Open Your Present

The Mag #237

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: "I am with you kid. Let's go."
 ~Maya Angelou

They say that when you are riding in an airplane with a child that the proper procedure for emergency oxygen is to put the mask on yourself first and then on the child.  If you put it on the child first you may pass out before you can manage to get both safely on.  Then you are not conscious to make sure that the child keeps their mask in place or protect them in general.  This action proves to be true in more situations in life than just aircraft emergency codes. 

We get so caught up in trying to take care of those around us that we forget that if we do NOT take care of our self, that we are not much use in the care of someone ELSE.  We survive instead of thrive.  I believe that many women suffer from this mishap.  Instead of gaining strength and growing from rejuvenating in the light that God gave us first, we set our cares utterly aside and carry on the mission of lighting everyone else's fires.  As a result, we are listless and overwhelmed, running on what little steam we have left to get by.  So we end up going through life, not really enjoying the gifts it has to offer. 



Life is a packaged gift that was meant to be opened wide
tear off the wrapping like a 5 year old and toss it wildly to the side.

Take it into your hands and then hold it to your chest
like a prized trophy in gold you worked so hard to get.

Once you have it opened, keep it ever close
like a beautiful lover that you never want to go.

Enjoy all it has to offer with each experience and every kiss
cherish the moments and savor all of life's gifts.

For it was not meant to be cast aside like a vase upon a shelf
it is yours and what you make it, it can be poor or full of wealth.