In this blog post, Gifford Volunteer Chaplain Kathy Rohloff shares her thoughts on clearing our minds and finding time for quiet reflection. Kathy and all of our volunteer chaplains offer a nonsectarian presence. If you need someone to listen, and hear you with compassion, you can reach them by calling the Rev. Tim Eberhardt at 802-728-2107.
By Kathy Rohloff
We have had a lot of rainy days this summer and those are perfect days to reorganize cabinets, closets, and drawers.
We all have things that need to be divided into piles to either save, donate, or send to the trash.
Those extra lids left in the food storage drawer need to be thrown away, as do outdated spices and broken tongs. Pots and pans need to be reunited with their lids.
Travel bottles gleaned from hotel stays make great gifts for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Ill-fitting clothes should be wrestled out the door to the thrift store, since we will never be that size and shape again.
These are all practical items, visible on a regular basis, that we are confronted with as we cram drawers and closets shut.
But our minds also get crammed full and overflowing and need to be decluttered, too. This should happen every day.
Examining our thoughts takes place in silence, in a quiet place, with intention. We choose to set aside the time to be still.
No cell phones, games, or devices should be on. We need a notebook and pen, to record and examine all those pesky thoughts and memories that race around our mind.
For example, we find that a random remark made to a child triggered hurt feelings and we can’t seem to let the episode go.
Why? What was the remark? Where did we hear it in the past? Who said it? Were we children? If this is causing pain, it is time to release that memory. Just because it was said does not mean that it is true. To let go is to choose freedom. Today is a new day.
In the quiet we reflect on those we love. We cherish memories and come up with ways to express back the love that we have received. All of these memories are treasures to keep. How can we make new memories? Take the time to find ways to reconnect and then make it happen so that relationships grow and thrive.
Buried deeply is the pain of broken relationships that we have tried to repair. In each attempt to reach out, our efforts have been rebuffed. Mourn it fully in that moment, then set it aside and move on. We have done our part; we cannot let it stop us from caring for others. Walk in forgiveness and wish them well. That is the best that we can do.
We have things to be grateful for in our lives. Name them, appreciate them, do not take them for granted. Each day, determine to look for the good things that we experience and develop a daily attitude of gratitude.
There are so many needs, insecurities, fears and losses in the world. It can be overwhelming and is often out of our control. Lay aside the worry and trust in a power bigger than ourselves. Our part is to offer support and care, friendship and a listening ear. This is where we are needed, and it brings comfort to others.
If we take the time to sit in the silence, we will find healing and refreshment for our souls. We also will find the strength to walk the path that is set before us each day.
Each day has its own trials and tests, so to face each day we need to begin from a quiet place. We choose to save, donate or send to the trash our material goods; we can do the same with ideas and thoughts that are controlling our outlook every day. There is no need to wait for rain.
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