So what lessons from Life (and God, if you so believe) have you learned lately (or suddenly remembered?) Why don't you let us learn from it too? You can be the teacher. We'll be the eager students.

(This topic of discussion is connected to an entry I wrote at my website: ALIVE AT FORTY-FIVE! GETTING MY KICKS AT FORTY-SIX! The entry is entitled: "Zoomer and the Art of Creekview Maintenance", and is dated Tuesday, June 13, 2000.)

-- Zoomer (fortyfiver@yahoo.com), June 15, 2000

Answers

A lesson I've learned in the last couple of years, is don't try and manipulate or control life. Just take each moment as it comes, and react only to that. Not to what's happened before, or what may or may not happen in the future. Just live in the present moment and have faith that it'll all work out for the best. That's the hard part. Having faith that God's plan will not let me fall through the cracks, and that what ever happens will be the best thing for me in the long run. My problem is that I am extremely organized, and I like everything super neat and tidy. So I tend to try and control events and the people around me, so that my life will have order. Of course it never works out that way, especially when dealing with people. I often end up shooting myself in the foot, when I go about manipulating and trying to be clever to get the results I think I should have. But when I leave off controling things the Universe seems to unfold in a better, more healthy, and satisfying way. In other words, I don't always know whats best for me, and I should just leave it in the hands of God, who does know whats best for me.

The death of my husband, is what began this new way of life. I was so numb and devastated that I couldn't control or manipulate anything. I didn't have the energy, and I couldn't think straight for a long time. So things just sort of happened and I had to just let it. It worked out fine, in fact there were daily events and occurences that I began calling "little miracles". It was amazing, and taught me a valuable lesson. Still, I sometimes forget. In fact a few months ago I tried to be controling and clever and of course the results were terrible, and I had my feelings hurt. Later I thought to myself, how stupid, you know better. The event turned into an affirmation. It affirmed the fact that I must not try to control people to get the results I want. Or think I want. Still on a daily basis I try to control things and I have to constantly be aware and watchful. Attentive, is how I try to live. Attentive to the now, and to the me. Let God take care of the Universe and it's billions of people. With God's help I'll just take care of myself which is pretty much a full time job.

Friends like Lotty and you Zoomer help me with this lesson. You are free spirits who wouldn't let me control your lives no matter how cleverly I tried, and I don't want to anyway. The life we have together is so amazing and original and exceptional, that I couldn't do anything to improve on it anyway. Another good lesson I've learned. Let relationships evolve naturally, instead of trying to make a relationship happen. If the friendship evolves naturally then what ever happens will be an extention of the love we have for each other and will be the best thing for everyone involved. It won't be scary or unnerving, or strange. It will be natural, joyful and sweet. No matter what happens in the future, what we have right now is a gem of great price. The past is what we learn from and then let go of and move on. With that knowlege and the strength gained from of our friendship we're better equiped to meet the future. You two will always be in my future. Whether its in the flesh, or in the form of a loving memory, you will always be there.

I'm glad you asked the question, Zoomer, and that I had the opportunity to answer. It always helps me to see what I value in print. It makes better sense somehow then when it's just rattling around in my head. I guess that's why I believe so strongly in journaling.

Love ya em

-- Marilynn Karbonski (karbonskim@yesd.k12.or.us), July 01, 2000.

All of us make mistakes, so forgive your neighbor and yourself.

If it seems like God has been silent, remember to settle your mind and body and then listen.

The troubles you face are a chance to practice your faith and grow.

If you can get up in the morning and take care of yourself, you are fortunate.

-- Chris Hawkins (peace@clover.net), July 30, 2000.

As a true believer, I know that God engineers our circumstances for our good and His glory. Life is not easy, but it is blessed when we desire to attain to a life of service and a cheerful outlook. Recently, I had major surgery and experienced a great deal of love amidst the suffering.

It's good chatting with you.

-- DORIS SHREWSBURY (Doris@ACCESS-USA.NET), September 18, 2000.