Inclusivity

Here is a photo of Gateway Covenant's children on any given Sunday. 

All colors. All sizes. All ages. All loved.

This photo reminds me.....do you ever stop to consider how your mind works regarding.....inclusivity?  I had to really stop and think about what that word means to me.  Some questions in this regard popped up! Does it mean inviting everyone to my birthday party...or just people I like and are the same as me? Or does inclusiveness mean making sure when I speak to people, I keep eye contact off and on with everyone and not just one specific person? And what about the color of people's skin?  Will I only like one color of person?  perhaps two colors (if everyone meets my expectations)? Who shall I "include" in my circle of friends?  And why do we even have these kinds of "judgment thoughts"?

I think inclusiveness comes from the heart....not the mind. And when it comes from the heart, it will be good and true and kind and loving.  It will overlook things. It will have no barrier between colors or ethnicity or sexuality or social status. It will include everyone and all they are. It will seek out the good in them. Inclusiveness will build....RELATIONSHIP.

It's what Jesus said we are to do.  He said: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind and 'Love your neighbor as yourself'." Luke 10:27

My neighbor is.....everyone!  So, I need to love everyone, just like I love my own self and care for  and look after my own life.When loving and caring happens with your neighbor, RELATIONSHIP happens!  

Let's be inclusive.  Life seems to work better when we are.

Have a lovely evening.....oh, and don't forget to include your cat, Fluffy. She likes to be loved, too!

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Here we go....again....

Almost three years have come and gone since I last posted!  Seems like other forms of media have taken over...Facebook, for one.

So, how are things with all of you?  As for me, I'm a few years older, had cataract surgery, joints have become somewhat less happy with life, hair is a bit longer, children have grown into good, likeable adults for quite a while now and granddaughter is finding her way in life. Husband, like myself, is slowing down some but we both recognize one another each morning and THAT is something!

I'm learning to listen to my body and my spirit these days.  Taking time to rejuvenate and breathe.  One can get oneself into a volunteering frenzy and the weariness creeps up on ones body and soul. So, I'm hearing some things that I've neglected to acknowledge for several months now and I am learning how to "rest" and enjoy some "stillness" as I walk through my day.  That can be a difficult task, but I'm attempting to discipline my life to allow times of silence to give me that rest. It's also a time to come closer to God in these moments.  It takes discipline, for certain.  It all goes against my grain!  But I shall try.

January brings thoughts of members of my family who have died. Ken's father, John, passed away thirty years ago January 15.  My mom, Patricia, died thirty years ago tomorrow, January 19 as well and my older brother, Garry, four years ago tomorrow.  We come....and we go.....and are left with memories to cherish.

It's very cold tonight, down to -35 with windchill of -44.  Keep warm my friends. It's good to connect on here once again.  Will see what 2019 brings and will attempt to let you know how it's progressing as the months pass.

Sleep well....because these days, that in itself is a true blessing.