In real life...

I’ve been struggling with what to write about next. I have a half dozen little blog posts started, but seem to draw a blank after the first few sentences. For those of you who write, I’m sure you are very familiar with this stumbling block. This summer has been a whirlwind of events and my mind is busy these days with processing, letting go, and learning. Instead of trying to figure out why I can’t press forward with my writing, I decided to take a break. Last Friday, I joined Gypsy Mama  for 5 minutes of writing on a topic she chose – free of thought and edits – simply, just words joining together.

 Friday’s topic: In real life….

GO!

In real life, people don’t tell me what they want me to hear. They are honest about who they are and what their intentions are. They see I wear my heart on my sleeve and do the same in return. They understand I prefer the painful truth over a sugar-coated tale.  

In real life, I’m filled with flaws that you may not see if you don’t know me very well.

Let me share a few very REAL things about me….

·         I strive to be a perfectionist. I like order and routine. I do this well in some aspects of my life (like work, being on time, how I put myself together when I’m outside the house, etc.), but in other areas I fail miserably despite my determination. On any given day, if you walk into my house, it looks lived in. Allie’s leash will be on the mat by the front door because I dropped it there in a rush to start getting ready for work after our morning walk. There will most likely be unfolded clean laundry in the laundry basket as I don’t like folding and putting clothes away. I have this tendency to leave cabinet doors and drawers open after I’ve taken what I need from them. At anytime, you can walk in the kitchen and see a door or two open.  These are all silly little things, really, but definitely things that don’t make me a true perfectionist.

·         I have simple plans. Plans for the weekend. Plans for what I’m doing at night after work. Plans for my next big vacation. I love spontaneity, but plans let me know I’ve taken the time to consider who I’m spending my time with and what I’m doing. Plans can be simple, like lying around with someone and watching a movie or going to Trader Joe’s. It’s very rare when I don’t have a plan. I also break plans – all the time. Big time flaw. Some of my nearest and dearest will vouch for this.

·         I worry and stress – A LOT. I worry when I don’t even think I’m worrying.  I trust God, but clearly I am still working on this because I worry and stress like crazy!  

·         I get side-tracked easily. I can be on a run or a walk, come across a great place to sit and look out at the river. So I'll stop, sit and take it in. I can have plans to spend the day at home (folding laundry), but will ditch that in an instant to spend the day with a friend or do something I enjoy. If I’m reading a book at a coffee shop, I’ll only get through one or two pages because I’m distracted by watching people or day dreaming.

In real life, God covers all my imperfections with His beauty, love and grace.

STOP!