She was raised Mennonite, a life of faith that penetrated her mind, heart, and spirit and deeply influenced how she conducted her life and business in later years.

At times, certain words beckon my attention.  They seem to have a “magnet” to them, drawing me in their direction. When I myself am practicing the white space principles that we encourage, I sometimes sculpt time in a way that allows for the attention that these words deserve.

Today’s writing is a post-script to the most recent Connections, “Healing Old Wounds. “

In that earlier work, we recounted the healing effect of re-writing the script I store in memory involving a difficult time following my mother’s death. Inserting my honey (husband) in the story line made all the difference in the world in healing these old wounds.

This year I invited a dear friend to a workshop entitled “Healing from the Loss of a Spouse.” Approaching the second anniversary of her husband’s sudden decline and death (a four-day journey), grief continued to consume most of her thoughts and days. My desire was to support her in the healing process.

Years ago, my husband and I enrolled in a course taught by a dear friend and pastor entitled The Pleasure of My Father’s Fellowship. 

The only tools we needed for our course was an open heart, willingness to commit some time everyday for 5 days to the process, our Bible, and a notebook or journal.

Before we move on to a new topic, I would like to pause and express a genuine and heartfelt thank you to all of you who have engaged with me in reading, reflecting, and taking some action in response to these “Connections.”

In the words of Michael Ray, Professor Emeritus of the Stanford School of Business, says that “The one force that gives real meaning to your life, that speaks to the very core of your being, is commonly called your purpose, or calling. It’s what makes you feel connected, motivated and sustained.

Could we pause together for a few moments today to consider the Gift of Appreciation? It strikes me this morning that Appreciation is tied to the Gift of New Eyes we have referenced elsewhere in this writing and reflected in the quote from Marcel Proust.

This post is about the Gift of Story, third in our Five-Part-Series, “Often Overlooked Gifts that Keep on Giving.” When I considered today’s sharing time with you, I wanted it to be a real gift, not simply a topic written about—but one that has some real life to it.  That is my hope every day, yet it seems even more important today. 

Have you ever discovered a gift you might have received from someone special, and had it mistakenly tucked under the bed or put away in a closet or the attic, only to find it again and in re-discovering, it was new all over?

We introduce our Five-Part-Series with “Three Gifts in One: Something for Everyone.” The three gifts are Pause Purposefully, Wise Counsel from Denzel Washington and Practice Paying Attention.

Had you been eavesdropping on me for the last several weeks, you would have heard me say out loud with a squeal of delight, “I am SO EXCITED!” Full of anticipation as we inched toward the Finish Line and this launch…

What is one of your earliest childhood memories? Is it a delightful, playful, fun one? Is it serious and stern? Full of mixed emotion?

Though we had not yet met, I had a great deal of information facing me about this man who reported in his advance written work that his values as a Christian were central to him.  His priorities were “God first, family second, and work third.” 

What is one of the most growth-promoting questions you have ever asked or been asked? What made or makes it so significant for you or another? If you have been around for any length of time reading these posts…