My Cool Mom, Laziness ...

Mom smiled when she saw me reading a book this morning. Her smile turned into a surprised 'Oh' when she saw the title.



But mom, being mom, did not ask any probing questions. She just commented that it was an interesting title and left it at that. I guess mom's pretty cool that way. I don't have to be paranoid and hide things from her.

From our recent conversations, she knew that I was doing some emotional spring cleaning and any tool that I need to help me do a thorough clean-up is fine by her. And indeed, this spring cleaning which began on a tough note is starting to show some positive results. Nothing like facing some unknown skeleton in my cupboard and sweeping it away with God's love and grace!

For one, I am now reading again! For another, I am not slacking so much now. There's just something about being lazy that frazzles me. Laziness is like a black cloak that envelopes you and makes your limbs and mind grow heavy and kills all motivation to actually get up and do some work. For me, laziness is a sign that something else is preoccupying my mind and discourages me from participating fully in present day living. It is one my most bitter enemies that often disguises itself as my friend.

"Aiya, one more hour in bed won't harm you. You need the rest mah."

"You've already watched 2 DVDs, what's one more?"

"You can always do that report tomorrow. No one will hound you for it anyway."

Need to really look at laziness for what it is and give it a firm kick when it chooses to come knocking on my door.

Anyway, here are some quotes from Dick Innes, the author of 'How to Mend a Broken Heart' which I found especially helpful and profound. May it be a blessing to those who are doing emotional spring cleaning, too.

As rainbows are painted by rain,
so faith, hope and love
are all painted by pain

The pain passes
but the beauty remains
~ quote by Renoir when asked on why he kept on painting despite the pain of his arthritis-ridden fingers. It is a lesson on not to waste the pain that we have gone through, but to grow better from it that it may also help enrich the lives of others.

Life can only be understood by looking backward,
but it must be lived looking forward

Have a great long weekend, Malaysians. Will be high up in Fraser's Hills doing my reflections and resolutions for this coming year with my friend tomorrow. Glad to say that the tension between us lasted only for a very short while.