There are days that I sometimes ask, “Why do I do what I do?” Well, let’s see—what do I do?
I’m an Executive Director for a Continuing Care Retirement Community that provides care to over 150 residents and employs 200+ employees. I am also an adjunct instructor for a SUNY Community College teaching courses in Medical Coding and Medical Terminology. I provide consultation services to a number of healthcare providers and am currently enrolled as a student myself—pursuing a degree in Health Information Technology. And last but most importantly, I am a wife that does my best to maintain a functioning household. Yes, there are days that I have to frequently review my calendar to ensure that I’m where I need to be and when!
Let’s start with examining my days at the CCRC….
Did you know that Long Term Care facilities were the number one most federally regulated industry in the country—even surpassing nuclear power plants? My days are often filled with corporate compliance, policy-making, and mediating. However, the diversity can range from Boardroom activity to on occasion, denture finding! The job is demanding and carries significant responsibility. So again, why do I do it when I obviously have other opportunities? To put it very simply, let me tell you about Jane (name changed to protect her privacy). Jane meets me at the front door every morning. Although her memory has faded and her body is frail, she greets me warmly and always proclaims, “There You Are!” Sometimes overshadowed with the cares of the day, thank you "Jane" for reminding me “why I do what I do!”
Next, an adjunct instructor for a SUNY Community College….
I’m obviously a little older than the newly graduated high school Seniors who are now entering into their post-education experience or I can be younger than the employee who was recently laid off and is now pursuing career alternatives. With either one, I find myself in a flurry of activity and sometimes confronted with individuals who have “challenging” personalities (I’m being nice here!) So why do I go directly from my day job (which you see can be interesting in itself) to another job that, on occasion, has its’ own challenges? As I was preparing for my upcoming semester, I came across a hand-written note from a previous student that read, “Thank you for helping me to be able to shine my light again!” Sometimes overshadowed with the cares of the classroom, thank you "Sandy" for reminding me “why I do what I do!”
An independent consultant….
After becoming a Certified Coding Specialist and through a series of events, opportunities became open that allowed me to share my expertise with various healthcare providers. When preparing for a job, I find myself up late at night researching and making sure that I have everything ready in preparation for my next visits. As I was making arrangements for one of my visits, the voice on the other end of the phone said, “Thanks for doing such a great job for us. We always look forward to your visits!” Sometimes overshadowed by the stress of preparation, thank you “Hospital” for reminding me “why I do what I do!”
As a student….
This one’s easy, I do “what I do” because I love the challenge and am intrigued by my new-found knowledge! Yes, there are courses and instructors that are more challenging than some, early morning study sessions, and deadlines that are met just in the nick of time. Sometimes overshadowed by the expectations and time-restraints, thank you "to the hope of a bright future" for reminding me "why I do what I do!"
Finally, most importantly, as a wife….
This one’s easy too—I do “what I do” because I simply love my husband! No, it’s not always easy, nor is it without an occasional conflict! Sometimes overshadowed by imperfection, however, you love me unconditionally--thank you "Mike" for reminding me "why I do what I do!"
Looking over my post, I could become easily fatigued by just reading what my days hold. But let me share with you my secret to finding my energies and maintaining some sort of balance: It’s found by starting my days with Jesus. Before any of my days’ activities begin, Jesus and I spend some time together. I commit my days’ schedule to Him and the people who may be in it. Yes, there are days that are more challenging than some and there are days that are not always perfect, but because I have spent the time in study, prayer and supplication, I find the courage, the strength, and the power to have a victorious and joyful day —a result of the power of Jesus living in and through me!
At the end of a long day, and as my head hits the pillow, thank you “Jesus” for always being faithful and reminding me “why I do what I do!”
Addendum (May 7, 2011):
A more recent reminder as to "Why I do What I do" (which totally made my day!)
It was a gloomy, rainy morning & as I was walking through the parking lot from my vehicle, heading towards the entrance of my office, I began to hear all of this commotion coming from one of the resident's windows. Here, three ladies who reside in our Alzheimer's Dementia Unit (who have become the best of friends), were standing at the window--banging on the window to get my attention. When I looked over, all three were standing in the window with huge smiles and were waving away to provide me with a warm, morning greeting! I cannot begin to tell you how their small act of kindness melted my heart!
When I arrived to my desk with humble tears streaming down my face, I was once again mindful to "Why I do What I do" at our CCRC.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
The War in Afghanistan
political viewpoints. You also know that I am not afraid at all to enter
into a political debate (is this a future calling?) However, this particular
post is not intended to “spew” all of my political disgrace with the current
Administration, but to express my sincere gratitude to the men and
women of the United States Military—especially to my nephew Kevin.
Kevin and his Unit boarded a plane on Monday evening, August 16, 2010
to begin their tour in Afghanistan. Kevin serves in the U.S. Army and is
a highly, specialized combat soldier—so specialized that it sends chills
through my entire body. The thoughts of my nephew, a part of my flesh and
blood, in the heart of extreme evil and chaos is unsettling to say the least.
Hence, this war has taken on new meaning for me—it becomes much more
personal.
Deployment is not new for Kevin. As a 26-year-old young man, he has
already seen combat in a previous tour to Iraq. Although deployment is not
new, this particular assignment will be very new. He will be embedded in,
what is currently considered to be, the most volatile country in the world.
With that being said, it’s only natural for one to ask—why are we there?
I think we may have forgotten as to why we are there—most that are not
reported in the mainstream media. We are there to allow freedom to ring in
an extremely oppressed nation (oppression that we as Americans have never
known). We are there to provide young girls the freedom to attend school.
We are there to build hospitals and clinics that will provide necessary and
much needed care to the Afghan people. We are there to bring safety and
civil order to a nation who is accustomed to living under history’s first-ever
terrorist-sponsored regime. We are there to provide food to a near-starving
nation. We are there to help build and refurbish roads, bridges, buildings,
and waterways. My reasons as to why we are there could continue—
even down to the establishment of the first post-Taliban baseball league.
From the words of President George W. Bush, “Our soldiers wear the
uniforms of warriors, but they are also compassionate people. Routing
out the Taliban is important, but building a school is equally important.
As Americans, we believe in the demands of human dignity that apply to
every culture, in every nation. All people deserve equal justice, religious
tolerance. This is true in America. This is true in Afghanistan. This is true
everywhere.”
We’ve seen in Afghanistan that the road to freedom can be hard.
Thanks to women and men, such as my nephew Kevin, Afghanistan has
entered a new era of hope. A hope that is built on God-given values.
With the above being said, my heart has peace in knowing that God is
in control in Afghanistan. And with God being in control, I can trust
Him to watch over and protect Kevin. After all, God is a God of hope.
No weapon forged against you (Kevin) will prevail, and you (Kevin) will
refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants
(Kevin) of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17
Eat Pray Love
Did you get a chance to see the movie “Eat Pray Love?” Starring Julia Roberts, is a movie based on the true-life story of Elizabeth Gilbert. Elizabeth had found herself in the midst of divorce and broken relationships. While in the depths of a mundane career, she seeks out a chance encounter with a “medicine man.” (Traveling the globe and intentionally seeking out a medicine man seems hardly mundane to me!) Anyways, this chance encounter prompts Elizabeth to take a risk, a risk that seems crazy to some. However, a risk that takes her to Italy, India, and Bali. Through her journey of self-discovery, she literally discovers the meaning of Eat, Pray, and Love. To not fall into the category of a movie-spoiler, I won’t indulge in any more of the movie details!
So, why do I resonate or feel a special “connectedness” to this particular movie? To explain my answer, requires a risk on my part. A risk that opens myself to vulnerability and a glimpse into my life that is indeed personal. Well, if I’ve created a blog page and share sentiments such as “My personal journey of Life, Love, and Laughter” then you’re just going to have to bear with me—after all, this IS MY STORY!
About eleven years ago, I too, found myself on the verge of divorce. My marriage was definitely at a cross-roads and I had a decision to make. Was I going to stick out a marriage that I found to be so dissatisfying (at the age of 29!) or was I going to move forward with thoughts and temptations of “the grass is greener on the other side?” A decision that literally took me to internal depths that I never would have imagined that even existed!
Through a series of chance encounters of my own (and a reputation for exhibiting professional excellence), I was provided the opportunity to be a member of a professional team that would, like Elizabeth Gilbert, take me to another part of the world on a trip to India. For five weeks, I would live, eat, and pray with and amongst the nationals. Keeping in mind, I was still married. What did my husband say when I came home one afternnon and announced that I would shortly be boarding a plane to India? He, at this point, knew that there was nothing that he could say or do that would prevent me from going. Looking back, do I really believe that this trip was orchestrated as a chance? Not for a minute!
Long story short (and VERY personal details that are only reserved for a special few--sorry, not going to make it to my blog!), my entire being was exposed to sites, sounds, smells, fears, and feelings that I had truly never experienced before (as they were for Elizabeth Gilbert). Through this God-given adventure (and an adventure it was!) my life was literally transformed. Transformed to the extent that I did indeed discover who I was and who I wanted to be in the future. Now, ten years later, I am so grateful to say—I am still married to the same man that I left behind as I boarded that plane to India! My personal “LOVE” ending to Eat, Pray, and Love.
Oh-Oh, however, this movie has also “wettened” my appetite for a return trip to India--actually a trip that I have been praying about for some time (even before the movie!). Again, in my “silence,” we’ll see how God opens and closes the doors as He sees fit. I strongly feel that He is on the verge of something though--anybody willing to tag along for an adventure of a life-time? And that's exactly what it will be--an adventure of a lifetime!
So, why do I resonate or feel a special “connectedness” to this particular movie? To explain my answer, requires a risk on my part. A risk that opens myself to vulnerability and a glimpse into my life that is indeed personal. Well, if I’ve created a blog page and share sentiments such as “My personal journey of Life, Love, and Laughter” then you’re just going to have to bear with me—after all, this IS MY STORY!
About eleven years ago, I too, found myself on the verge of divorce. My marriage was definitely at a cross-roads and I had a decision to make. Was I going to stick out a marriage that I found to be so dissatisfying (at the age of 29!) or was I going to move forward with thoughts and temptations of “the grass is greener on the other side?” A decision that literally took me to internal depths that I never would have imagined that even existed!
Through a series of chance encounters of my own (and a reputation for exhibiting professional excellence), I was provided the opportunity to be a member of a professional team that would, like Elizabeth Gilbert, take me to another part of the world on a trip to India. For five weeks, I would live, eat, and pray with and amongst the nationals. Keeping in mind, I was still married. What did my husband say when I came home one afternnon and announced that I would shortly be boarding a plane to India? He, at this point, knew that there was nothing that he could say or do that would prevent me from going. Looking back, do I really believe that this trip was orchestrated as a chance? Not for a minute!
Long story short (and VERY personal details that are only reserved for a special few--sorry, not going to make it to my blog!), my entire being was exposed to sites, sounds, smells, fears, and feelings that I had truly never experienced before (as they were for Elizabeth Gilbert). Through this God-given adventure (and an adventure it was!) my life was literally transformed. Transformed to the extent that I did indeed discover who I was and who I wanted to be in the future. Now, ten years later, I am so grateful to say—I am still married to the same man that I left behind as I boarded that plane to India! My personal “LOVE” ending to Eat, Pray, and Love.
Oh-Oh, however, this movie has also “wettened” my appetite for a return trip to India--actually a trip that I have been praying about for some time (even before the movie!). Again, in my “silence,” we’ll see how God opens and closes the doors as He sees fit. I strongly feel that He is on the verge of something though--anybody willing to tag along for an adventure of a life-time? And that's exactly what it will be--an adventure of a lifetime!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Another Year Older
It’s hard to believe that another birthday has come and gone—where did the time go? If you haven’t noticed from my Facebook posts, celebrating my birhtday is one of my favorite past-times. To some, it’s just another day. To me, it’s another reminder of God’s plan for my life. He tells us in Psalms that he “created my inmost being; knit me together in my mother’s womb” and a portion of a poem by Russell Kelfer sums up these sentiments—“You are who you are for a reason. You’re part of an intricate plan. You’re a precious and perfect unique design, called God’s special woman (or man). You look like you look for a reason. Our God made no mistake. He knit you together within the womb, You’re just what he wanted to make…” This in itself is reason to celebrate! And celebrate, we shall! Thanks to my husband, my girlfriends, and my office girls, the month has been filled with parties, pampering, and lots of good eats! My heartfelt gratitude for making me feel so special—the way God intended as He was creating my uniqueness while still in my mother’s womb!
However, celebrating is just a component of my birthday importance. I also value the opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to another year--another year to pursue our dreams and goals, another year to find ways to utilize my gifts and talents in hopes of building God’s kingdom. Oh, so much work to do, but yet seems so little time (if the next year flew by as quickly as last year!) It appears that I’m planning on being “task” oriented or busy all of the time. Well, quite the contrary. Through several affirmations over the last couple of months, I’m choosing to be “silent” in the coming year. Silence that may lead to some tasks and busyness, but a silence that makes my days ahead specifically clear. So, what does silence look like?
In the recent Bible study, Thin Again, by Arthur and Judy Halliday—this is what they have to say about Silence:
“Silence is required for deep change to occur. We previously avoided this silent place because we have been afraid to experience the stillness. But it is only when we find ourselves silenced by the gravity of our condition that we can begin to experience the healing of the Great Physician. Slowing down and practicing the principles, we can meet our living God. Here, in the silence, God shows us what is in our hearts and speaks his response. In the silence we are stunned by what we hear. Not fury, not condemnation, but God’s voice declaring his love, compassion, mercy, and grace, and his promise to make us whole.” It goes on to say, “In order to savor life we must experience stillness—a stillness in our inner being; a stillness in our approach to life; a stillness that will lead to an intimate relationship with God.” An intimitate relationship with God--my heart's desire.
“Dear God, thank you that you have provided a way for me to live a holy life—not a perfect life but a life that allows me to come to you humbly just as I am. In the still silence of our intimacy, help me to listen for your voice as you instruct me and teach me. I pray that you will help me to set aside quiet time to be sensitive to your leading. I pray that you will help me not to hold back from an intimate loving relationship with you, and that I will allow you to use me to reach out in love to others who are hurting. Help me to let your light shine before many that they may see your good deeds and praise you! Thank you. Amen.”
So, the silence begins….
However, celebrating is just a component of my birthday importance. I also value the opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to another year--another year to pursue our dreams and goals, another year to find ways to utilize my gifts and talents in hopes of building God’s kingdom. Oh, so much work to do, but yet seems so little time (if the next year flew by as quickly as last year!) It appears that I’m planning on being “task” oriented or busy all of the time. Well, quite the contrary. Through several affirmations over the last couple of months, I’m choosing to be “silent” in the coming year. Silence that may lead to some tasks and busyness, but a silence that makes my days ahead specifically clear. So, what does silence look like?
In the recent Bible study, Thin Again, by Arthur and Judy Halliday—this is what they have to say about Silence:
“Silence is required for deep change to occur. We previously avoided this silent place because we have been afraid to experience the stillness. But it is only when we find ourselves silenced by the gravity of our condition that we can begin to experience the healing of the Great Physician. Slowing down and practicing the principles, we can meet our living God. Here, in the silence, God shows us what is in our hearts and speaks his response. In the silence we are stunned by what we hear. Not fury, not condemnation, but God’s voice declaring his love, compassion, mercy, and grace, and his promise to make us whole.” It goes on to say, “In order to savor life we must experience stillness—a stillness in our inner being; a stillness in our approach to life; a stillness that will lead to an intimate relationship with God.” An intimitate relationship with God--my heart's desire.
“Dear God, thank you that you have provided a way for me to live a holy life—not a perfect life but a life that allows me to come to you humbly just as I am. In the still silence of our intimacy, help me to listen for your voice as you instruct me and teach me. I pray that you will help me to set aside quiet time to be sensitive to your leading. I pray that you will help me not to hold back from an intimate loving relationship with you, and that I will allow you to use me to reach out in love to others who are hurting. Help me to let your light shine before many that they may see your good deeds and praise you! Thank you. Amen.”
So, the silence begins….
Friday, August 6, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to my Blog!
Thanks for taking the time to be interested in what's happening in my every-day life. I'm discovering that I enjoy "journaling" about my days, my hopes, my dreams, and sometimes even my disappointments. You'll also find that I have strong opinions on various subjects!
So why blog? In theory, blogging makes sense for a "natural-sharer" as myself (and only time will tell!) Over the last couple of years, I've found that by putting my thoughts down on "paper," helps keep me on track to achieving some of my dreams and aspirations (or the opportunity to blow off a little "constructive" steam!) And as I travel along this journey called "life," it will also serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His many blessings!
With all of the above being said, I hope you're up for an adventure! If so, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride (it may be a roller coaster at times)!
Linda
P.S. For a relaxing blog experience (which is indeed my intent), check out the YouTube stream at the bottom of my blog page. You can read, blog, and listen to the soothing sounds and messages of hope from Chris Tomlin (it may take a few seconds to load properly).
Thanks for taking the time to be interested in what's happening in my every-day life. I'm discovering that I enjoy "journaling" about my days, my hopes, my dreams, and sometimes even my disappointments. You'll also find that I have strong opinions on various subjects!
So why blog? In theory, blogging makes sense for a "natural-sharer" as myself (and only time will tell!) Over the last couple of years, I've found that by putting my thoughts down on "paper," helps keep me on track to achieving some of my dreams and aspirations (or the opportunity to blow off a little "constructive" steam!) And as I travel along this journey called "life," it will also serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His many blessings!
With all of the above being said, I hope you're up for an adventure! If so, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride (it may be a roller coaster at times)!
Linda
P.S. For a relaxing blog experience (which is indeed my intent), check out the YouTube stream at the bottom of my blog page. You can read, blog, and listen to the soothing sounds and messages of hope from Chris Tomlin (it may take a few seconds to load properly).
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