The world is a large and varied place. The part I live and interact with is my personal kingdom. A big part of my kingdom I have "no" control over and yet another big part I "do" have control over. So the "BIG" question for me is to understand which is which. The reality of the world may wish to impose itself upon me, however I may choose to reject a lot of that in my own kingdom ... or not. Ultimately it is up to me. Hmmm ... how about you?
Ah, it's another wonderful day in the kingdom. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday. The dh and myself kept the grandchildren over night so she might enjoy some adult time to celebrate. Our entire family has had a financial crunch this past year and we have all been finding ways to work through that. It has been especially enjoyable for me to see the creativity that has been used for these special occasions during the year. The gifts have varied from home-made cards (some on computers & some painstakingly cut and pasted together) to personalized gift cards (a months worth of grass cutting/ overnight babysitting for an entire weekend/ haircuts and hair coloring/ car washing with detailing/ house cleaning/ etc.) to paintings, hand made pillows and sculptures from nuts & bolts & the like. I especially liked the home made picture frame with a family picture taken from my son's wedding last year. The old saying "It's not the gift but the thought behind it that counts." comes to mind. In my kingdom the memories I most cherish are not of what money has been spent but the time spent and with whom. I believe these gifts that have been given are of greater value than any store bought item.
I once heard of a missionary who was leaving after many years of service in a foreign land. Everyone in the little village was working hard to make a wonderful celebration to honor the missionary. One of the villagers walked many days to get to the seashore and pick out a special shell as a gift. Then they walked many days back again. On the day of the celebration the gift was given to the missionary who thanked the villager but said he shouldn't have taken the time and gone to so much trouble. The villagers response was "But you see, that is part of the gift."
Time is something everyone has and no one can buy. How we use it is up to us. May you spend your day wisely with love and joy for yourself and others. This message has been paid for (with personal time & energy) and approved by myself for use in my kingdom and any others who wish to. lol
I am exploring my kingdom of relationships with friends, the world around me and my inner self. Life is an adventure. It is not a dress rehearsal and I want to learn something new about myself and my surroundings. I invite you to do the same.
Stay safe, find the joy in your day and keep smiling sunshine.