I’m not going to pretend
to give the impression I journal daily. I do, however, see tremendous value in writing
in a journal. I don’t habitually share my journaling with anyone else. Oops,
that sounds a bit selfish! (insert smile here)
Through journaling I
prepare myself for life or reflect on my life thus far. It offers me an
opportunity to ask myself how I am doing in life. Allow me to give you a peek
into my life through journaling. Please be patient with me as I bear my soul a
bit to you.
My
journal is a safe place for me. It is where I tell myself how at times I
want to scream at the craziness of the world. I feel like this when
I read newspaper headlines of the most recent terrorist attack somewhere in the
world. I scream out of fear, frustration and the folly of people.
My heart cries when I
hear of children who have been murdered. Even now tears come to my eyes as I
reflect on a recent interchange of a grieving grandfather who chatted with me. There
are other grandparents who have confided in me with similar stories. I keep all
such stories in my head or in my journal. How my heart aches for these dear
people. How my heart aches for these beautiful children.
My
journal is a “friend,” so to speak. I have a loving wife
and family but I must say I don’t have many close friends. I talk to my journal
the way I hope I could talk to a close friend, someone more ready to listen
than judge. It would be nice to have a friend or friends I could call or meet
anytime. We would be content in knowing
we can share our thoughts with each other.
My
journal is a “counselor” who I know listens to me. It is here I can pour
out my thoughts and emotions. I have listened to a lot of sad stories of experiences
people have suffered in their lives. Some things so horrible I haven’t even
told my wife. I have also heard of how people have endured in spite of their
suffering. Through journaling I process what I have listened to.
My
journal is a cheerleader, who gives me cause to smile and say, life can be
sweet! I love life! In spite of my screams and few times of rage at the
world, I love life. For the most part, I love people. I love too that God has
blessed me in my life and continues to do so. I don’t say this just to put a
positive spin on things. I say this because it is true.
I need a cheerleader now
and then. How about you? I also like to cheer for other people. As I say to
those who are hurting because of a sad experience in life, we are in this
together!
My dear writer family,
we are in this life together. How can we show our love one for the other? We
can cheer each other on in our journeys through life. We may even be close
enough geographically that we can be there to listen.
Father in heaven, you have called us to be writers.
Help us to see the beauty of each other’s words. Help us to be real with
ourselves as we journal. Help us to cheer each other on and to realize we are in this
together! Amen!
Blog: ScarredJoy@wordpress.com
