We Are Born-and After Birth

We Are Born – And After Birth

I was born.  That is all.  My destiny was yet to

be written. 

No one pushed my baby carriage and carried a sign proclaiming me as the next great drummer, or singer or writer.  No, no.  I was only a baby, who cried a lot, pooped a lot, slept a lot and that was that. 

What I became was due in part, to influence.  My Dad was a minister.  That meant I was in church a lot and heard a whole lot of southern gospel music.  I’m certain that influenced my music development later on, but even then, I had to learn note names, scales, tonal references and all other musical theories to get me along the way in my music years as a conductor, arranger, drummer and music minister. 

Michelangelo was not born a sculptor nor painter.  He was introduced to those elements along the way, but they were not noticeable at birth.  He had grit, determination and a strong will, but he wasn’t born an artist.  He worked hard at becoming one.

We learn skills along the way.  We observe, we read and study, we mimic, we practice, and we learn some more.

And then we become. 

I don’t know where the writing bug came from that has afflicted me.  No one hit me over the head with some ancient scrolls, or stuck a pen in my hand at age one.  I wasn’t born to be a writer. 

I wasn’t born to be anything except me. 

Me.  Who am I?

I am the sum of all the influences that have crossed my path.  I am a little bit gospel, a southern gentleman, in many regards I am self-educated though I have a BS degree.  I’ve dabbled in a lot of careers and have had some pretty good success.  But was I born to any of them?

Nada.

It seems to me that we are products of our influences rather than a birthright.  My parents, siblings, accumulated lifelong friendships, teachers, church people, education and reading material have all contributed to whoever or whatever I have become. 

They have helped me form my belief system, my value system and develop my compass bearings. 

Somewhere along the way, I’ve managed to understand a few core principles.

~I am responsible for ME.

~I get to make choices for ME.

~I can learn from life and improve or blame life, or wallow in self-pity, but choose I must.

Yes, you and I were born.

Now, what are we going to do about that?

This is my morning reflection.

Morning Notes Blog Site

Words of Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Surgery Has Changed Me

Surgery Has Changed Me

Yes indeed.  Surgery has changed me. 

I’ve been wanting to resume my writing schedule for a few weeks now.  However, the ideas and my attention span didn’t cooperate.  I’ve had more than a few ideas during this time, but had no pen and paper or my computer at hand to capture them.  My loss. 

I’ve attempted to write a post no less than six times since December 18 (my

surgery date) and have closed out the document because it was empty.  I wonder if my creativity is like a muscle and I’ve lost some tone and conditioning due to inactivity?  The desire is there but the desired results are missing. 

If so, then this is my attempt at reconditioning my mind to get back into the business of producing words and ideas of hope, encouragement and inspiration. 

I had breakfast with my friend Tom today.  He jump-started my thinking by saying … just write and let us know you are okay.

So here goes … I am okay.  More than okay.  I’m on the mend.  I’m not 100% yet but the doctor okayed me to drive now that my dizziness has mostly subsided.  I am free from pain, I have lost muscle tone and not just in the creativity area.  I’m down 30+ pounds and my belt is in the smallest notch, so all of that is a change. 

I move slower than ever. 

I’ve read 2 excellent books during recovery so far.

I’m caught up on all the Hallmark Christmas moves for a few years.

I’m eating differently w/better discernment.

I’m a bit more emotional.  Reflecting on what I’ve been through and the kindness of family and friends moves me more. 

I’ve got to tell you this … when I awakened at 6:23PM on the 18^th I was a very happy man.  Even in my groggy state, I was aware of a gracious and faithful God who brought me through that procedure. 

The other changes will play out over the next weeks and months.

For now … I’m happy to be here, seeing the lovely face of Carolyn and our family, and the life I’ve been granted.

And with a deep awareness of you, my readers and friends, who have extended the hand of friendship, love, prayers and kind healing thoughts to me on this journey.

This is my morning reflection.

Morning Notes Blog Site

Words of Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time