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Thursday, December 13, 2012

12-12-12 - What does it mean to you?

Some things just call out to be noticed!


I was behind this car a couple of weeks ago and had to snap a shot of that temporary plate
12-12-12.... Wow!

I'd like to warn you, this post has very little to do with quilting, and a whole lot to do with my rambling thoughts on life.... so you can choose to read on or come back in a few days when I'll hopefully be back to my normal quilty self =^..^=

Bonnie Hunter said on her blog today, "Did you stop to think that this is the last date we will ever see with repeated numbers like this?  This is it for our lifetimes.  Very cool!"  I agree with her completely!  It was even more cool last year on 11-11-11 when all the numbers were 1's - that won't happen again until ... well, I'm not sure without a lot of calculating and I'm not in the mood for that kind of brainy stuff right now :*D  But it will be hundreds of years before that happens again!

Days like today, when something special happens that will not happen again in my lifetime, I stop and think about how short life really is and whether I am spending my life in the best possible way.  Are there things I am leaving undone that could have made a difference for the generations coming after me?  Have I done enough?  Have I been there for those who have needed me?  Have I been too preoccupied with pursuing "happiness" and "enjoying the journey"?

When the days go by in a blur of activity and routine, maybe I need to stop, take a breath, and ask myself, What am I missing here?  Who am I forgetting in the hustle and shuffle?  Life is so short.... their lives...  my life.  I was given life for a reason - am I fulfilling that purpose?

So much of my early adult life was spent in just trying to survive.  My first marriage was a miserable twelve year span where I basically tuned out, covered my head and just hoped the world would go away.  Then I was a single mom of two small kids for ten years.  I didn't have time to think about the deeper things of life.  I was just concerned with putting bread on the table, keeping shoes on their feet and somehow getting the electric bill paid every month on a secretary's salary.

But then God gave me a wonderful husband and began providing for me and my children in a beautiful way.  My life expanded so that I could begin to enjoy it.  I went back to college and finished up my bachelor's degree.  I became a grandma and poured out my heart and energy on those sweet young lives.  I found the Lord and began to follow Him in earnest.

Then we moved to Tennessee and I discovered quilting!  And quilting became my focus....  Nothing wrong in that.  I am at a place in my life now where I am allowed to pursue the things that I enjoy - thanks to the generosity of my sweet husband :*) And since I never really had a childhood, I am thoroughly enjoying this "second" one very much, thank you!

But recently, I realized that I have been giving quilting just a little too much of my life.  It needs to be a balanced part of my life, not the main focus.  I need to stop and smell the roses more often.  I need to look around me and notice the people who surround me, take the time to listen to what's on their hearts, their joys, their pains, their hopes.  I know I need to get back to a regular time of sitting with my Lord and deepening my relationship with Him once again.

I definitely plan to make some changes in 2013.  I want to be more purposeful in what I allow in my life, what I choose to give my precious days to.  I may choose to drop some things and take up some others.  I plan to choose my quilting projects with care and keep a schedule that is reasonable, that allows time for other interests and the special people in my life.  I still want to be involved with my quilting family and friends - absolutely!  But I want to make room for a deeper life, one that can perhaps make my days count for something eternal, something that will last beyond my lifetime, perhaps even beyond the next 12-12-12.....

That's what 12-12-12 means to me.  How about you?

Hugs & Blessings!
Teresa
=^..^=

13 comments:

  1. It does seem as if the days fly by at a frightening pace. Keeping balance is difficult sometimes.

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  2. I appreciate the glimpse into your life, Teresa. You have shown wisdom here. It is easy to get caught up in all of the fun ideas and fads in the quilting world and totally lose focus on what really counts in life. Quilting can do a lot of good, but as someone much wiser than me once said, sometimes we need to differentiate between good, better and best. I am trying to find balance in my life and I know some things that are consuming much of my time are not the "best" use of that precious resource. We all need ways to fill our plate, but we don't need to be gluttons about it. : ) Good luck on your quest

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  3. Even though I may be far away in miles, My Dear friend you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I miss you so much and wish I could be there for our talks and hugs. Thank you for allowing us and reminding us to stop and reflect on our lives today. You are such a special friend and I feel truly blessed everyday knowing you are My Friend! Hugs to you and your wonderful family.

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  4. Very well said and cause for reflection in all areas of our own lives. I really relate to, "I want to be more purposeful in what I allow in my life, what I choose to give my precious days to." Thank you, Teresa, for sharing your life with us. Judy C

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  5. Thank you for sharing that. My life mirrors yours in so many ways (details may be different, but so much is so similar!). I, too, need to become more purposeful ... I have become so focused on quilting (making up for all the years that I just didn't have time to quilt) and I need to devote more time to the true reason I'm here.

    I hope you'll update us periodically with your progress on this journey. Good luck and God bless.

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  6. ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING! It is a good idea that we all will stop at this time of the year and ask some of the same questions. I know I have been reevaluating my painting which is something I enjoy very much. I don't think there is a wit of harm in that at all unless it becomes too important to me or more important than the things that will be here when I am gone! I love you, my beautiful daughter! I will pray for you as you seek God for His perfect use of your time and energy!

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  7. Wonderful post! I truly believe in reassessing life on a regular basis. I think we go through natural phases where our priorities change by circumstance or by choice. We aren't the same person as we once were and it makes perfect sense to reorient yourself. Life is short!

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  8. Teresa you are very wise - this was a great post. I went back to work in August because I believe God called me to that. This is my mission for right now. Some of my friends are still pushing for me to come to guild meetings, etc. and I know they mean well and miss me, but this is just a different time in my life. I loved the years when I wasn't working and had time to stitch with friends whenever I wanted but it's time to focus on something besides myself. I still want to stitch as often as possible but other things need to take precedence. I hope that makes sense! blessings, marlene

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  9. It's really encouraging to read about this change of perspective you're describing. Thanks so much for sharing that!

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  10. My favorite was 10-10-10 ... it was my trifecta birthday. LOL! Joc was telling me about a story of a woman that was born on 12/12/1912 that was celebrating her 100th birthday on 12/12/2012. How cool is that?!? The stories of change that blessed lady could share, I'm sure!! :)

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  11. I really enjoyed reading a little about your life Teresa, and I am glad you are enjoying Now....take time to do what makes you happy that is the most important thing. Hugs!

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  12. Enjoyed reading your thoughts... you are a very wise person! We are always recalculating and recalibrating our path and I enjoy seeing what twists and turns your life and creativity brings!

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