The Prince(s) in My Life

I am almost back to my usual bouncy self. I realized that I am surrounded by people who do really care. I am not that alone or misunderstood. That had always been my misconception. I am a dreamer by nature. Sometimes when I get caught up in my always colorful but often unrealistic/idealistic imaginations, I tend to ignore that which has been given to me and find myself searching the abyss for... something that cannot be found. It hit me like a ton of bricks very early this morning.

I thought about the men that have made a huge impact in my life in the recent months. And why is it that on a deeper level, I can relate better to men than women? Now, that is a mystery to me...

"Ride with the motion of the ocean," my friend Chuck said to me. He's a brilliant man, a member of Mensa, but why can't I get him to understand grace? Or does he? We have to agree to disagree on some things. But still, he does teach me so much through his books and our long lunches. So Chuck, if you're reading this... I usually agree with you more than disagree with you, even though it may not seem so in our conversations. I guess I owe you another lunch. ;-)

And Ron, my pastor... always encouraging, always supportive, always understanding, always thinking... What a gift he has in bringing out the best in people. What devotion he has to his ministry... a struggling fellowship. He makes me want to work my butt off to support him. He teaches (not preaches) grace and freedom... which translates as unconditional love of Christ. He teaches by example. He saves lives. I can honestly say he saved mine by pointing to the open door of my cage and telling me I can fly. I know Ron won't be reading this, but still... I have to say it out loud.

Then there's Richard. He's my breathing coach. When I'm gasping for air, he's always there, guiding me... breathing with me... gently pacing me... With absolutely no agenda. I keep accusing him (in my mind) of being a Christian, because he practices grace like no other. But he says he's an atheist. Richard, just because you have a different name for what you do, it doesn't change the thing that it is. These are your own words: "We are what we do.".. Who gives a flying hoot what we call it? All I know is that you do it better than anyone else I know.

And lastly, but not leastly, there is my husband. Quiet, dutiful, calm, un-noticed, but always present. If my passion defines me, his strength and devotion defines him. Who am I to say that's not what I need? I often rebel, kick and scream... but the truth of the matter is, he is exactly what and who makes it possible for me to fly. He gives me freedom and trust. He allows and accepts (even encourages) my need to have the above men in my life, not to mention the countless others who I come in contact with constantly in my blogging life. He chooses to trust me. What other husband does that? He understands that he has his limitations and I have mine. He also will never read this, because blogging (or thinking) is definitely not his thing... But I needed to say this out loud as well.

I am a fool if I were to forget these truly wonderful gifts (among others) and take any of them for granted in my quest for... the Neverland, which obviously does not exist. The truth is... I already am a part of the kingdom - I am a princess... Yes, I am. :-)