Masks

There is nothing

that gives more assurance

than a mask.

Colette

October 31st is fun for me! The costumes, creativity, bright colors and (of course) the candy make the normal Wednesday a little more festive. Dressing up and pretending to be someone or something you are not can give us quite a thrill.

Some of us dress up in masks and costumes everyday. Not the ones that we can see, but the pretend acts we layer on to shield our true selves from others. In a way, it is necessary. I don't speak with my boss the same way I speak to my friends. I am different 'in session' than I am 'out of session'. We do have to change roles in order to be effective. But, when we are lost in the fantasy of 'being' someone else and not acknowledging our true selves, then we are living a lie.

While we may temporarily feel confident by the mask we wear... or even victorious that we can stuff down so much and only present what we perceive others want to see... eventually the mask will wear on you. Some have dubbed it "The Impostor Syndrome". The accolades, well wishes and positive things that come from playing your role never sink in past the layers of the mask. Therefore, you never feel good about you... because you are not being you.

Today while you are enjoying the snickers and laughing at some costumes, examine the masks you wear. Are you being authentic to your true self? Do you accept the things that make you you, or do you hide them away for superficial reasons? When you look in the mirror at your unmasked face, do you like what you see?

I'm gonna let it shine.

It's difficult to celebrate when there is so much grief in the world. Fires, tropical storms, hurricanes, wars.... Loss of houses, loss of things, loss of life. Grief is everywhere. I feel overwhelmed with emotion when I imagine how many mothers, fathers, spouses, brothers, sisters and friends are mourning the loss of someone they love. It wasn't that long ago that I was staying in a beach house with friends for our college fall break. It's painful when things hit close to home.

Now that we have our daily dose of heart break I think I will crawl back under the covers. The last thing I want is to go to work and hear about others' issues now. I think I'll go back to sleep. It's silent there, it's dark there, it's safe there, it's easier than facing the world.

But, we are called to move on and be beacon for those that are suffering.

You are the light of the world.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

Let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

There are many different interpretations of this message. Today, it is reminding me that the horrible events of the world do not have the power to blow out my candle of hope unless I allow it. We can not allow worldly events to dim our faith that God is good. Our light reminds us and others that a higher power is in control, even though the world may seem in chaos.

Celebration does not mean there has to be a party with balloons and loud displays of excitement. It can also be the silent, loving listener that stands beside the mourning, helping their light to shine when they are too weak to keep it lit alone.

Don't get back under the covers today. Face the world and let your light shine.

Bring out the good china!

Today is my wedding anniversary! It's so hard to believe that it has already been two years since Shane and I were married. It seems like yesterday when he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him... and then I ran around the house screaming without even saying yes! Tonight there will be a celebration!
When someone we love is engaged, pregnant, starting a new job or moving into a new home, we all become astute advisers ready to voice our opinions on what to do and how to do it right! When I was engaged I heard lots of advice: "You need to be engaged for a year to enjoy it", "A year is too long, make it shorter". And so forth, and so forth, down to every detail of the wedding to the gender roles in a marriage.
There was one piece of advice that I heard over and over again, at every shower and party I attended: "Use your good china! Bring it out for every celebration! Be sure to celebrate the little things!" I can't tell you why these words stuck with me like they did. Perhaps it was the amount of times I heard it. Or maybe it was the fact that the majority of these ladies were older than me by far. I couldn't help to note that some were already widowed for years. They knew the phases of love far better than I could, having not even taking my vows yet. They weren't telling me to do anything but to use my good china to celebrate! I can't help to think there was something else to these words of advice that went unsaid. Surely there was an undertone of "life is short".
Is eating off your good china every once in a while the key to a happy marriage? Maybe not, but it sure helps! Life is sweeter when we celebrate. Big or small, celebrate and give thanks for the good things in your life!
This week focus on what you can celebrate. Is is it a work project that is finally completed? A milestone in recovering from a bad habit? A bank error in your favor (even if it is 25 cents!)? Your dog's third birthday? The first sounds you have heard from your baby? A par on a tough golf course? Or that the fires are starting to be contained in California? Whatever you are excited about - celebrate it! Don't let the happy times pass by without acknowledgement! I don't have a clue what we are having for dinner tonight... maybe even Chinese take out! But, I can guarantee you it will be on the fine china!

"Celebrate we will,

For life is short

but sweet for certain."

Dave Mathews