Perspective Maintenance

Extraction: It’s Gotta GO!

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I finally had my two upper wisdom teeth removed last week (after my dentist has been trying to separate them from me for at least four years).  They weren’t giving me trouble, but she found a cavity on one during my recent routine cleaning and told me that I just needed to get rid of them; they could cause me more trouble later.  So I sheepishly scheduled the appointment with the oral surgeon.  Isn’t that like so many other things in life?  We put off dealing with the inevitable, only to find out – too late – that a situation has exacerbated, festered, become infected, or just gotten downright outta control.  Then we wish we’d taken care of it when we first saw evidence of the issue.  And why was I holding onto a potential problem anyway???  No rational reason except for upholding the status quo…I’ve always had these teeth.

I don’t really look forward to pain (or even discomfort), so I decided not to think about what it would feel like to just do what I needed to do and get those teeth removed.  I truly had the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) before, during, and after the entire procedure; I know the prayers of the saints were at work on my behalf.  And because I opted for IV sedation, I don’t remember a thing…it was absolutely beautiful.  But I had to go through the process for those teeth to be removed.  Thankfully, my recovery was speedy – bleeding had stopped within 24 hours, and I was eating mashed potatoes within two days.  Armed with my new mindset and determined to eat healthier, chicken broth became a delicacy as I waited for my tender tissues to heal.

What has to “go” from your life for you to line up with God’s plan for you?  The Holy Spirit will strengthen you to let go of the things that are hindering you from growing, developing, and maturing into who God is calling you to be.  Granted, you will have to yield and change, but the results will be worth whatever sacrifices you make.  Just ask me as I appreciate how much my fresh gums have in common with my 7 year-old’s these days…I know I lost a few pounds last week! 🙂

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

(Mark 11:23)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Resistance is Futile: Just Obey!

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How many times do we hear God speaking to us, sense the Holy Spirit nudging us to go a certain way, and we do exactly the opposite?  I had an important reminder of the importance of obedience this week.  Actually, I’ve had a LOT of reminders recently (like blinking neon signs!), but I’m just writing about a couple today.  🙂

I decided to drop some bags off at my office early in the morning before hopping on the train so I wouldn’t have to lug them all over tarnation.  Reasonable enough, right?  Well, there was a red “No Parking” sign affixed to the meter in front of my building (that wasn’t there the LAST TIME I dashed in); during morning rush hour, no parking was permitted on this thoroughfare.  Hmmm, drag all these heavy bags for 3 blocks, or rush up to the 23rd floor to drop these off?  I slipped into the parallel parking spot way before 7:30 a.m. as I justified the validity of my risky choice.  I saw a police officer nearby and asked him if it would be okay for me to leave my car for 3 minutes to put the bags into my office; he was “hands-off,” saying he didn’t have anything to do with parking matters, and that I’d be rolling the dice.  (Like he was gonna say, “Go ahead, disobey the law.”) 

I thanked him politely, then darted with my cadre of bags and full-sized umbrella up the elevator shaft, asking the security guard at the front desk to watch my car as I raced by.  Heart rate elevated, I dropped my load and ran back to the elevator and headed for my car.  The security guard said, “You’d better hurry; you’re about to get towed.”  I got to my car just as the parking man (accompanied by the tow truck!) was taking my plate information.  The cherry on top was him saying, “You parked here and the police officer said he told you not to.”  I had no recourse at all.  I humbled myself and said yes sir, thank you, you’re right, I apologize, and got into my car shaking as I drove off.  How would I have explained the car getting towed to my hubby???  I shudder to think…God is truly gracious.

But it didn’t have to be that way.  Had I been obedient in the first place, I would’ve never encountered the parking law enforcer!  No need for an adrenaline rush when we obey – whether it’s God’s laws, or the law of the land.  It really is simple – we just have to obey.  We were created to.  Things work better when we do.

With that said, I am adding an extra layer of accountability as I announce to the blogosphere that I’ve gone from do-nothing to joining a gym AND joining Weight Watchers in less than a week.  Okay, I’ve been resisting the idea while knowing I need to lose weight and start exercising (again) for a very long time, but I finally decided to do something this week.  And it took messages (like blinking neon signs!) from soooo many people God placed in my path to help me get back on the right track.  Making a decision is powerful.  Taking action is even more empowering.  Now that I’m here, I welcome you to join me on my new journey.  I’ll have lots of new stuff to write about, that’s for sure.  I have my first Personal Training session next week.  Stay tuned…

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

(II Corinthians 10:4-6)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Growth in the Blink of an Eye

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It seems like just yesterday we were watching the mama robin build her nest in a rafter on our front porch.  We marveled at the beautiful little blue eggs, being careful not to disturb “the babies.”  Then they hatched – featherless and funny-looking, big heads and beaks protruding from the nest, begging to be fed whatever their mama brought back for them.  Before I knew it, one was hopping on the walkway.  Though it couldn’t fly, it was out of the nest.  Amazing – it happened so quick!  We mused among ourselves whether it had fallen out or if the mama bird had pushed it out.  Whatever the case, that tiny nest was no place for that bird to make its permanent abode. 

Over the course of a few days or a couple of weeks, all of the birds were out of the nest, and we could see them testing out their wings and swooping through the yard, sometimes in a wobbly pattern.  But they were trying.  Why?  Because they were created to fly, not to sit in a nest they’d outgrown.  Sure, it’s safe and comfortable to stay in the place where you’re nurtured, fed on schedule, and taken care of from morning until night.  However, over time, you are required to take what you’ve learned and apply it.  That process, my friend, is called growth.  I recently had a real-life experience to underscore that lesson. 

When picking up my daughter from daycare one afternoon, I called myself leaving the car door open so she could get in on her own – imagine, a child of mine with an independent streak? Tee hee hee!  I tend to be a “helicopter parent” (hovering over my children – LOL!) and I’m trying to relinquish my tight hold on some of the more mundane tasks of the day.  Kudos, right?  Well, I turned to say something to the daycare provider, and in literally 2 seconds, I heard my daughter cry out in pain.  When I turned my head, she was lying in a fetal position near the rear tire on the driver’s side of the car.  To this day, I don’t know HOW that child fell; her shoes were tied, I don’t think her pants were too long, and I don’t think the earth’s gravitational pull shifted suddenly.  But whatever the reason, she fell and ended up with bloody boo-boos on her elbow and knee (through the clothing…did she lose her balance? I’m still puzzled).  They weren’t life-altering emergencies, but you don’t know how I wished I’d held her hand and walked her to the car, watching her like a hawk (like I usually do)!  Nonetheless, though I want to protect her 24/7, it’s ridiculous to think I can tote a 5 year-old from daycare door to car door every blessed day God gives.  At some point, she’s got to learn to walk on her own.  When she gets hurt, I’m there with the peroxide, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, hugs and kisses.  But to obsess about preventing every accident or growing pain isn’t realistic for me as a parent.  If I’ve taught her well, she’ll apply my lessons and flourish.

Isn’t that how God is with us?  He watches over us, fiercely protecting us from hurt, harm, and danger.  He gives us instructions on moving ahead, going beyond what we know and moving into areas where we have to exercise our faith in HIM knowing the outcome.  We don’t have to figure it out; He’s mapped out our course for us.  When we obey, we’re covered by Him.  What could be better?  We’re not on our own in this day-to-day walk.  When we trip and fall, He’s there to correct us and set us back on the right track.  Praise God!

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

(Psalm 91:1-2)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Getting Dressed: God is at Work in Me

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An ornament adorns; it is something one puts on.  This morning, before I was anywhere close to getting dressed, God spoke.  And I listened.  What a blessing for me.  Thought I’d share with you before running off to work…be abundantly blessed.

Get back to the core of who I created you to be – and let nothing and no one but Me define who you are today. You are a work in progress, and I continue to mold, make, form, and shape you for My good pleasure.  Nothing can contain you because I am in you.  Abide in the True Vine (John 15:5) and be nourished and replenished. 

Even as you wonder whether I’d stopped calling you because it had been a while since you sat at my feet and soaked in my presence, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I say to you that My character of unconditional love won’t permit me to stop calling you, longing after you, desiring to spend quality time with you.  I hear your heart’s cry – even through the clutter of the carnal abyss – and still it beats strongly for Me.  And that delights Me.  It is a good heart condition to have. 

Go forth and greet the day I’ve created just for you – with you in mind as I touched each bird to sing, each ray of sunshine to beam down where you’d be.  You can’t control unconditional love – that’s why tears are leaking from your lids, My daughter.  Even when you feel most miserable and wretched, My love reaches out to you.  Now can you allow My love to do the same thing through you to others?  That is evidence of true growth.

No need to chase the things of this world.  Seek first My kingdom…and all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).  There is a tenderness inside you that not many know the depth of.  That’s why you try to cover up and protect yourself with humor or other “shells” – but there’s no need to put up a pseudo-tough exterior façade for Me; I know you – inside out, through and through.  And I love you still.

“Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.”

(Jeremiah 18:3)

 

“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

(I Peter 3:4)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Are You Blessable?

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What a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend I enjoyed, surrounded by my munchkins and their daddy…and saturated, drenched, and overwhelmed with lots of love. 

My crew nearly had to alligator wrestle me into going out to breakfast on Saturday morning.  What can I say?  I’m genetically predisposed to think it’s much easier and less expensive for me to make pancakes at home than for us to sit in a restaurant that obviously doesn’t add “mama’s love” as an essential ingredient.  Though I was quite delighted and content with the colorful array of homemade cards and paper flowers that came home from school on Friday, I finally gave in and we headed to breakfast.  I knew they wanted to show their appreciation for me, but it was hard not to orchestrate all the details – since that’s what we moms do 24/7!  I ended up enjoying myself.

Saturday afternoon, the Women’s Fellowship at my church visited a local women’s shelter to make arts and crafts with the residents’ children so they could give their mothers a gift for the holiday.  I saw a range of expressions on the children’s faces, and I was even more grateful to have a home where I could raise and nurture my own children.  Outreach to others is key for balanced perspective maintenance.

On Sunday morning came the biggest surprise of all.  As my family walked into church, the men of the church (lined up like an Honor Guard) welcomed each woman with a single wrapped rose and directed her to a continental breakfast prepared in the Fellowship Hall – completely unexpected.  The brothers looked sharp!  I had no idea that the black suit, white shirt, and black tie look my hubby sported had been planned, let alone coordinated with the other men of the church for weeks…impressive.

After savoring a donut I didn’t need, I headed to the sanctuary to prepare for my role as choir director.  My pastor stopped me to say that we didn’t need to put on choir robes until after he made his opening announcement.  No prob – I adjusted my microphone to my 5’0” frame and handed the sound booth tech my CD for the sermonic solo, then headed to Sunday School.  An hour later, I was seated in the congregation, awaiting Pastor’s announcement before taking my place in the choir stand.  Wasn’t I surprised to see eight brothers – including my hubby – file up to the choir stand and begin the Praise & Worship service?  I thought, “Well, when they finish this song, I’ll get in place.”  But they just kept on singing (with my short microphone in front of a tall brother) – and they sounded good!  They’d been rehearsing for weeks…unbeknownst to me!  What a splendid gift to be able to bask in God’s presence and enjoy intimate worship during a break from serving.  I’m glad a box of tissues was nearby; tears flowed freely down my cheeks until the sermon began.  I was truly touched, and I experienced the love of God poured out through the actions of His people – His men.

That morning, I had planned to perform my regular routine, but God had fantastic surprises in store for me.  Are you able to receive the blessings He’s ready to bestow upon you?  Allow His pure love to soften your heart so you don’t miss one goodie!

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

(I Corinthians 2:9)

 “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

(Psalm 37:4)

 “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

(Hebrews 11:6b)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Mothering is an Action Word

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Guess what?  The baby robins have hatched!  After getting over last week’s trauma of seeing one bright blue egg that fatefully tumbled out of the nest and shattered on my front porch (c’est la vie, I suppose), I’ve gotta say that it was pretty neat to see tiny yellow beaks poking out from the top of the nest this morning.  Soon, we’ll have more chirping melodic strains filling the air than we know what to do with.  Until then, these little creatures appreciate their mother’s presence and welcome the sustenance, protection, and nurturing she provides.  This will be interesting to observe in the coming days.

Mothering (which I use as a verb) is an action word – just like love requires, is accompanied by, and is manifested through action.  The skills, traits, and abilities that make one a good mother may not be inherent or innate, but we learn what to do over time, with patience, and through the process of trial-and-error.  We blend influences from our own backgrounds and personal experiences – along with input from various “mommy mentors,” as I like to call them – to create our personal brand of mothering. 

From the woman who can’t recall the last time she pampered herself – to the woman who makes “me time” a priority so she can give her best to her family – to the woman who multitasks until she can’t remember what she was supposed to be doing in the first place…I admire you all, and can relate to many of your experiences!  Each mother is unique, and each child is unique; hence, each mother-child relationship is unique.  I believe God grants us favor while we make necessary sacrifices and commit to building healthy relationships with our children during every stage in their lives as their needs change.

My daughter ministered in dance for the first time last Sunday with several other young girls – it was an absolutely beautiful sight to behold.  I found myself blinking back tears (of joy, of being overwhelmed, of seeing a miniature version of myself doing what I was once flexible enough to do) as I watched my own “little robin” finally outside of her nest and branching out beyond my incubating feathers.  Just days away from her 5th birthday, I saw her whole life – from birth to that very moment in time where she danced like an angel – flash before my eyes.  She is growing up – and where did the time go?!  Yes, I got emotional for a minute there, but I had to “keep it together” long enough to sing a solo right after they danced…what a tough act to follow! 🙂  Nevertheless, that is why we raise our children – so they can grow, develop, mature, and become equipped to face life confidently with the lessons we’ve instilled in them.  

So to those of you who are mothers, I salute you – not only on Mother’s Day, but every day.  Because truly, every day is Mother’s Day!  May we answer God’s call to minister to His children with love, grace, and joy.  Indeed, it is an honorable and noble calling…

“For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.”

(Psalm 71:5-7)

 “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

(Psalm 139:13-14)

 © Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

A Bird’s Eye View of My Environment

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On what is celebrated as Earth Day, I suppose it’s fitting to reflect on the nature preserve that my yard has become…duck eggs and robins’ nests and ‘possums – oh my!  But bugs and inchworms, too, Lord?

Just when I thought Spring wouldn’t bring anything else into my yard, I have been proven wrong – over and over and over again!  Apparently, the animal world has telegraphed something about my hubby being the Jack Hanna of Charlotte, because we’ve had a robin building a nest atop the corner post of our front porch for the past couple of weeks.  It was comical and almost ironic to arrive home from vacation to see the nest-building material strewn across the porch and hanging baskets – maybe we’re hosting a bird timeshare, unbeknownst to us?

Now, the small, blue eggs are laid and the mother robin greets us with that big ol’ lidless bird eye every time we’re on our porch.  So I do the only proper thing – I say “good morning” to her as she stares at me and guards the nest from her perch.  She doesn’t even fly away anymore as we open the front door to leave for school and work each day.  Maybe we’re getting the benefits of a pet – I dunno.

As if that weren’t enough, my hubby recently sent me an e-mail entitled “guess who’s in the yard today?”  I earnestly prayed it wasn’t another opossum.  My prayer was granted; as I opened the attachment, I saw two ducks in the photo.  Whew!  What I didn’t know was that they’d carefully and intentionally selected our yard as the site to lay and hatch their eggs…I presume they like rosebushes near the ground and underneath children’s bedroom windows.  I fully expect to see fuzzy baby ducks waddling around pretty soon.

As I watch my hubby’s flurry of activity around the yard to make it habitable and enjoyable for his family, I visualize Jesus with a bird balancing on His index finger and remember that He created all this stuff, so I may as well get with the program and appreciate it. 🙂  May we reverence the Creator more than the creation… 

“And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.”

(Genesis 2:19)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Life’s Little Joys

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My place as Kayren Cathcart, MD (Mommy Doctor) has been forever inscribed and securely etched in the annals of history.  It’s all part of the job description (wait a minute – what job description?!).  After my children spent their week of Spring Break with my mother (enjoying all the delights that accompany being spoiled by grandma), what was the first thing my son showed me?  Yep – you guessed it – his loose tooth – top front left. I didn’t even know it was loose when I dropped him off at grandma’s!

For some reason, he got a little jittery when I said, “Let’s get the cotton and pull it now before we get back on the road.”  But since he’d brought it to my attention, I was compelled to act.  Plus, it looked like it was hanging on by a single sinew.  I had to use a different angle from the one I’d used for the “easy” bottom teeth, but I finally gripped it with the cotton and there was minimal blood, though maximum tears.  Perhaps this is just preparing me for my daughter to start losing her teeth.  Oh great – I guess we’ll see in about another year…or less.  Children do grow so quickly! 

Both children came home with scraped knees after their visit to grandma’s (with no “helicopter mother” hovering to thwart impending danger), but my hubby and I were quite well-rested after our “child-free” vacation week – and I think that the children had a blast, too.  As much as my mom keeps alluding to how their visit must’ve been a “fountain of youth,” I think she may have been happiest of all.  The love of family is a priceless gift.

“Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.

Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.”

(Job 10:11-12)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Critter Corner

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I am sheepishly posting this entry almost a month after it happened because I was a bit embarrassed!  However, I must write in the spirit of transparency, truth, and disclosure, so that’s what I’m gonna keep on bringing…read on to enjoy the antics of my life! 🙂

Much to my chagrin, I was recently given a reminder of why it takes valleys to appreciate the few and far-between “mountaintop experiences.”  By no means do I consider myself an animal lover (I’d pick a low-maintenance goldfish over a 4-footed pet any day).  Yet, my hubby’s point of a cat’s value in situations like this now has additional validity; I’m warming up to the idea.  My chef hubby kicked off our first Cathcart “Welcome to Spring” event on Saturday, 3/20/10 with an absolutely fantastic weekend grill-out with gourmet turkey burgers for me and hot dogs for the children.  Yet, my euphoria was quickly shattered on the following Tuesday when my son said, “Mom, I see a mouse” as he peered onto the back porch.

Not believing him (though I shouldn’t have doubted Mr. SuperPeepers), I glanced onto the deck through the sliding glass door, and sure enough, there was a tiny four-footed creature staring right back at me.  Then it disappeared…right back under the grill cover.  I gasped; he must’ve wanted some turkey burger, too.  Flabbergasted, I hoped one of the big, hungry robins near the bird feeders would swoop down and take care of this critter in my yard.  It didn’t happen.  Trying to maintain a somewhat composed demeanor in front of my children, I said, “Maybe it’s a baby opossum” as I laughed weakly.  But my son assured me, “No, it really is a mouse.”  Outta the mouths of babes…  I had to agree; at least it was outside.  Now what?!?  My hubby was at a meeting, and once again, I had to hold down the fort (but I was grateful I didn’t have to pull a child’s tooth).  However, I digress…

Now if this had been a spider, I could’ve easily and bravely paralyzed it with contents from a nearby can of air freshener (yes, it really works – and it smells so fresh afterwards, too!).  But this critter had me stumped.  What to do as it scurried about my deck, silently taunting me?  I did what any thinking woman would do – I called a good sistahfriend!  Granted, she lives all the way on the other side of town, but having her commiserate with me until my hubby’s meeting finished sure helped me calm down!  Fast forwarding to my hero arriving home (after I called to ensure he’d make a detour to the home-improvement store for something to destroy my tiny antagonizer):  he arrived with the electronic plug-in repellents and glue traps.  I’m not sure which one did the job, but I haven’t seen one since (let us all breathe a collective sigh of relief)!  And last night’s cookout was pleasant (and yummy – healthy grilled chicken) – but, of course, I was inside while watching my squealing children gleefully run through the sprinkler with careless abandon.  🙂

We are growing closer to a wildlife preserve every day.  There’s gotta be a lesson in this somewhere…I am determined to learn it!!!

“Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.”

(Genesis 8:17)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Best Gift: The Resurrection and the Life

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I overheard a conversation this week between adults who still receive an Easter Basket from a parent or a spouse.  As I thought to myself, “Really?” I remembered my grandmother’s faithfulness to make sure my sister and I had multihued baskets (every year) wrapped in cellophane and filled with all sorts of sugary treats.  The baskets were her thoughtful way of showing us she loved us – just as sending Jesus was God’s ultimate expression of showing He loves us.

Granted, the tradition of chocolate bunnies and spring chicks may stir fond memories and we can correlate spiritual meanings to the symbols that have become associated with Easter.  Yet, how much more precious is it to God when we focus more on the sacrificial gift of His Son’s life given for us than on brightly colored eggs?  Today, He extends His nail-scarred hands to each of us, welcoming us into His bosom for fellowship – our triumphant and risen Savior!  That’s the reason I’m up at 2:00 a.m. – because as I meditated on His great goodness, His selfless sacrifice, and His vibrant victory, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep.  I had to share the Good News of His abundant, extravagant love with someone!

Truly we have many reasons to celebrate the majesty, splendor, and magnificence of Christ’s glory in this season!  May the power of HIS resurrection manifest itself in every facet of your life.  Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! (II Corinthians 9:15)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

(John 11:25)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart