Guest Post: "What Makes Life Worthwhile and Meaningful"

   
Photo Credit: Penelope Vasquez

     After reading this guest post, by Marnie Piuze, you'll most likely be as obsessed with her as I am.

And you should be a bit jealous. I see her and hug her almost every week.

Thank you, Mama Marnie, for sharing your rich, rich wisdom with my readers and I.

For more information on Marnie, you can visit her at: www.marniepiuze.com

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1. Relationship

     Jesus said LIFE means to know, perceive, recognize, become acquainted with and understand the only real, true God and His Son (John 17:3) Be hungry for this. Be thankful (perceive His love gifts to you). The Goal is to fully trust Him and stay closely connected to Him. This is key to abundant (worthwhile) Life.

     HOW?

     Intentional priority of time, energy, focus must be 'get to know Him'! From that relationship flows capacity to be in healthy, mutually beneficial relationships with others which can be pursued with same intentionality of getting to know someone and developing true friendship, both giving to them and receiving from them (taking risk of hurt or rejection as part of the price of truly knowing the other--worth it!)

2. Making a Difference (Meaningful Pursuits= Satisfaction)

     This does not come from doing something big or impressive (or what our culture defines as worthwhile). It comes from doing today's job with a positive attitude.We truly make a difference when we respect people and are willing to serve them in love, because we know God.

     The way we do something matters more than what we do...to God, others and to us. We will never experience satisfaction until we recognize that it is the small things that really make a difference. Doing these well = stepping stones to what we see as worthwhile (but in the doing our perspective changes and we see the value in the seemingly little now).

     I think of someone like Mother Theresa whose impact was huge but came from thousands of tiny, seemingly insignificant acts of service...done in love and compassion. We can have the same heart for people and therefore make the same difference to some--Whether anyone else recognizes it or not, it will still be meaningful.

3. Fascination (Being a Life-Long Learner)

     Enjoying life by growing in understanding and/or skill in some area(s) of interest. This brings ongoing daily pleasure which includes an expectation of increase, expansion that is part of hope for our future.

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(Below, an addendum that Marnie wrote to her daughter regarding this subject...)

     It seems to me that this is why Uncle Dave was always smiling and laughing-he was interested in so many things, he enjoyed discovering the 'gold' in people, he did everything with zest -- because life in this world was fascinating to him!

     All these things have to be cultivated. We move into these with purposefully chosen attitudes and actions. And we can ask daily for Holy Spirit help to truly love, serve and enjoy --this is the kind of living God wants for us! And will be meaningful in every sense.

To see one of my favorite Marnie Puize paintings, "Town Dock" click here.

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A Table Set Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies

Photo Credit: Kristen Hilyard

     Thank you haters. Thank you frenemies.

     I know what you're thinking. How in the world does Patrice have enemies? Yes, that's what I once thought, and then I kept on living...

     Jealousy, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and many other petty reasons have caused haters and enemies to be in close proximity to you and I. Whether they are the type of enemy that stays semi-close by to simply keep up with what's going on in your world, or the enemy that is close enough to give you death stares of intimidation, spewing from their own fears and insecurity. It doesn't matter. Why?

     Because you and I will flourish and thrive... EVEN in the presence of our enemies.

     Their presence cannot steal what has been placed before you. Set specifically for you.

     And then I look at how the personal lives of my enemeies are flourishing. And 8 times out of 10 they're not-- and they are simply projecting their discouragement onto others.

     The toil and glory in dealing with an enemy has been a lesson I've been gleaning from over the last few years.

     Nevertheless, Good, Good, Good things are being prepared for you and I. A glory that we have not yet seen, and the audience will not just be our fans, but most likely, our enemies as well.

     The good promises in your life will still prevail, in the most impossible of ways.

     You'll smile when it's all said and done. You'll smile when you see different parts of the table being set for you. Especially because it was being set for you. You didn't have to do all of it on your own. God's face is shining on your life. And there goes your enemies huffing and puffing in disapproval. Oh well, they'll simply have to huff and puff.

     I'm a firm believer in Forgiveness. And of letting things go. Constantly. And I freely extend forgiveness to those that harbor resentment and unforgiveness towards me. I've purposed in my heart to not allow bitterness to stay for more than 3 seconds. Because that's all it takes. In mere moments bitterness creeps over your heart like a blanket, and then wraps itself around you like a deceptive smothering cocoon. Leaving you utterly restricted. Unable to smile at people...Unable to smile at all...unable to truly feel and cuts you off from the vivid human experience.

     Bitterness never kills its perceived distant target, but instead, self mutilates the carrier of such a drug.

     So in contrast to that bitterness and resentment that so easily perfumes itself around my clever enemies, my favorite thing to do in the presence of my enemies is to be a well-spring of joy, love, and forgiveness.

     A table is being set.

    These haters and enemies force us into a much more mature level of love and wisdom, one that we had not known previously. An impossible victory that is so much sweeter.

     No matter what enemy you are facing now--People or Places. Or the proximity of your enemy to your dreams, calling, identity--There is still a sacred place of blessing waiting just for you, even in the waiting-- that will absolutely perplex your enemies.

     One of the best things you can do in front of you enemy is to smile authentically with love beaming in your eyes directly into theirs, when you see each other.

     Because the table has been set.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows" - Psalm 23:5