Priorities And Promises!

I have come to the conclusion that I will not force myself to publish five times a week! I want every blog I write to actually SAY SOMETHING!!! So I may publish more often, but I will try to publish at least once a week.

This week I have been faced with several conflicting priorities! There's my faith growth and enrichment, family responsibilities, work, friends, and home business. Sometimes all seem to be rushing in together! I put most pressure on myself when I make a vow to The Lord, or a promise to another person. I am not a person to take a promise lightly, I will not promise unless I pretty sure I can actually fulfill that promise.

Sometimes, however, 'the world' comes rushing in to confront us with unforeseen circumstances! Some of the circumstances this week were wonderful, others, not so much, and very serious. Mental illness is a serious problem that the world on a whole does not understand, (and I am one of them), but is very real for the person suffering. Many people I work with suffer from mental illness, (Depression is a very real part of the suffering of many older people). Aside from Depression, in my job, I have also dealt with people who suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder and several kinds of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In most cases, the family is left to deal with the sufferer, and without proper supports, they can become very overwrought, and in time, burned out.

This week, one of my 'special friends' with Depression had a crisis. I hope and pray my visit with her was helpful, and she will seek the extra help she needs. This crisis also refers back to the article I did on "Hurtful Comments" and my exasperation on the general lack of manners, and compassion in this world today. It is my feeling that making a joke or a sarcastic remark at the expense of someone who is different, be it with mental illness, disorder or disease, is cruel. As I also mentioned in an earlier blog, my youngest son, Paul is Autistic. When he was younger, and harder to manage, I had to endure hurtful comments directed both at me (who was subjecting the general public to him) as well as to him: 'the freak'. There were also, stares and sometimes rude behaviours of people who were ignorant of the problem, and apparently, not willing to learn why he was different. Even if you don't want to get involved, a little bit of compassion and kindness go a long way!

Like I said before, there were blessings this week also! God has granted me inspiration and the time to do some extra crafts for Christmas, I have been going through what I have done in other years, and decided to do some small Christmas crocheted stockings as gift wrap, and knitted neck warmers. I was also able to do more work on my painting. I haven't got to the Canada Geese families in the painting yet, maybe this week!

I have also been talking to Maggie, and noticed her comments on the games and events of our childhood I forgot! We will be meeting with our old babysitter from 'way back when' for lunch this week! Another thing to schedule, but a most happy one! I haven't seen her for about (****) years! I have to not only remember my camera, but to TAKE PICTURES!!!!

Have a great day!

Phoebe