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A second lesson learned from this reading is to approach the situation with humility. I have had so many Christians want to argue with me about fiscal responsibility while neglecting responsibility of caring for the least of these. The author writes, “humility is powerful because it allows you to treat others well and with respect. Humility is real, not perfect. It inspires trust and helps to build bridges as you try to connect the dots between who you were, who you are, and who you are becoming.”[2]<\/a> Am I willing to approach each interaction with the humility it needs? I hope so, but I am wearing thin. I am reminded of the need for grit. Duckworth writes, “Grit has two components: passion and perseverance.”[3]<\/a> I have the passion. This week I need the perseverance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For grit to sustain me over the long-haul, and I do see this being a long-haul I realize the need for margin. There is a need to balance work-life and home-life even when much of work-life happens from the home. Thankfully, when I left Kenya a few years ago I realized the need to keep margin in my life and to keep myself from falling into the American trap of structing every hour of my day. One of the articles states, “I discovered margin is the space between my load and my limits. Its significance lies in its purpose: a space for relationships.”[4]<\/a> Since I had already built margin into my schedule, I am able to fill it this week with building relationships. I am meeting with a few of those people who might disagree with me and disagree with the topic I am choosing to be vocal about. It almost seems that if I disagree and am vocal against something our President does then it is a personal attack against themselves. There seems to be something inherent about Trump supporters and the need to defend him for each decision he makes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the brilliant aspects of this book was the artwork and pictures of nature interspersed throughout the articles. I find it is always helpful for me to get outside and see God\u2019s beauty in everything around me when I get stressed. Hutchinson adds that it is a helpful way to manage burnout and mental acuity.[5]<\/a> This is why I garden. Being in my garden helps me find creative ways to play in the dirt and watch the beauty of a flower unfold. The challenge I find myself in right now is my garden is frozen over. Though my garden is a frozen tundra, the artwork presented was simplistic and a reminder that I can find beauty in even the smallest things if I take the time to notice. As I wrap up this busy day, I want to take the time to notice them.<\/p>\n _________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> \u201cIlluminaire,\u201d Illuminaire<\/em>, 2024, 29.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> \u201cIlluminaire,\u201d 44.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance<\/em>, First Scribner trade paperback edition (New York London Toronto Sydney New Delhi: Scribner, 2018), 56.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_6247-225x300.jpg\")
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