August, 2009

Instant Therapy

By Rev. Carol Rowe

We poke fun at the sitcoms of television’s early days, in which Father knew best in a half hour, or Ward and June Cleaver solved their sons’ problems in a few minutes between commercial messages.  Yet those programs are a reflection of who we have become, a society that wants what we want, right now.

Programming today maintains the theme.  On reality shows from Dr. Phil to the 700 Club, someone is trying to tell us that there is an instant fix for everything that ails us. 

Nanny 911 solves our parenting problems in an hour.  Homes are redecorated while those who live in them are out for a few hours.  Instant makeovers give us the look that makes us special and successful.  There is even a relationship program in which a couple’s communication problems are mended in one segment. 

Therapists find those shows both amusing and frustrating.  They make us smile because they make life-changing work seem so easy.  They frustrate us because they make life-changing work seem so easy!  And, yes, I know that I am repeating, but that is what change is all about. 

Repetition, practice, trying again…and again.  That’s what brings growth, change, maturity, education, success.  When we expect instant anything, whether it is weight loss or perfect relationships, we are disappointed when circumstances don’t work that way. 

 Please remember that you are more knowledgeable, more experienced, more competent than you were ten years ago, but it didn’t happen overnight.  Be good to yourself. Stop trying for instant success.  Spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and emotional maturity come with time and effort.  There are many people who will help you become the person you are destined to be.  Most of them can’t do it in an hour!

July, 2009 

The Legend of the Eagle

A Legend of the People called Eskimos, the native Americans of Alaska

From Northern Exposure

Marilyn’s Story to Joel’s Mother

“Before the eagle was an eagle, he was a talker.  He talked so much that all he heard was himself.  He didn’t hear the river, or the wind, or even the wolf.

“The raven said to him, ‘The wolf is hungry.  When you stop talking and learn to be quiet, you will be able to hear the wind.’

“So the eagle became silent.  He listened to the sounds around him.  He heard the river.  He listened to the wolf.  He experienced the wind, and he began to soar.

“He flew so high that there was no longer need for speech.  His soaring spoke for itself.  It said all that needed to be said.”

__________________________

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall mount up on wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary.  They shall walk and not faint."           Isaiah 40:31

They shall hear the river.  They shall hear the wind.  They shall experience the whisper of God.   They shall soar into God’s presence, lifted by God’s power.  They shall snuggle into God’s lap, welcomed by God’s love.

They will not need to be chattering all the time, to fill up their empty spaces.  They will learn to wait…and lean…and rest. 

Teach us, Lord, to listen.

Teach us, Lord, to hear.

Teach us to be still, and know that you are God with us, Emmanuel

By: Carol Crawford Rowe, M.Div.