Tag / wisdom

by Janet

Give Thanks…

NO MATTER WHAT

Hmmm… well isn’t that a wee bit grandiloquent?!

Between the Word of the Day, grandiloquent, and the weekend writing prompt, peristeronic, I’m beginning to think that I need to keep a thesaurus and a dictionary at my desk! 

Grandiloquent: Language or behavior is very formal, literary, or exaggerated, and is used by people when they want to seem important. Fancy or pretentious. 

Honestly, I don’t think that being cheerful, praying, and giving thanks no matter what is grandiloquent at all. It’s biblical.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 (MSG)

I thought that this might be the perfect opportunity to submit my entry to Out of the Ashes, for the challenge: New Directions—a prompt that was started by yours truly—ME.

It’s terribly awkward, spreading myself so thin like that… but these are the COVID days, and I think that most of us can agree… anything goes.

I have a zillion things that I could write about new directions—starting over or changing the course of your life—but I think that the perfect starting point is gratitude; being grateful for every single thing in your life: A roof over your head, food on the table, or even the basics like air, soap and water.

I think that when we learn to be grateful for “life itself”—when we’re cheerful, prayerful, and thankful—it clears paths and opens doors. An ungrateful mind is muddled with negativity and complaints, and it creates a toxic fog.

The more we focus on despair and hopelessness, the cloudier it gets. After awhile, we can’t even see ahead of us let alone try to change our course! Mindsets are crucial, and I like to think that this biblical instruction is offering us truth and wisdom about the value and benefit of having a healthy and positive mindset.

So, at the risk of sounding grandiloquent, “be cheerful, pray, and give thanks… no matter what!”

Written for Word of the Day Challenge: Grandiloquent, and Out of the Ashes prompt: New Directions.

The featured image is another friend portrait that I did. The leaves were added as a finishing touch, and I couldn’t help but think that a woman celebrating the falling leaves (which my friend would inevitably do) was the perfect representation of gratitude.

The “oil paint” tool on my old PC never worked before—I think because of my graphic card—and I realized yesterday, while working on my “moon art,” that it’s available to me now, on my new laptop. Hence the new oil paint effect.

And I couldn’t be more grateful!

That’s about all for now. Peace & love to you all…

Palm Tree Art
by Janet

Word to the Wise

Have you ever noticed that many of the questions we ask start with the letter “W?”

Who, What, Where, When or Why (to name a few).

But before I go further with that, I have to mention the “W” words that continually inspire me… Water & Wind. We had some crazy rain yesterday, and an incredible wind storm last night (and today—at this very moment), so inspiration was dropped on my door step, literally.

That’s where my featured image comes in. Some peaceful palm trees blended with a rowdy radial blur. It’s kind of “West Coast Winter meets East Coast Tropical Storm.”

Words & Writing are also some favorites. Need I say more?

So… back to my introduction. Questions are important. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Think critically! Ask questions! Check the facts! Do your own research! These words of wisdom have been drilled into my head at school.

And speaking of Wisdom; we gain this lovely lady by asking the right questions. I adore her… and I promise to love, honor and cherish her, for as long as we both shall live.

Being curious and asking questions is about wisdom… but it’s also about Wonder. And after careful review, I think that Wonder wins the prize.

Wonder is being in a constant state of awe—no matter how mundane your circumstances might be.

Wonder is magical.

Wonder is childlike.

I think that Wonder might also be about having the courage to say “I don’t know… but I’m not afraid to ask.” I don’t know, just a thought.

Wonder is the difference between an empty (taken for granted) existence, and a full, inquisitive life.

A part of me wants to go on and on about Wonder, but that’s just the Wonder in me (I wonder if I’ve done wonder justice?).

That being said, thank you for reading! I hope you found enjoyment here.

Never lose your sense of wonder.

Anonymous