What a long time it can take to become the person one has always been! How often in the process we mask ourselves in faces that are not our own. (Parker Palmer)
For the past six months I have been on a journey of self-discovery; seeking to clarify who I am, what I believe and most importantly, where I am going. The CREST program in which I am enrolled has been a great resource as I seek to better understand my story and purpose. I have gained much insight into the values I hold; values that drive my day-to-day decisions. As well I have been able to affirm my strengths and better understand how God has wired me up; and, how all these things are at work in my life, defining not only who I am but playing a critical role in determining where I am going.
In the most recent encounter were encouraged to capture our dreams. While I have never been comfortable with the world 'dreams', I have always known I am 'a dreamer'; my mind has always envisioned how things could be. Sometimes such dreams have been driven by restlessness and other times I convinced they have been prompted by the Spirit.
Over the last couple of years I have sensed a growing passion to call and encourage people to finish well; to live well right to the end thus avoiding the 'fade' I have witnessed in too many lives. Out of this passion, along with my involvement with the Hospice Society, a dream has emerged; a dream to 'let your life speak'.
While most of would like to walk through our final years in good health and then quietly slip from this life to the next, statistics indicate that such a scenario will not happen for many. Most will face health concerns and the challenges of growing older; such challenges will derail many from finishing well. Before we reach such a point / early in having to deal with any end of life concerns, I would like to encourage people to capture their own stories and any thoughts or words they'd like to pass along to the next generations.
As I envision this in my mind, I see a team of volunteers, perhaps from Valley or the community (perhaps High School students) spending time with those who know their journey is going to come to an end (or even those who have reached a point that they would like to engage in such a project because they have reached a milestone birthday) to record their stories / words. I wonder if a computer program exists or can be created in which digital voice files and written words can be recorded and photos / images added to create a story book; a lasting legacy of a life well lived.
Such a project would allow those dealing with aging / end of life concerns to have a purpose; it would provide a lasting memory for family and friends and may help everyone find some comfort and encouragement in what can often be a difficult season.
I see God showing up and meeting people through this journey and in turn many finding strength and joy along the way--even as life here on earth comes to an end; which it will for all of us. We don't have to be morbid about this reality, we just have to recognize it is a journey we must all take. And as we do, we have choices we can make to that will allow us to finish well and to be a blessing to those closest to us!
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:16)
For the past six months I have been on a journey of self-discovery; seeking to clarify who I am, what I believe and most importantly, where I am going. The CREST program in which I am enrolled has been a great resource as I seek to better understand my story and purpose. I have gained much insight into the values I hold; values that drive my day-to-day decisions. As well I have been able to affirm my strengths and better understand how God has wired me up; and, how all these things are at work in my life, defining not only who I am but playing a critical role in determining where I am going.
In the most recent encounter were encouraged to capture our dreams. While I have never been comfortable with the world 'dreams', I have always known I am 'a dreamer'; my mind has always envisioned how things could be. Sometimes such dreams have been driven by restlessness and other times I convinced they have been prompted by the Spirit.
Over the last couple of years I have sensed a growing passion to call and encourage people to finish well; to live well right to the end thus avoiding the 'fade' I have witnessed in too many lives. Out of this passion, along with my involvement with the Hospice Society, a dream has emerged; a dream to 'let your life speak'.
While most of would like to walk through our final years in good health and then quietly slip from this life to the next, statistics indicate that such a scenario will not happen for many. Most will face health concerns and the challenges of growing older; such challenges will derail many from finishing well. Before we reach such a point / early in having to deal with any end of life concerns, I would like to encourage people to capture their own stories and any thoughts or words they'd like to pass along to the next generations.
As I envision this in my mind, I see a team of volunteers, perhaps from Valley or the community (perhaps High School students) spending time with those who know their journey is going to come to an end (or even those who have reached a point that they would like to engage in such a project because they have reached a milestone birthday) to record their stories / words. I wonder if a computer program exists or can be created in which digital voice files and written words can be recorded and photos / images added to create a story book; a lasting legacy of a life well lived.
Such a project would allow those dealing with aging / end of life concerns to have a purpose; it would provide a lasting memory for family and friends and may help everyone find some comfort and encouragement in what can often be a difficult season.
I see God showing up and meeting people through this journey and in turn many finding strength and joy along the way--even as life here on earth comes to an end; which it will for all of us. We don't have to be morbid about this reality, we just have to recognize it is a journey we must all take. And as we do, we have choices we can make to that will allow us to finish well and to be a blessing to those closest to us!
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:16)
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