Yep! “We keep gettin’ what we’ve got!”
And, it’s a useful strategy if what we’re getting is what we want.
You may have noticed, though, that it doesn’t always work! Here’s an example…
I’ve spent a good bit of my life thinking I was learning new things. And I was. I still am.
Remember back when calculators were new?
And microwaves?
And beepers?
Even antibiotics!
And the world has done a pretty great job of convincing us that new is inherently better than old.
Recently, though, I’ve decided to make intentional space for some old things.
Honestly, it hasn’t been easy.
It’s not as simple as new is good and old is bad.
Old is good and new is bad doesn’t work either.
Instead, we have to make choices. Choices in context. Choices based on what we’re trying to accomplish.
So, I’m celebrating the fact that one of The Legendary Husband’s new health strategies is helping.
And, at the same time, I’m learning really old strategies, like essential oils, to help with some of my challenges.
I’m learning Red Thread Circles even more deeply than before because they help with clarity and connection and community, which are huge needs in this world.
And early this morning, while I was dozing/pondering my hearth tending strategy for #work-in-progress Wednesday, I had an ah-ha moment.
In the world where I grew up – if you ignore Geometry class for the moment – Circle was a word for what church women did with coffee, while men set the budgets and made decisions and, well, preached sermons.
At some level of un-awareness, when I first began to sense a call to ministry, I seem to have left any notion of circle behind.
I traded what felt old for what felt new and brighter and shinier and more powerful.
And now I’m grateful to realize that we need both/and way more than either/or!
We need people – whatever their notion of gender might be – who can be in intentional communities where it’s safe to inquire and share and witness.
And we need people – whatever their notion of gender might be – who who can be in intentional communities tasked to assess and discern and lead.
It’s the feeling that we have to give up one to belong in the other that tears us apart and tragically limits all of us.
Part of living in a both/and world view is claiming our own ability to choose. For ourselves.
And also realizing that others will make different choices for themselves.
It isn’t easy. And, yes, it can be scary.
But, last week, the girls and I held our very own March on Washington. And, yes, I had my Good Trouble button on!
Because the world needs us – people who truly value each other and creating connections – to lead.
If you’re wondering how to move forward, I can help! JUST CLICK HERE … and bring all of you along on the path! Maybe even some red thread, though we can work up to that!
ps… today a new friend gave me an easy opportunity to practice a skill which still feels a bit scary sometimes. So, I’m going to practice again and invite you to come check out all the hope at FierceArtWithHeart! From original art to mugs and posters and archival prints, wander and wonder!