Of Brevity and Chapstick Friends

Brevity. Not something I'm really good at, but it's high time for me to practice it. New buddy of mine, he's one of the co-hosts of the A-Z Challenge, wrote a great post today over at the main A-Z Challenge Blog. He outlined what we should pack in our April Survival Kit. First item? That brevity thing. I'm planning on taking his advice. I've not done so well on my “posting every other day” pre-challenge work-out routine. However, I've learned some good stuff from countless seminars, that though they were on a variety of topics, all stressed goal setting. We know that when we fail to meet a goal, the only thing to do is get back up and keep trying. We are not to let a set-back completely derail us. Each day is a new day. A try it again day. So here's me writing a brief post.

One of my pet peeves is when well-meaning people throw you the phrase, “I'll be praying for you!” at the end of a conversation. I suppose some people really mean it, but for the most part, I find it as heartfelt as the standard, “How are you!” greeting. You're supposed to say, “I'm good, how about you?” I've found that when I say, “It's a really crappy day today!” most don't know how to respond. I went off script and they stand there, speechless, as they try to improvise an answer.

I want my words to be meaningful. I don't think that's something that only writers look for. I want you to know that if I say, “I'll be praying for you!” I mean it. Personally, I believe that prayer should be included as a tool in every situation that enters my world. It's a cornerstone of my faith, and I've come up with a good way to remember to do what I've promised.

We all have personal habits that we repeat daily, or even multiple times daily. We brush our teeth, drive our kids to school, pass through that same intersection that's on our way to work. I use these everyday occurrences as a memory tool. I do a lot of praying in my car because mostly I'm alone, and I find it's a good time to have a talk with God. So if I say to you, “I'll be praying for you,” I usually share what the reminder will be.

For example, I have a friend from high school whose son has multiple health issues. I made him my chapstick friend. (For the record, it's the highest status. I put on chapstick a kabillion times a day.) Most of the time, I remember to ask for healing for him. I also have a blogging buddy down south who's having a rough time lately. I made her a chapstick friend, too.

I could use some prayer right now. Having respiratory issues again, same as the last two winters, only worse this year.  I've finished my three weeks of bed-rest (earned an extra week for showing up at the lung specialists office for a progress check, with a blood ox of 84.)  That's out of 100, and at 90 they marched me from my doctor's office to the hospital across the street.  Ok, not literally, but just about.  I'm healing so slowly, and feeling so frustrated about it.  Would you, if you're the praying kind, please pray for me?  I'd really appreciate it.

Brevity?  Not so much.  Guess I'll have to try again tomorrow...