“Oh, London is a man’s town, there’s power in the air;
And Paris is a woman’s town, with flowers in her hair;
And it’s sweet to dream in Venice, and it’s great to study Rome;
But when it comes to living there is no place like home.”
― Henry van Dyke
I have this horrible habit of thinking of everything I have to do and becoming VERY overwhelmed. This overwhelming feeling has even made me physically ill at times! Can anyone relate? Or am I sharing TMI? I think it’s stylish in today’s society to be stressed. Well, I don’t like it, and I want to change it!!!
While I believe I probably belong living somewhere where it’s less fashionable to be stressed, that is not reasonable for my near future. And that is not going to help anyone else. I want to learn to live HERE peacefully, so others can do the same.
I always felt I belonged in Europe. I am sure I am romanticizing it. But have you ever spoken to a European person and felt a sense of peace? I have. And while I know it has something to do with that accent, it’s also because of the way they live life. In my experience, they make me feel special. They value conversation. They enjoy life. They treasure and savor food, drinks, and friends. They don’t sweat the small stuff.
I teach a multi-cultural counseling class. We learn how people of other cultures value time spent with loved ones over deadlines. For example, it would be acceptable in the Native American culture to be late to a meeting if they were involved in a conversation with one of their family members. No wonder they don’t survive in our society of deadlines.
Don’t get me wrong. I know it is not all-or-nothing. There are positive and negative aspects of all cultures. I just think if we combined more of the positive aspects of ALL of our cultures, we would all be better off for it.
I know, I am kind of ranting, and this blog is supposed to be about connecting to God. So what does this have to do with being closer to God? Is it normal in our culture to spend time with God? If it is not, let it start with us. Let’s spend time with God. Let’s spend time alone, in meditation, in prayer, and with our families and loved ones.
We have the power to change whether or not we feel overwhelmed. It may not FEEL like we can’t change it, but as I always tell my clients: “Feelings aren’t facts.” The peace of God is stronger than anything. Give it the power it deserves.
This blog is dedicated to David and Eva, our British friends we met on our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, of all places. As I was writing this blog post today, my husband and I were speaking of them. An hour later, I received an email from David. We haven’t spoken since Christmas. There are no coincidences in life.
Here is a Facebook post I wrote in June 14, 2014, after our honeymoon:
“We became good friends with a British couple, Eva and David, 76 years old and still going strong (thanks to David’s pharmaceutical career). They would say things like “that’s rubbish” and “you’re on the posh side!” They were party animals, our best friends, and everything was a little fancier with their accents. I miss the British…in Mexico.”
I felt God in David and Eva’s presence. I felt free. I laughed. I felt accepted for who I was. They were true God Sightings.
We love you David and Eva, and promise to come stay with you in London soon!
Peace, Love, and The British 🇬🇧
photo: http://indigoravenlily.deviantart.com/art/UK-Flag-Lipstick-On-Luscious-Lips-381850830
Elizabeth
For God Sighting reminders and Holistic Health tips directly in your inbox, please enter your email address on the left (or click on the menu at the top right if you are on your mobile device). You can also reach me by email me at [email protected]. I wish you peace and love today.