My own blog title has become an instruction to me this week instead of a natural response. I should be naturally shining. I am getting out of a bad work environment, getting into somethng I love, we're caught up on the laundry and the dishes, the house is clean, the puppies are behaving, it is summertime, I feel like I am receiving more and more of God each day as I follow him ... but there is a hole.
Why? Because things stink for the people around me, and I can't help but empathize.
Everyone at my current office is unhappy after a string of one-on-one "I'm disappointed in you" speeches from management. Several people have come to me crying yesterday and today. I feel their pain because I have been there, and I know you can't change the situation. Even my going away happy hour ... people don't want to go because they don't want to be around our managers, they don't feel like celebrating.
AP has had a difficult two weeks at work, and God bless him he's been so great about leaving that out of our life at home, but I just hurt for him.
My mom's job of 20 years ends this week, and she has yet to find other employment ... it's hard to celebrate my new adventure with her, when I wish that she had one of her own.
Mandella's quote seems more appropriate now in it's complete form. God help me not to hide my light in this moment ... help me share it with others instead ... God help me shine ...
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -- Nelson Mandella
3 comments:
you rock, rachel! I am so proud to be your friend, as I am sure everyone at your work feels also. You have been the LIGHT in that workplace, and I think everyone has seen your "shine." Way to go girl. God has changed that place through you. Hopefully you leaving will give others courage and HOPE that they can find something better too.
yay.
Honey,
I had no idea you posted this but it's beautiful. Your spirit is all over your writing, and I love your thoughtfulness and empathy. THe reason I leave things at work is becuase I love coming home to you. I am forever thankful God had you in his plans for me. Enjoy these last few days and get excited about the new adventure ahead. I love you.
AP, this Mandella quote directly addresses your thoughts about being wildly successful last night. You can not afford to be a shrinking violet ... other people's liberation depends on your SHINE.
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