What is IS and ISN'T

     The past eight weeks have been a roller coaster!  I just finished my first course in the nursing program, and I have to say I had many moments of doubt and frustration.  In the end I passed, and am really looking forward to having three weeks off before I have to buckle down again!
     I have a friend that sends me "happy Wednesday" texts every week, and yesterday's really hit home with me, here it is:

"It's NOT big flashy achievements, how much you make,

 who important that you know, knowing what people should do,

 never blowing it, your stuff collection, your vast knowledge,

 being the strongest, smartest, or best looking that draws people to you.

  It IS your genuine smile, seeing your eyes light with contagious joy,

 unadorned thoughtfulness, modest kindnesses, 

being steady when the chips are down, 

sad sharing, glad sharing when happy abounds,

 making pleasant memories of mundane days, ready to help,

 patient listening to what people say and validating their existence. 

 It IS your open heart, your realness exposed."

     It is so easy to get caught up in stuff, and lose sight of what is important.  I felt so awkward going into the program when everyone else knew each other.  Who cared what experience I had previously when they were already friends?  I can't tell you how much I look forward to continuing the next year with this group of people!  I was welcomed easily, and count them as one of the best groups of people I have known.

     I remember once hearing someone say that we are human beings, not human doings!  Of course, we can't just sit around and "be", but what is important is our character and HOW we do things.  I want to be known as someone genuine, trustworthy and kind.  

     This sums it up for me:  "No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."  1 Corinthians 13:3

      Let me never become bankrupt of love!