On my way to the hospital for my chemo and infusion parties, I drive past this sign. It always makes me smile.
Are the Dog's bones smoked or the Bones for the dogs smoked???
I guess a lot of times how we view our experiences in life are determined by our perspective at that moment. Going through this roller coaster of treatments over the last year and half I have realized how huge cancer and the weapons used to fight it, affect the body, the mind, the spirit, and the emotions. What you think affects how you feel, and what you feel physically affects how you think. Your perspective has a huge impact on the rest of you.
Sometimes when I read the sign on the road, I just feel like stopping in for a tasty snack for my dogs. At other times I can read the sign and think of holding on to my dogs tight before they are caught by the mean butcher who is turning innocent dogs into tasty treats. Okay it also makes me smile.
What I'm trying to say is all of us have challenges and experiences everyday that require us to react. We can choose to limit our perspective to negative thoughts or we can choose to react with a positive attitude and find a way to learn from what we are experiencing.
I am still learning. I have lots of practice and a long ways to go. When I don't feel good this is tough. Those are the times I can't think about the future, or my messy house, or what needs to be done on "My List." Those are the times when I have to count my blessings and pray. Thanking the Lord for my blessings and asking for an increase in courage and strength. I always feel better. No matter how I feel physically; I always feel better spiritually, mentally and emotionally after taking my burdens to the Lord and realizing the good in my life, and praying for others who are experiencing there own challenges and need the Lord's help. It's amazing how that works. It can change your perspective.
Now I think my dogs need a tasty snack....mmm how about a smokey dog bone.
P.S. Will someone please call and remind of this when I'm having a bad day?
One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything.
Georg C. Lichtenburg
