Epiphany (God Bless You!)

Like sneezes, epiphanies seem to sneak up and hit me. Sometimes they are enjoyable, sometimes a bit messy! Ultimately, we need to have the same reaction to epiphanies as we do sneezes - and if you are one of those people who sneezes seven times in a row, God bless you!

Epiphany #1 - My parents are not perfect?!
Hard to believe, I know. Are they not stunning?
They raised my siblings and me with positive self-esteem, confidence, morals, plenty of Lucky Charms, and Spaghetti O's. The oh-so-typical American family I would not trade for the world.
It was not until I began to think for myself that I realized I would handle situations differently than they did. In the moment of realizing my parents are people - with struggles, biases, stubbornness, bad hair days, and stains on their clothes - I found friends. My parents went from perfect parents, to imperfect treasures. They are a wealth of wisdom, strength, support, and love. It is not a negative realization, rather an amazing opportunity to learn more about each as individuals and learn to love them in new, more real ways. - God bless you.


Epiphany #2 - There are immature adults?!
The difficult member during group projects...
The judgmental high school girls...
The kid who always asked what grade you got on the test...
The cheaters...

Yup! In the workplace, through mutual friends, or at the grocery store, these groundhogs pop in and out of your life. I was amazed to discover after leaving college that I did not leave these stereotypical personalities behind. Upon receiving a diploma, did we not also receive common sense? A bit more wisdom? Some compassion? Self-motivation?
Nope! Instead we are given the great opportunity to perfect ourselves in the way we deal with these characters. To all those people who provide me with this opportunity - God bless you.

Epiphany #3 - Work to Live or Live to Work?!
At a hotel room in Orlando, Florida I was notified my mother's cancer was inoperable and not curable. I had another day and an entire flight home to determine whether my 60+ hr/wk job and weekly travel was worth the sacrifices I had made in my life:
- My family relationships
- My spirituality
- My friendships
- Community Involvement
- Travel
My perspective changed from desiring the satisfaction of a prominent and successful career to desiring a well-rounded, enriched life. Success could no longer be defined by salary - how often do we try to force the triangle to fit inside the square before giving in? Success is my level of happiness - I work to live and for those who do the same - God bless you.

What epiphanies do we receive throughout life?
I started with three, although there are many more. You may have learned the same lesson at an older or younger age. You may have yet to learn the above. What are your favorite epiphanies?

How do they change our perspectives, and lifestyles?
I am happy to say each epiphany has increased my understanding of the world. Some may say I lead a sheltered life but I believe, regardless of the great American childhood, you are bound to open your eyes - is it not interesting that we close our eyes even tighter right before we sneeze?

He Loves Me... if?

During a walk, I picked up a beautiful fall flower and, to rekindle pastimes, I picked the first petal... He Loves Me! With the second petal, I could not help but wonder... He Loves Me Not?! Thus began a frenzy of thought - what would it take for me to lose someone's love? Better yet, what conditions do I place on other people - He Loves Me... if?



Wiki-nition - Unconditional Love: to love someone regardless of his or her actions or beliefs.

action: something done or performed; an act that is consciously willed (mental or physical); effect or influence

belief: an opinion or conviction; confidence in truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof

There are many relationships in our lives - siblings, parents, friends, spouses, boy/girlfriends, teachers, students, coworkers, bosses, coaches, teammates, therapists, religious leaders, strangers...

Do all of these relationships deserve unconditional love - do any?
At first glace we immediately jump to the spouse as a relationship deserving of unconditional love. However there are actions some of us may justify as grounds for ending that relationship - are we really loving unconditionally... At what point in relationships do we turn the switch from conditional to unconditional?

What conditions do we place on love (any relationship)?
Loves Me... if I love back
Loves Me Not... if I do not share political views
Loves Me... if I call to keep in touch monthly
Loves Me Not... if I hang out with their enemies

All Dogs go to Heaven?

You may think I am keeping it light, but I have found people are passionate about their pets..

Are pets capable of loving?
Many people love their pets, but do pets love in return? They are beings capable of great obedience and affection - in some ways we as humans could take some lessons! However, what would differentiate humans from other beings if not - love? If we are the only species capable of exchanging love, are we kidding ourselves with pets, or do we understand they are a means of affection and therefore are fulfilling in our lives?

Do all dogs go to heaven?
Will we see our pets in heaven and live with them eternally? Many people feel their pets are a member of the family - some pets lasting over a decade. If they have such a great stake in our family memories, perhaps a place at the dinner table (or under the dinner table), do they have a place by our side in heaven, too?

Thinking outside the box...

We are defined, biased beings; whether it be traditions, religions, political affiliations, or regional cultures. We hold opinions in everything important to us - and what is important differs as much as our opinions.

I am continually impressed and amazed by how we choose to think - yes, it is definitely a choice. Are you open to understanding where others have come from, or do you pass judgment too quickly?

Welcome to the box of ideas, opinions, and understanding. No question is meant to offend, merely provide new, respectful perspectives. It's - The Fehrenbox.