Life everyone else – it is by trial and error (a lot of trial and too much error) that I learn.

It is not a fun way to learn – but there it is.

I have tried countless brands of this and that from cereals to deodorant before I found the right one that worked for me.

I have downloaded hundreds of pieces of sheet music trying to find the right song for  students (and learn how to do it)

I have tried numerous website browsers for my computer before landing on the “right one”

I have struggled learning software programs and trying to understand my iMac and before that, my PC – all in an attempt to better communicate, write and teach others.  It took me longer than anybody else because I refuse to give up before I have answers. Some would call it a futile effort – but it is what has worked for me.

I have tried several dry, canned, raw foods and doggie snacks (even given away several boxes of snacks and crackers that Daisy won’t eat) in an attempt to feed a healthy balanced diet for our finicky puppy and finally found something that works!

We tried several churches after resigning from a full-time staff position more than 3 years ago – and finally found something that worked for us in this season.  It only took us a year or so.

I designed a music lesson plan and contract for teaching piano and voice after much trial and error – and early on in my career found something that worked.

I have tried several types of friendships in my life time.  I now choose my relationships based on very specific things after being around the block a time or two with those who stole my trust and broke the rules of friendship. – These things that I value are not definable – but very tangible to me.  It has not always been so in past years – but now I value what is most important in my intimacy with others – this works for me and allows me to feel safe.

I write a blog based on things I am interested in and do not follow other things more trendy or universal in appeal.  Knowing that I being true to myself at the same time helping others is enough for me – one person at a time – and that is something that works for me.

I have tried to please others.  I have wasted much of my thought life of caring what others think of me.  I am guilty of putting too much thought into those who don’t care anything about what I’m doing or thinking.  And I’ve come to one conclusion:

The only one I need to please is God.  Any thoughts I have are not wasted on Him.  He listens with rapt attention to my emotions and struggles.  I am safe with Him.  And my time spent with Him is always valued and never tossed aside.

He brings my thoughts and emotions into balance – helps me be a kinder, more compassionate person – and helps me find the meaning in my sometimes crazy and mixed up mind – my many trials and errors and helps me understand why I am like I am and do the things that I do.  And with Him to balance me – my life is complete.

It is a simple formula.  Loving my family, friends and my Heavenly Father.

And that is what works for me.

How about you?  What have you learned by trial and error?

God Bless