and regain perspective.

I grilled a chicken breast, added it to my fresh salad, picked grapes off the stems, drank some skim milk, and read a book while sitting on my back deck in the woods listening to the birds and the frogs. They created quite a beautiful chorus! I honestly could not have thought of a better way to spend two hours after a day like this. Time alone like this, especially outdoors, really reminds me of the gifts God has given me.

It also gave me time to do my bi-weekly Bible study reading and workbook, which, ironically, had a reoccurring theme that was about not being judgmental of others, since we all have sin.

When I was reflecting on my day, I was thinking that God probably sits in heaven and just giggles to Himself while teaching lessons to the Angels about how they can learn more complex ways of doing their jobs. (Since I coordinate a lot of staff training, this is my mindset!)

I can just hear Him saying, "For our first example, look at Andi down there! She came home frustrated with how some people behaved today. I have tried multiple times to tell her to not be too judgmental of others. But, she did it again!!! So this time, I am going to try another approach since obviously that previous one didn't work.

"Angels, this is a great example of the various learning styles people may have, and how one person's style is different than others. Different teaching approaches may sometimes be necessary for harder cases like her.

"OK, Watch this..... Notice how I introduced multiple types of stimulus (as I pull out my Bible study for the day and see huge similarities between this week's topic and some of my current feelings, and the ah-ha moments start surfacing).

"Angels, pay attention. (He rapts a large glow stick on the cloud.) Don't miss this because it is the best part....Angels, are you still watching???? Yes, it worked!!! She remembered that email she received this morning from one of my earthly workers. Now see the realization in her? She finally got the message. Yes, awww, yes. (As he smiles widely.) OK, students, That was a good lesson for today about transformational learning and the benefits of reflection after an experience.

"Now tomorrow's lesson is going to illustrate Humility......"