Follow the Trail Back

little one

The Broken Vas by Emile Munier (1840-1895)

You have to look at the whole trail behind you to know where you are going.

That doesn’t really make since in the natural, does it?

It’s true. To see where you are going and where your best destination is, you have to look all the way back as far as you can. Say what?

We know better. We are told to forget the past, move forward, don’t look back…truth also.

We can’t live in the past but doesn’t each day give us our form and our shape—for better or for the worse?

Awe, the better—our cherished memories, best experiences, educational highlights, trips, good relationships…happy times!

Or ouch, the worst—our painful experiences, failures, stupid people pain, sickness, heartaches, missed opportunities…discomforts, to say the least!

I am not suggesting camping out with all the negatives nor resting on the laurels of the positives. However, those things have made you and shaped you as who you are now and, they have molded you for the future which you will step into.

As I consult with people I have to dig into their past. If I don’t I can’t help them see their future. Don’t get me wrong, I am not going to take people into their deep heartaches. Yet it is telling and wise to understand those painful seasons which often birth passions resulting in caring for others in world changing ways.

But, what has broken your heart in the past that still fuels a passion for change?

Yet in the positives your life has left a breadcrumb trail leading back to the origins of your skills, purposes, and the things that make you come alive and sparkle. When you light up or delight in what you are doing it also delights others and solves problems!

I have lots of things that I love to be part of or to do. A favorite of mine is helping others to jump into their purposes and delights. Of course there is order and wisdom and timing and all that—but it is a thrilling thing to be part of.

Tell me, what makes your heart sing and what brings you joy in the present and in retrospect?

One of my favorite things as soon as I was old enough was the make up department in a local pharmacy. My first career: Cosmologist, hairstylist, nail tech, mullet cutter…

Look for the trails. There will be a convergence between those things you love, your past, your skills, careers, and callings and that will be the most exhilarating and useful spot to be.

http://www.AnnetteTrucke.com

I Am Like the Intestines Revelation–How About You?

It’s not every day that I stop to write about intestines. I don’t even like the sound of the word “intestines.” Gross. It has no beauty or any way to nuance it.

Yet, as I was reading a powerful message this morning the thought came to me that I am just like the intestinal track. Say what?

It certainly gave me pause. What an odd thought—and an ugly word. The article I was reading had not a thing to do with intestines. Besides, I want to be more flowers—not something that’s end result comes out as even a less flowery word.

Then I considered what the main purposes are of the intestines. They take all of the nutrients and fuel our bodies, expelling the rest. Pause. They are vital organs that the body must have. I Googled and looked at photos and read more at this point.

I have an issue with sharing. It’s a good thing and a bad thing. Almost as soon as I read something in a book that is of value or pull something online into my mind, as soon as I am blessed with anything I am tempted to quickly share–not just in the Facebook kind of way. If I can build someone up or enrich their life—I want to do it. Not always, but it seems a very natural and compelling way I function. I am sure this function can probably be annoying at times…

Function. Now function is a word that goes with intestines. A healthy intestinal tract is on the move and doing its duty.

Maybe I will go along with this morning’s thoughts. Maybe I will humble myself enough to say, “Gee, I am like the intestines! How lovely! What a compliment from God or this creative brain.” INT

Possibly I will be so bold as to even say that though we all can’t be intestines all the time, we can be often. What nutrition are you grabbing out of the “foods” that come your way today? Can it fuel your body and fuel the Body with nutrients? And how about the expelling? Are you letting yourself expel the rest? Backed up bowels lead to serious issues, you know?

And quite possibly, as you consider the intestines you will remember me for a while. My face will pop to mind. I will embrace that if the message I got—and gave today functioned properly.

Point proven. I had to think about intestines and now you do too.