Seriosityness and Red Vines

The Topical Bloggers.  The group, albeit small at this time, that weekly write on what is presented as a singular subject. I suppose if you want a glimpse into how a person's mind really works, their written thoughts are the window to the soul, especially since the Topical Bloggers give that glimpse in written form.

Not a very profound statement, if you ask me.  And that's what this week's topic is all about:  Our Recent Most Profound Insights.  And here is mine:

I've been dealing with some serious stuff lately (who hasn't?).  But the stuff isn't life - it's just part of life.  Life is meant to be full of family, friends, love, laughter, spa days, new shoes, and Red Vines!  The serious stuff makes what makes what life is meant to be so much sweeter.

It's a lot of hard work, dealing with the seriosityness of life.  Oh, and in case you're wondering, "seriosityness" is in fact a word.  If you google it, you'll see it has been used by other people in their own writings.  Anyway, back on topic.  If kept to ourselves, seriosityness leads to a whole host of health issues, including stress, stomach ulcers, insomnia, headaches, irritability, and people just not wanting to be around us.  No, seriosityness is meant to be shared with one another.  Notice I said "shared" and not "dumped on."  Just as my serious stuff is my serious stuff, yours is yours.  Just like our toys, what is mine is mine, but when I am willing to share I know I'll get it back.

Sharing ... that was the word I was given on my Epiphany Star at the beginning of 2010.  (For more on the Epiphany Star tradition click here.)  Think about it ... if you have a group of people sharing their seriosityness issues, you might think that the serious stuff would multiply, no?  But it's just the opposite.  The more you and I share our seriosityness, the easier it becomes to bear.  Because we made the decision to share, it is no longer just you or just me carrying the load; you and I now have my friends and family helping us, whether through sharing similar experiences, advice, helping each other see just a bit of silliness in the seriosityness, or just praying to find Jesus' unforced rhythms of grace.  The issue is still returns to its rightful owner, but sharing brings the joy of bonding with friends and family, and with that come spa days, new shoes and Red Vines.  Well, maybe not so many spa days and new shoes.

But there are always Red Vines!


"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." - Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)