Real life in real time. Do you live like those reality show participants? If you imagine cameras around all day, you will want to be on your best behavior at all times. The cameras make people accountable. Of course, many reality people do not care what others think of them. They do not think they affect the lives of others. I wish they didn’t but I’ve learned that they do make a huge impact on those who are continually watching their shows.
The actions and happenings during our conscious daily life are reality.
People who star in reality shows often say that the programming is engineered for drama much of the time. Real life happenings become staged, enhanced and exaggerated.
Reality in our daily lives is often more mundane and more predictable. Sometimes we are bored or distracted. We long for energy, laughter and excitement. Times of silence, meditation, prayer and renewal are treasured also. A balance of our alone time with God, our fun with friends, devotion to family and special events is important. When we think that just a few years ago no one had ever heard of reality TV; it is quite a change.
I think of talk radio and opinionated TV programs as reality. These shows are at the very least, reality for the hosts. I find that often they talk in the manner that I am not associating with reality of the general population. This is more self-centered reality and then I smile. Aren’t we all into our own realities?
Our reality. What is it? What is important and do we make that real? Do I focus on being what and who I was born to be? Do I satisfy my Lord in my service and commitments? Am I the hands, feet and lips of the ‘most perfect one’?. What a difficult reality it is but a desired progressive daily path of being truly, really genuine about my heart’s desires.
TV programs can be all fluff or all arguments. They can be all laughs or all downers. They can carry the ridiculous to new heights.
Our lives are to be led by truth. We are to be authentic because of our Creator. We are to reach for a higher standard at all times and live into it! We are to embellish our lives with the lavish love of God and his goodness.
Can we be real? Are we feeling vulnerable? I have a speaking engagement coming soon and I was asked to talk not only about becoming an author, but also about ‘staying fresh in my relationships”. I am asked how I have worked through life remaining fresh with others and with my God. It seems like a tall order and a bit unveiling of my actions and attitudes (as if writing a book isn’t open enough). But I will do it.
I will talk about forgiveness, God’s grace, examples of times where I could have carried hurt and betrayal. I could have questioned God and his plan. I could have held grudges but chose to move forward. I do not dwell in the past. I do not dwell there. Why be stuck in the days that are long gone? Instead, choose to look toward the light, toward the future promised. I have had an exceptionally loving life. I have had continual support but there are times I can search my memory and conclude; they were definitely trying times.
There were people I would have just dismissed. There were thoughts that were not friendly. There were disappointments that seemed huge but perseverance and grace draped over me – along with a desire to move forward into light.
How can we live in our own reality while proving progress and while focusing on our personal mission?
Progress for me is trusting that God knows what he’s doing; trusting that he will place in me his desires that they become my desires. Following his still sure voice every day. Sharing his examples of love, joy, peace, gentleness, humility, faith and compassion to others who step into my path.
Be real. Be authentic. Be true. Be proud that God made you the only one like you.
You are valuable. You are worthy of mention. What you have to say is important. You deserve respect. We can be more today than we were yesterday when we keep these thoughts in mind.
Strive to not only survive but to live with a newness and an exciting expectancy every day.
Bloom, wherever you are, in every way, every day!
Jan R. Miesse's Blog 