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The winter was just breaking enough for the children to run about and play outside on the weekends. There were new children joining in with the ones I had come to recognize from last summer. I asked the name of one of the new children and over the weeks we would exchange words as I worked in my yard, or sat outside on those particularly warm March and April days.
Whenever Raul would see me, he found time to fill me in on the latest news about his day. He was in the first grade and he shared that he was living with a foster care mother who had other foster children. Raul, however, was going to return to his original state once the school year ended. It was quite a distance away.
I was always amused when he would greet me because he started each sentence with “Guess what?” Sometimes, I would tease him letting him know he was on his third, “guess what”. Near spring recess he eagerly shouted, “Guess what?” to get my attention. I replied, “What?” He beamed that he had gotten A’s on his report card and the teacher thought he was doing well.
Praising his accomplishment, I told him that if he kept it up and got all A’s on his report card in June, I would buy him an ice cream cone to celebrate. He took me on. From time to time I would ask him how he was coming along in school and he appeared to be confident that he was continuing to do well.
School was out on Thursday and I looked for Raul to hear about his report card – hoping to see him that late afternoon before I left for a speaking engagement. I did not see him. Friday afternoon was busy and as I pulled in the back of the house, Raul was walking in my direction. I motioned for him to come to the car and I asked about the report card. He said, “ All A’s!” with a smile. He added that he had some 4’s and 3’s. I was not sure about what that meant and he assured me that they were good grades for his reading skills.
I praised his accomplishment and asked him what he wanted to be in Life. He said, “a Vet.”
I reassured him how wonderful that was and how possible for him. Upon asking him for his last name, he told me, and I gave him his full name with the “Dr.” added before it, telling him that would be his name once he achieved his goal.
“Guess this means that I owe you an ice cream”, I said, to which he replied, “You sure do!”
Inquiring about his schedule, he was unavailable on Saturday and he indicated that he was leaving for his new home on Sunday and would not be coming back. I looked at my watch and knew that I had to stop and keep my promise because he kept his. He told me the kind of ice cream and sprinkles he wanted, so off I went to get it, returning within 5 minutes.
This would be a farewell to Raul. I told him to promise me that he would always do his very, very best in school and that even if it might be difficult over the years living in different situations, that he would never let anyone take away his education from him, and to remember that he can be Dr. Raul _________. He promised.
Standing by my driver’s door with his ice cream, he looked at me with serious 7- year old eyes and said, “I will never ever forget you.”
It pierced me like an arrow in my gut and my eyes welled up with water.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
CREATING OUT OF ONE'S PASSION
I am inspired by older individuals who have begun new careers and vocations late in Life and who have a zeal for living, learning and creating well into their 80s and 90s. With patience and enthusiasm, they hone a new craft and exhibit mastery on hobbies that require skill like art and music.
I have become enthused by a digital journaling class that has me taking my camera with me daily for practice. In addition to weekly classes, the small group goes out to various locations for photo shoots together. As we are beginning to study the styles of renowned photographers to establish our personal preferences, after a shoot this weekend, the group spent time together in the library perusing the oversized photography books by such legends.
Several of these photographers have carried their passion for creating across fields and across media over a lifetime of hardships, accomplishments, and opportunities while diligently learning how to apply and expand their craft – producing and creating out of their passion well into their late 80s and 90s.
In sharpening the vision in my mind’s eye to the outward print, I have had several personal “aha” moments regarding my Life by engaging in this process of photographing, making prints, studying the qualities of the print, and journaling with words and pictures - my daily experiences. I invite you to contemplate two questions I have posed to myself in the process:
1. My creativity comes from where and goes where?
2. What is the next stretch – what will personally stretch me to the next level?
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
SURRENDER
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Years ago I took off to spend a considerable length of time in France, exploring the country at my leisure while driving and lingering where I pleased, for as long as I pleased.
I envisioned this trip to be a real adventure of going with the flow and being in the moment. I purposely did not plan hotel reservations and expected to call ahead as I went along. I also took a quick course in driving stick shift for the leased vehicle on order for my arrival.
Little did I know how much of an adventure awaited me: I arrived at the start of a national holiday when most countrymen vacation. It took some doing to find lodging for the first 4 days. My vehicle came with an instruction manual in French and German, and my rusty French was not ready for translating mechanical terminology. My car stalled often because I had not mastered the clutch. I barely knew where I was going because of the language barrier. Smoke and the smell of something electrical emanated from my dashboard on the first afternoon. On the third day, someone pointed out that my gas tank was releasing droplets of gasoline – which scared me sufficiently well after he indicated that the car could explode from a spark. Given this was a long holiday weekend, I could not service my vehicle until I could get to a city on the southern coast several days later.
Need I say that I was a distraught bundle of nerves and full of fear with all of these issues weighing on me? In addition, the exorbitant speed of vehicles on the autoroute was enough to frighten the stripes off a tiger.
I was wrought with worry that a spark might ignite the car. So many days of worry left me with no appetite. I could not take another minute of the stress. While driving, I remember calling out to God and saying aloud, “Maybe this car is going to blow up. Maybe I am going to crash because all of these speeding cars. I cannot stand another minute of this fright. But if this is your plan, so be it! It will happen while I am driving to the Riviera, because that is where I am headed!”
Then something happened. I heard a voice say, “There is that in me that is greater than that in the world.” Also, “God has given me dominion over all things.”
I was shocked to hear it and inspired by these biblical references (1 John 4:4 and Gen. 1:26). I became new. With this revelation I reminded myself that there was that in me that created the asphalt, the rubber tires, and the metal car! All along I was giving dominion to these things that were created by man and I was letting them run me!
I was new. My spirit was new. No more fear, no more worry. I just let go and knew that God was in charge. From that moment, things got better. I got to each destination with ease. I stopped worrying about the highway signs. I had the best lodging throughout my stay in splendid locations. The trip was so much better after I surrendered to God to take care of things for me. What a lesson.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Years ago I took off to spend a considerable length of time in France, exploring the country at my leisure while driving and lingering where I pleased, for as long as I pleased.
I envisioned this trip to be a real adventure of going with the flow and being in the moment. I purposely did not plan hotel reservations and expected to call ahead as I went along. I also took a quick course in driving stick shift for the leased vehicle on order for my arrival.
Little did I know how much of an adventure awaited me: I arrived at the start of a national holiday when most countrymen vacation. It took some doing to find lodging for the first 4 days. My vehicle came with an instruction manual in French and German, and my rusty French was not ready for translating mechanical terminology. My car stalled often because I had not mastered the clutch. I barely knew where I was going because of the language barrier. Smoke and the smell of something electrical emanated from my dashboard on the first afternoon. On the third day, someone pointed out that my gas tank was releasing droplets of gasoline – which scared me sufficiently well after he indicated that the car could explode from a spark. Given this was a long holiday weekend, I could not service my vehicle until I could get to a city on the southern coast several days later.
Need I say that I was a distraught bundle of nerves and full of fear with all of these issues weighing on me? In addition, the exorbitant speed of vehicles on the autoroute was enough to frighten the stripes off a tiger.
I was wrought with worry that a spark might ignite the car. So many days of worry left me with no appetite. I could not take another minute of the stress. While driving, I remember calling out to God and saying aloud, “Maybe this car is going to blow up. Maybe I am going to crash because all of these speeding cars. I cannot stand another minute of this fright. But if this is your plan, so be it! It will happen while I am driving to the Riviera, because that is where I am headed!”
Then something happened. I heard a voice say, “There is that in me that is greater than that in the world.” Also, “God has given me dominion over all things.”
I was shocked to hear it and inspired by these biblical references (1 John 4:4 and Gen. 1:26). I became new. With this revelation I reminded myself that there was that in me that created the asphalt, the rubber tires, and the metal car! All along I was giving dominion to these things that were created by man and I was letting them run me!
I was new. My spirit was new. No more fear, no more worry. I just let go and knew that God was in charge. From that moment, things got better. I got to each destination with ease. I stopped worrying about the highway signs. I had the best lodging throughout my stay in splendid locations. The trip was so much better after I surrendered to God to take care of things for me. What a lesson.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
PEOPLE I HAVE KNOWN
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I sat quietly Sunday morning listening to the chorus of birds chirping from the trees in the neighborhood. Rachmaninov and Chopin piano concertos played softly in the background. All were still. There were no motors revving over lawns. Children were still inside and there was quiet. In the stillness I began to think about people I have known and what they have done to add to my Life.
I decided to list their names and next the name, write what it is/was in the relationship that I appreciate and for which I have gratitude.
One friend came to mind because whenever I think of her and envision her in my mind’s eye, I think “joy, light, kindness, and love towards others”. She makes strangers and people who work in the capacity of serving, feel worthy.
What I hold dear is the living demonstration this person is for me to not take others for granted and to take time to add words of kindness and conversation to those whom I can overlook in my haste to complete a transaction.
This person has a remarkable gift that is brought to others. That is why it is uplifting to be in her radiant presence.
This week, I invite you to think about those individuals who have added to your Life and to practice awareness of others with whom you are in contact. Add a blessing to them in your interaction.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
I sat quietly Sunday morning listening to the chorus of birds chirping from the trees in the neighborhood. Rachmaninov and Chopin piano concertos played softly in the background. All were still. There were no motors revving over lawns. Children were still inside and there was quiet. In the stillness I began to think about people I have known and what they have done to add to my Life.
I decided to list their names and next the name, write what it is/was in the relationship that I appreciate and for which I have gratitude.
One friend came to mind because whenever I think of her and envision her in my mind’s eye, I think “joy, light, kindness, and love towards others”. She makes strangers and people who work in the capacity of serving, feel worthy.
What I hold dear is the living demonstration this person is for me to not take others for granted and to take time to add words of kindness and conversation to those whom I can overlook in my haste to complete a transaction.
This person has a remarkable gift that is brought to others. That is why it is uplifting to be in her radiant presence.
This week, I invite you to think about those individuals who have added to your Life and to practice awareness of others with whom you are in contact. Add a blessing to them in your interaction.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
THE VALUE OF WHAT YOU SAY
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When my son was younger and was directed by me to do something, occasionally he would ask, “Why?” There were times when I would give him a reason and at other times I would respond, “Because I said so.” I might have added, “And for no other reason!”
Such it is with Life, you command your thoughts and actions and you go where your thoughts take you. There are days when we would rather not do something because we don’t feel like it. There may be times that we would rather do something else but we said that we would do an activity with someone. What to do?
There is power in doing what you said you would do – holding to the integrity of your word. People learn that they can count on you and you learn that you can count on you….because you said so.
This can be a useful tool to get something done when you rather not, or to elevate your mood when you rather give in and give up. Give yourself a command that positively states a desired outcome, or describes how you would like to feel. Because you said so, and for no other reason, do what is necessary to bring about the desired outcome. It may take practice, yet after a short time, you are likely to notice that you can leverage low ambition or desire into fruitful outcomes.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
When my son was younger and was directed by me to do something, occasionally he would ask, “Why?” There were times when I would give him a reason and at other times I would respond, “Because I said so.” I might have added, “And for no other reason!”
Such it is with Life, you command your thoughts and actions and you go where your thoughts take you. There are days when we would rather not do something because we don’t feel like it. There may be times that we would rather do something else but we said that we would do an activity with someone. What to do?
There is power in doing what you said you would do – holding to the integrity of your word. People learn that they can count on you and you learn that you can count on you….because you said so.
This can be a useful tool to get something done when you rather not, or to elevate your mood when you rather give in and give up. Give yourself a command that positively states a desired outcome, or describes how you would like to feel. Because you said so, and for no other reason, do what is necessary to bring about the desired outcome. It may take practice, yet after a short time, you are likely to notice that you can leverage low ambition or desire into fruitful outcomes.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
ENJOY YOUR BLESSINGS
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I was a keynote speaker this past weekend at a church women’s luncheon. In that speech, I explored daily practices that would encourage their spirit and ensure execution of their authority in the Kingdom of God so that they could produce the things they desired in their lives for the glory of the Lord.
In the list of things was my suggestion to: Enjoy the things with which you have been Blessed.
I asked, “What things do you own that you never use? Why? For what are you saving them? Do you own things that you find are too good to use? Finally, “What does that say about how you value yourself, or your trust in the Lord’s ability to add to you and to give you increase?”
I spoke about my grandmother who had a long, rose colored chenille bathrobe that was kept in a mysterious hall closet with a skeleton key, when I was a child. She would say, “That robe is for when I get sick.” Or, “in case I have to go to the hospital (she wanted to look good).”
She was basically in good health during her Life, yet, about once a year she would take to the bed with her rose robe and be ill for 3 or 4 days, with moaning, upset stomach, and everyone tending to her. The robe would never be used the rest of the year.
In her later years, it went with her to the hospital for the various times she had eye surgery – and she would moan and get into character of being really sick. Likewise, she had sets of towels that never got used because they were “for company”, or they were “for display”.
What do you have that could add to the fullness of your Life that is locked in a closet, on display in the china closet, or wrapped somewhere and out of sight?
You can’t recapture today.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
I was a keynote speaker this past weekend at a church women’s luncheon. In that speech, I explored daily practices that would encourage their spirit and ensure execution of their authority in the Kingdom of God so that they could produce the things they desired in their lives for the glory of the Lord.
In the list of things was my suggestion to: Enjoy the things with which you have been Blessed.
I asked, “What things do you own that you never use? Why? For what are you saving them? Do you own things that you find are too good to use? Finally, “What does that say about how you value yourself, or your trust in the Lord’s ability to add to you and to give you increase?”
I spoke about my grandmother who had a long, rose colored chenille bathrobe that was kept in a mysterious hall closet with a skeleton key, when I was a child. She would say, “That robe is for when I get sick.” Or, “in case I have to go to the hospital (she wanted to look good).”
She was basically in good health during her Life, yet, about once a year she would take to the bed with her rose robe and be ill for 3 or 4 days, with moaning, upset stomach, and everyone tending to her. The robe would never be used the rest of the year.
In her later years, it went with her to the hospital for the various times she had eye surgery – and she would moan and get into character of being really sick. Likewise, she had sets of towels that never got used because they were “for company”, or they were “for display”.
What do you have that could add to the fullness of your Life that is locked in a closet, on display in the china closet, or wrapped somewhere and out of sight?
You can’t recapture today.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
WHEN THE BEST THING TO DO IS NOTHING
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Every so often I notice that I run into an extended period where things break and require repair – with altered daily routines that invariably throw me off-track. There are complications with business transactions, contracts, and accounts during this time period and there are external delays for promised goods, services, or whatever is needed.
Over the past two weeks, I have experienced several of these in addition to the revelation that an out-of-state relative was ill, but uncooperative to any intervention and assistance from others. While action for him was required, no action could be taken except speculative communication by and among extended family members scattered about various states.
It felt that every avenue was blocked to me during this time period. While necessary steps to get things repaired were underway, it was going to take a week. Projects were on hold because necessary input from others was not forthcoming. There were two disappointments with business endeavors, and so on. I even began to notice how frequently my path was blocked while driving during this period. Frequently, road repairs required detours that added to my drive time. I noticed that although I was driving in a relaxed manner and not rushing, a vehicle would turn into the road just before me and go at a much slower pace. I understood, with a smile on my face.
I have been here before. It is frustrating to say the least. There were moments during this time that I expressed my anger, as well. There were moments of sadness at the impact some of these events had, and there was quiet laughter at the spectacle of the whole thing – because I understood. Most of all, there was a lot of prayer, quiet time, a declaration that God was working things out in His own time, and there was the morning last week that I realized, “The best thing I can do today is nothing about any of these things: absolutely nothing.”
I did not attempt to do any business or solve any problems, and I let others handle what they needed to handle. I took a mental vacation and spent the day outdoors. I planted flowers and walked in the park. In the evening, I went to the mall to browse, came home and watched television, then went to bed early. Each day since then I took a break from doing business projects and filled my days with relaxing activities. Already, three things have resolved themselves.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
Every so often I notice that I run into an extended period where things break and require repair – with altered daily routines that invariably throw me off-track. There are complications with business transactions, contracts, and accounts during this time period and there are external delays for promised goods, services, or whatever is needed.
Over the past two weeks, I have experienced several of these in addition to the revelation that an out-of-state relative was ill, but uncooperative to any intervention and assistance from others. While action for him was required, no action could be taken except speculative communication by and among extended family members scattered about various states.
It felt that every avenue was blocked to me during this time period. While necessary steps to get things repaired were underway, it was going to take a week. Projects were on hold because necessary input from others was not forthcoming. There were two disappointments with business endeavors, and so on. I even began to notice how frequently my path was blocked while driving during this period. Frequently, road repairs required detours that added to my drive time. I noticed that although I was driving in a relaxed manner and not rushing, a vehicle would turn into the road just before me and go at a much slower pace. I understood, with a smile on my face.
I have been here before. It is frustrating to say the least. There were moments during this time that I expressed my anger, as well. There were moments of sadness at the impact some of these events had, and there was quiet laughter at the spectacle of the whole thing – because I understood. Most of all, there was a lot of prayer, quiet time, a declaration that God was working things out in His own time, and there was the morning last week that I realized, “The best thing I can do today is nothing about any of these things: absolutely nothing.”
I did not attempt to do any business or solve any problems, and I let others handle what they needed to handle. I took a mental vacation and spent the day outdoors. I planted flowers and walked in the park. In the evening, I went to the mall to browse, came home and watched television, then went to bed early. Each day since then I took a break from doing business projects and filled my days with relaxing activities. Already, three things have resolved themselves.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
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