Tuesday, March 13, 2012

the ability to bless others

Today was a good day! I don't often say that, so I know you'll take note of it...

The ability to bless others is really such a gift. Literally. I had the privilege to go to a friend who works very hard on her horse farm and give her a monetary gift that my stepdad wanted her to have. He wanted to bless her, and I was the avenue that allowed that to happen. Marial Ophardt has been one of the people in my recent life who have had a very special influence. She used to be part of a volunteer organization that I'm still a part of, and her diligence, steadfastness, and never ending hard work have made a big impact on me as a person. She loves horses like nothing else in life, and she has such a wealth of wisdom and love to offer, not only to the animals, but to us. I love listening to her talk about the horses she cares for, the amount of effort she puts into their care and well being, and the love she puts into every day. She is such a simply lovely person, I just can't tell you enough.

Her farm has seen harder times, but she has withstood any number of storms in life in order to be where she is today. She never takes time off - she can't, really. She is the farm, and the farm is her. She has help, and a few paid workers who come in to help with cleaning stalls, grooming, feeding, watering, etc. But Marial is the backbone of the farm, and it shows. She knows so much about each animal... she cares for 18 horses right now, plus a dog, chickens, and her favorite past time - her grandson Owen. I was able to meet Owen today, and he has just as much enthusiasm for the animals as she does. You can sense the joy in her heart when she's with him, and it's lovely.

The gift my stepdad gave today was a real blessing to Marial, and she went on and on about what she was going to do with it. There are 5 rescue horses from a farm in Pavilion that she's taken in by the goodness of her heart. She doesn't get paid or compensated for her work or food, shelter or care. One of the horses she took on is named Makailah, and she has a few health issues that have been a concern. Today, Marial was lit up by the reality that she could afford to bring in a veterinarian who will take care of Makailah's teeth. No one can get near her teeth at this point, but by giving her a tranquilizer and propping her jaw open, the vet will be able to see what's going on, and hopefully make a difference, so Makailah can begin to gain weight. Marial has a special place in her heart for this horse, and for her well being, and to have the money to help her now, rather than wait, was better than she could express. She wants to photograph the horse, write to my stepdad and mom with her progress, and give them all sorts of updates and thanks for their simple gift. What an impact just a small donation to a needy animal can do!

Keep that in mind when you think about supporting good causes - even a small gift can mean life and death to the animal you're giving to. Be blessed my friends! It's a good way to feel GREAT!

Monday, March 12, 2012

what makes people tick...

I don't know much about people, evidently. Somehow I expect more than I get over and over, yet never seem to learn from it, or lower my standards. What keeps that fire of belief lit within my heart? What causes us to continue with a shred of hope in others?

I've had friends recently who have been at odds with other friends because of teen issues that come up among girls in the same school/classes/clicks/etc. These things have gotten worse in our society, although I have no point of personal reference aside from what these friends share with me. What has come to me from their struggles via their children is that each of us holds some tiny shred of hope in others, no matter how small. We all have this ideal scenario of how a relationship should go, or what should or shouldn't happen within a friendship. The people who end up with no hope are the ones who eventually cut ties, alienate themselves, and commit suicide. It's true... not that I want to make that a huge point.

Lately I've been jaded by people, and have been more of a creeper on Facebook rather than a participant. I see what others are posting, find little to no interest in anything, and fail to create my own posts or much of any commentary. I used to really love making people laugh on my posts... but I've lost the hope I had in others somehow. Maybe my perspective has been skewed since I spend most of my time alone... in fact yes, it has become skewed. I need more than I had before, and realizing that has caused me to remove myself from others' view, in order to not show them how very much I need them. I don't like being needy, and I hate being seen as such. It isn't acceptable to me, and I fight it tooth and nail. People who recognize the issue are a spare few.  People who either don't care enough or don't see it, I feel better knowing I can fool you in some way, and refuse to believe that you don't care, purely out of self preservation.

Children are also very needy - and more than willing to do whatever it takes to be important to someone other than the people they live with. It's scary what kids will go through for approval from someone they admire or want to be friends with. There are no rules anymore... kids push to the breaking point, and then push harder. They want to see the person of their disdain squirm. It makes bullying so rewarding - to know the power you have over someone else. The reality of all of that is that there will be winners and losers. Populars and unpopulars... the great and the unnoticed. The forgotten... the ones who even teachers and authority figures seem to miss and the Ideals - those who are impossible to miss. How has it gotten to this? I don't have any answers, only deep sadness and fear of the worst. Friendships aren't as deep and staying as they were when I was young. I still have friends from grade school... but the relationships between young girls now don't seem to be as long term. Neediness seems to never go away...

Meanwhile, I'm trying to make a decent collaboration between my experience and the kids being bullied and I think I've failed. What I have to say is sometimes pointless and without meaning, or meaningless and without point... Either way I'm giving up. Take away what you want... hopefully I haven't shit all over your belief in people, or in me.