"...then you will know the truth

and the truth will set you free."   John  8:32.  "The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable."  ~Attributed to James A. Garfield
I remember having discussions, debates and arguments about "The Truth" while I was a student at Bowling Green State University.  Now, I'm ready to move on. 

I do believe the truth will set us free, however, I think there may be times in our lives when the truth may rock our worlds.  When we seek truth in our daily lives I think we look for the following:

1. Accurate perceptions regarding our behavior and the behavior of those around us.
2. Clarity regarding exactly why we do what we do.
3. Confidence in where we place our faith.
4. Wisdom to allow us to speak accurately to help others.

Finding the truth in a situation requires:

1. Understanding the context and environment involved.
2. Patience to gather all the facts.
3. Bravery to look in the right places and follow through with tact.
4. Discipline to manage the information wisely and constructively.
5. An ability to look through a lense that allows us to see our world the way it really is.

Our next "Transformation" gathering is going to be on "whatever is true."

Parental Temper Tantrums

The idea behind counting 1-2-3...take 5 is that numbers only are counted.  Words are not used to explain reasons for bad behavior.  According to 1-2-3 Magic for Christian Parents, adding explanations and comments to this discipline approach can distract the child from the consequence of poor behavior.  It can take a child's focus off the possibility of good behavior and put it on the prospect of an enjoyable and energetic argument. 

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tounge of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Finding the right person

at the right time can sometimes be a challenge.   But, it can make a world of a difference.  This impacts whether or not the job is done properly.  Reaching out to others, building relationships and being willing to take emotional risks enhances our ability to connect with the right people at the right time.

Be the right person

at the right time...all the time.  Our experience yesterday (Elbow dislocation then relocation at ACH) has really inspired me to continue striving to be the best person I can to help others.   Being a Physical Therapist who works with people battling dizziness, I am regularly reminded of the power of people being connected with people who truly know what they are doing. 

Yesterday, I experienced the value of working with excellent people personally.  It makes me want to keep getting better, keep growing, keep creating, keep designing, keep thinking outside of the box and to love others.

Specialists

Today, I was reminded of the value of seeing the right people at the right time for problems we may have.  My son dislocated his elbow this afternoon.  We took him to Akron Children's Hospital where he was immediately taken into a room in the ED.  He then saw a great Pediatrician who relocated his elbow with minimal discomfort within seconds.   There were no unnecessary tests (such as x-rays) performed.  It was outstanding.   We were in and then out of the ED at ACH within about 30 minutes.

Thanks to Dr. T for being so good at what you do.  The popsicle and stickers you used to assure Isaac could move his right arm were the perfect finishing touch to a job well done.

Walking to school every day

I had a client in his 80s come and see me the other day.  He was frustrated that he was late because  a school bus had stopped several times to pick up children who would be attending their school that was within walking distance.  He stated, "When I was a kid, we walked to school every day no matter what the conditions were like outside."  He said, "Of course, that was in the 1930s."

Hearing him say this made me pause and think, "Who will tell the 'I had to walk to school' stories once this generation passes?"  I believe our "Greatest Generation" has a strong understanding of how good we have it these days.  They know what it was like to live in times of very little and through several wars.   There is something more meaningful about hearing this message straight from a person who lived in the moment than reading about it in a book.  We have got to learn as much from our elders as possible before it is too late.   .