This week, we had the pleasure of having guest speakers Mary Beth and Michael Speer. I love how they have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our Unity in Naperville home. We are lucky to attract quality speakers when our beloved Kitty is away.
Mary Beth and Michael tag-teamed to remind me of a message I need to hear over and over again. Using the film, “Castaway,” they had us picture the Tom Hanks character sitting on a deserted island, after surviving the crash of the FedEx plane. His hurried, busy lifestyle also experienced a crash landing and he was faced with nothing but time. Then, parcels from the downed flight began washing ashore and he was, at first, flummoxed at what to do with them. As he quietly contemplated the items, however, he realized he could turn each and every one of them into something beneficial. A pair of ice skates became a necessary cutting tool and an outhouse door became a sail for his raft. Disappointments and apparent dead ends were really new opportunities to use his untapped ingenuity and help him realize his love of life.
Of course, I related to this message. I have recently been thrust into a situation I feel is somewhat out of my control and comfort level. My mother has moved into our home and needs someone available 24/7, which for now, means the four of us. I have been fighting with the “My life is different than what it was, and I liked what it was before” feeling. Of course, I imagine my mother is feeling the same exact thing, if not more.
This is why I need messages like this, to remind me that it is all me. Things will always wash up on my shore to throw me off balance, and it all comes down to how I think and feel about those things. Michael quoted Jesus, who said “It shall be done for you as you have believed.” It’s a challenge for the entire family, but it is also a chance to share time together that would otherwise not have been in the forefront.
So I get it; it is up to me to decide to choose peace about this situation, or to remain in a state of discord. I will strive for peace, not only in this situation, but in future unexpected “opportunities” that show up. Hopefully, I can take a deep breath and say, “This too shall Bless.”
Cindy Blank, Board Member
