Back in Rhythm

Though it is way to early, it is time for back to school, time to get in a comfortable family rhythm that allows some time for the adults to breathe and the kids to act like kids with other kids. Time for the football teams to wrap up training camp and get in a rhythm to begin to play for real. Time to have a fixed schedule of normalcy, and time to see more of our friends home from vacation and back in church.

For me, this week is one I can come off the road and spend in ATL and get back into a normal rhythm that my recent travels have interrupted. Love the travel, the business, but also love that sense of home and family. Getting to do the Monday and Wednesday meetings already have also helped my psyche and being around has definitely made my grandson Logan happy. Walking to the bus stop, hearing about his day, giving Briana a break, and getting attacked by the little ninja warrior when I least expect it, have all brightened my week. Next week, back on the road again, but feeling the love from family to use as added fuel.

What this makes me think of is our connection to God, to each other, to our immediate family, our church and our groups. All of these form a lifeline of love that we stay attached to and sustains us even when we are away traveling by choice, or by conflict. But when we let go of that line it drains our life and makes us feel isolated. And when we feel isolated, the chairman of that itty bitty committee that meets in our minds declares a state of emergency that makes us do really stupid things.

Without the spiritual and family life lines, we breathe air of insignificance and despair, we travel without a GPS to guide us and we often try to plug the gaps with the quick instant fix that fills the void temporarily. Far better is to return home, make amends if needed and find that love and forgiveness that allows us to flourish.

I have learned some important things, but near the top of the list, is never write off a family or church member, or a fellow addict because God never wrote us off even when we were at our worst. If your kids are acting up, show them tough love, but never shut the door on a comeback. If you disagree over a spiritual point of view with another Christian, be patient, be kind, agree to disagree, and remember they love the same God you do (and her loves them just as much as he does you). 

If that addict acts in the same stupid manner that you did when you were in a state of insanity, hang on and look for a recovery don't spark a relapse. If we leave all of these things, all of the good, the bad and the ugly that happens in a family in the hands of a loving and merciful God, things always work out in His best interest, and he passes that back to us in his time and rhythm.

Just remember, ET phoned home, we can too, God keeps his line always open, and so should we! 

Back in Rhythm, Glenn