It's Not Easy Bein' Green

Melancholy Kermit of The Muppets lamented that, "it's not easy bein' green."  It's not easy being a human now - with all the modern conveniences, the general consensus is that our populace is more stressed, weary, and depressed than ever.

Green is the backdrop color of Spring, the brightly verdant trees filled with songbirds.  Think of the winds of March bringing in change, blowing away leaves and leftovers from winter to make room for the sprouts that have been waiting, germinating, anticipating the sunshine.  Imagine the birds' arrival after a flight from southerly places to their summer homes.  Spring is hopeful, full of promise, and exciting.

We all have seasons in our lives that are less spring-like.  They seem to last far too long, and can even be overwhelming.  Know this:  seasons are meant to move past us, to make us better, to bring in a new thing.  I've survived many painful seasons; and my story wasn't over (although that of some loved ones was).  Grief, disappointment, frustration, PTSD, even major depression have visited my heart, threatening to destroy me; but I withstood the seasons (even though their weather still comes and goes).  Notice something in those last two sentences, please.  See it?  The bit of punctuation connecting the statements is a pause, a re-direct that shifts the topic but doesn't end the sentence or its sentiments.  It's a semicolon [ ; ] and it's become iconic for such sentences as those.

Your story is unfinished, still being penned; and your season is not final - decide differently than the suggestions of your situation.  The phrase, "you matter" is popular now.  I've used it since I can remember, and I'm glad to see it put to use in empowering, encouraging, affirming ways.  It's true!  You DO matter - no matter your lot in life, your circumstances, your accomplishments or perceived lack of them.  Any fault or failure, any frailty you may experience is NO matter; your significance isn't measured by man-made concepts or conclusions.  Psalm 139 says that you were carefully crafted in the womb of your mother (whether you knew her or not) by the Creator whose pleasure it is to call you His, made in His image according to Genesis 1:27.  THAT matters.

Jotting with Johnna
Are your life-keyboard-fingers poised over a period [ . ] where God believes you need a semicolon [ ; ]?  You still have breath and blood; your story is not over, and - believe me - you matter.  How might you decide differently than your current status would suggest?  What might your next step be in amending your attitudes, training your thoughts, or reviving your relationships involve?  To whom might you reach out to listen and love you through this season?

Remember:  you are so very worthy to punctuate your story in a way that gives you hope for wellness in every area of life - because it ALL matters to your Creator. 

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.