It seems fitting that I was tagged by my blogging friend, Mark, on my first week of substitute teaching AND my fifth blogging anniversary. Before I play, I need to get something off my heart:
A game of tag was going on about 50 yards away. Screams and yells pierced the air as a crew of cuties tangled into a pretzel. They started to scatter at the sound of a nearby whistle. As I approached them, part of the pretzel crowd began telling me yelling about what happened (and who was right wrong). Questions began rolling off my tongue like I had rehearsed them. But, I hadn’t. I realized that the solutions I hoped they could come up with were the desires I wished for all ages. From assessing who was hurt and how I could help them, to ways she, she, she, and he might do things differently the next time, and how can we resolve it? And being me, I talked about forgiveness and grace while stressing the importance of keeping one another safe (this was not a middle school fight where one punched another one in the face–but you can understand what I was trying to do). Back in the room, we played a DIFFERENT game of tag. “When you’re tagged (vocally) would you share something kind about a friend?” Ah, communication. They all wanted to talk at once and very few wanted to listen. Is it me or are they more distracted these days? What did I hope to accomplish? Kindness, empathy, patience, and the list goes on. Tag is a teacher.
Our world has changed, but tag hasn’t. I’m so glad God doesn’t change. And guess what else? Love is still love.
I’m going to chase them all and tag them with love. I’m going to tag YOU, too.
Here are my answers to “tag, you’re it!”
How did you come up with your blog name?
I’ve been embracing imperfection with faith (our God doesn’t expect perfection, but he wants our hearts and will!), flannel, and fresh air for many years. All of these have been essential on my journey. Imperfection and messiness. Ah, brokenness can be a beautiful place to begin restoration! My love for the 3 F’s (and even more–Family and Finley) keeps me grounded in what matters most.
If your blog was a person (fictional or real), who would it be?
Me. It might be Finley? 😉
What helps you create new content if you feel like you need some inspiration?
My time with God, family, friends, and nature inspires me! Life experiences, circumstances, and learning anything new help me create new content! Life IS the content. The hardest part is narrowing down my mind. If I had time, I could write each day. Other writers inspire me, too!
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Martha taught me a collaboration one time! My time collaborating with all of you as friends and family, even in conversation, is essential to me. What I love about the blogging community is how eclectic and well-rounded all my friends/writers are–from faith to food, the great outdoors and animals, humor to high-jinks, and history to science! I love it all!
Is there anything more you wish you had or would like to learn as a blogger?
I hope to keep improving as a writer and reader. Learning is a great thing—I don’t want to stop!
Do you have a specific style of blogging?
Hmmm. Inspirational essay style? It varies, but most can expect it to have a faith theme!
That basically sums it up. Thank you, Mark, for tagging me. Matt wanted to play tag–so you’re it! Also, my friend, C from Joyroses, and Martha, you’re tagged! Of course, if you’re too tired to play tag, I understand!
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/?_gl=1124cwr9_gcl_au*MTI5MzI4ODIzNS4xNzI3NzA4MTcz
Thank you, EVERYONE, for your support these last 5 years. My family, along with this writing community, former colleagues, friends, and hometown family, continue to encourage and inspire me on my life journey. Particularly my playground-like experience thriving with Stage IV NET. I thank God for all of you. Do you know how loved you are? ❣️
Karla & Finley
Have faith💛
