See You in the Funny Papers

Everyone approaches life and media with his/her own perspective and priorities filtering perception.  We are unique in our preconceptions and prejudices, informed by experiences, parentage, hopes, and hurts.  The old adage, "life is uncertain; eat dessert first" reflects such as this.  When I access a print newspaper, I find myself excited to view the comics section (otherwise known as the Funny Papers) first.  

At this point, I must extend an apology to anyone who followed me in viewing the same paper; because, if I was unable to completely survey the contents of the comics before the requirements of adulthood interrupted me, I have - more than once - absconded with those sweet bits of wit and whimsy...  

Please forgive me.

Now that confessions of petty larceny have been made, and hopes of mercy expressed, what's the point of this post?  Good question:  sometimes, I simply must begin where the muse sets me in motion; and in times such as these, I trust we will find our way together - adventure awaits!

What is it about humor and clever adaptations of prose and pictures that draws me to this minor and repeated act of theft?  Certainly, we all enjoy a good turn of phrase, wordplay, and jocularity.  Perhaps also alluring is the escape from the serious and somber truths of life impacting us from all angles, sensationalized and sent via media and public discourse.  We are all created by One whose imagination is undeniably reflected in the artist's renderings; and that tends to attract the mind, morsels of the thing the whole world hungers for - more of Him (Psalm 19).  Lastly, it is likely we see ourselves in the comics, the protagonists in our own stories, and sometimes we play the jester - either way, our capacity to laugh at ourselves makes us more resilient when things do not work in our favor.

Jotting with Johnna:

• When was the last time you let yourself play (read the funnies first)?
• How can you take yourself less seriously?
• Who makes you laugh when circumstances are lamentable?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the playtime, the pause, the permission to have adventures amid your obligations.  

Stay focused.  Stay tuned.  Stay playful.

It's Never Too Late

Wow!  It's been a while - and some wild happenings - since I composed a post here.  Wondrous, magical things have changed my life, and I knew all the while ScriptedWellness lay neglected as life blossomed like watered gardens tend to do.  But like lovely gardens whose keeper has wandered and returned thrive and flourish with a little attention, perhaps this little space on the web will likewise bloom again...  It's never too late, after all, for the chasing of dreams and the creating of scripts which boost wellness in all aspects.

The image above was taken at Hickam Air Force Base, after my Incentive Flight on 21 January, 2009, which followed my two tours in Iraq and was an honor to receive.  At that time, ScriptedWellness was only a dream.  Given my full time military and federal career, deployments, scholastic endeavors, and duties as a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, neighbor, niece...I wasn't sure this little blog would ever be more than a fanciful notion.  But it wasn't too late to try. 

Nowadays, as a military retiree, I lead a precious group of local treasures in a fitness class three times a week at the community center.  I also tend a little pack of rescued dogs, and have been training a puppy who joined us last spring.  Family has moved nearer, and friends who became family nearly a score ago currently bless my home as guests over the weekend.  Meanwhile, the cherished friend whose affections evolved to a sweet and sustaining partnership has been my champion, companion, and cohort in all manner of creative ventures. 

Just this moment, as I stand at my computer, that darling soul is crafting an original piece of artwork with his pencil and a white envelope.  He does one of these envelopes for the young man who grooms the lawn and cares for the dogs occasionally.  Inside them, he encloses the young man's wages.  This has been going on long enough that his recipient has a vast collection of sketches, lovingly signed by their creator.

Whatever one's craft, we are all designed by the Creator and reflect His image in a way unique to us.  We were made in His image, after all, and each of us has something to offer.  As multifaceted cut stone reflects light on each surface differently than the others, we are made to reflect the Light to a world in need of the beauty and impact only He can bestow.  And just as it was not too late for eighty-year-old Moses to shine in the way God intended and do the big work of reflecting, it is not too late for any of us.

Earlier today, I encountered a friend with whom I served in the military.  She was the first sergeant of my second tour in Iraq; and we even roomed together for most of that deployment.  She's a godly woman who served honorably as an airman and as a wife and mother; and she's my "military sister."  I was behind her at the market, and noticed John 10:10 (a favorite bit of Scripture) on the back of her t-shirt; and then my gaze came up and I recognized her (from the back of a head of hair I had once trimmed on the flightline in Iraq).  When I caught her attention and introduced my dear companion, she informed me that she now has a business creating shirts like the one she wore.  Her website is KingdomLife.Store; and I'm proud to recommend her work.

The point is this:  life's journey may bring us down a meandering path.  We can even lament our side-trips; but they're part of the path.  In the words of CS Lewis, “you are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.”  Dream, daydream, dawdle a little when it's opportune; and then do [insert the action you already know] - reflect and shine in the way you were always meant to sparkle.

Jotting with Johnna:

• What passions and projects beckon to you from time to time?
• How might you start simply revisiting those pursuits?
• Who might edify you and hold you accountable in your efforts?
• Why not start [or start again] now?

Remember:  you, and the uniquely "you" way you reflect the image of God are so very worthy of the time and attention you will direct toward this end.