I am a jungle gym set in quicksand,
tired of being middle man and not knowing what I want of where I stand.
I listen and sink as you climb,
taking thought for your welfare and not mine.
I'm getting lost
and I don't have time
to do it all,
save us all,
clear up the confusion and still be standing.
My priorities are obviously a bit mixed up
as I get stuck.
from September 19th, 2010...
"People are human; we are not perfect. That is hard to accept, that we will not ever be perfect in this life, but oh, how it brings me peace to try and let that sink into my heart. I do not have to be perfect. It isn't possible. I just have to be me, the best me. If someone doesn't love me for that identity, God still will and I can have self love and self respect for staying true to that."
*Although I need to serve others, being a jungle gym sure is a lot easier when I remember to keep my priorities straight. God comes first. Staying true to myself comes next. Then helping others and loving others, while not denying who I am or what I believe.
poem written 1-9-2010
I love the image of someone climbing on a jungle gym that's sinking-it's a very apt description of what it's like to neglect yourself and let others' needs come before your own. I agree with your statement. Even though sometimes it seems to be at odds with the idea of being selfless and concerned about others, we really can't love and take care of others if we don't love and take care of ourselves first.
ReplyDeleteOn airplanes, they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first (should the need arise) before helping someone else, the reason being that if you help him/her first, you might just pass out and then not be able to either yourself or him/her.