FIRMLY PLANTED â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
Overwhelmed
by Dina Cavazos
​If I had to describe in one word how I’ve been feeling for several months now, it would be overwhelmed. As a (contentedly) single woman who will soon be completing seven decades of life, who is a homeowner, gardener, writer, reader, thrifter, mother, grandmother, remodeler helper, pray-er, and more, there is much to do. I’m well aware I’m not alone. Many women juggle even more, but comparisons are neither here nor there. We are each alone in our own boiling pot, so to speak.
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How did I get to this place? I have an inkling. Now it’s time for some serious examination, time to lay some things down and focus on getting my life re-balanced. The discomfort of feeling overwhelmed is a kind reminder from God that peace comes from resting in him, being careful to do only what he says, and keeping my human tendency to indulge and over-do in check. While I’m doing that, I also need to complete some things hanging over my head and then reevaluate going forward.
One of the things I’ve decided to scale down is writing this column. But instead of giving it up altogether, I had the idea of simplifying. Instead of a story, I will offer a poem, sometimes my own, sometimes others’. I hope you will enjoy them.
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Here is a spin-off I wrote inspired by John Lennon’s "Imagine." You can even sing it!
REIMAGINE
Imagine life everlasting
Where light and love abound
Where evil cannot enter
Where Jesus wears the crown
Imagine there's no darkness
It's easy if you try
No fear or pain or trouble
And everything is right
Imagine all the people
Living life in love
Ahh,,,
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
In the Kingdom of the Son
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
Because Christ died for you
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
Ahh…
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
In the Kingdom of the Son