Red Morning Warning

The adage “Red at night, sailor’s delight. Red in the morning, sailor, take warning,” is one I’ve heard my entire life. Not one to question wives’ tales or adages, I never doubted the ideology behind fearing a red morning sky. After a week of hearing the weather man predict potential storms, I felt a little anxious when I saw the early, rust-colored sky just beyond the clouds.

As the day drew on, rain sprinkled, the wind blew in frequent gusts, and clouds were the dominant residents of the sky. A storm of destruction never arrived, but drizzle and cold made the day dreary. Thinking about the “Red in the morning,” part of the adage, my mind wandered to a friend of mine. This sweet friend was in my thoughts because not too long ago she told our gal pal gang that there were some flags going up in her relationship. She said they weren’t necessarily “red flags,” but definitely had a pink hue. I prayed for her and listened whenever she wanted to talk. As weeks passed, there were times when we felt like my friend and her significant other might work through their rough patches. Two weeks ago, the rough got rougher, and it was obvious the uncertainties were probably not going to go away. The relationship crumbled. I was sad for her, but so very grateful that she had us (the gal pals) to talk things through and provide support. Her emotional storm is still raging because life is just that way, but hopefully, clear skies are headed her way.

If you are in a situation where there are some red morning warnings, consider how you prepare for those cautious circumstances.

While there might not be a hurricane brewing, there could be some hurtful happenings headed your way.

Think about ways you can head off the storm, and talk with the person or maybe step away from the situation that seems to be setting off the sirens in your heart or head.

The best way to weather any storm is to surround yourself with healthy relationships and be equipped with honesty, grace, and resiliency.

I will readily admit that have sometimes ignored those red morning warnings in my own life. I got soaked in tears a time or two and raged with despair, but now I’m older, wiser, and more prepared.

Life is always throwing storms in our path, but we have the power and ability to face those floods with optimism and tenacity. Today, I encourage you to think about the issues brewing on your horizon and establish a game plan for facing those downpours.

You should also be grateful for all those beautiful red night blessings, when life is peaceful and provides something beautiful. (In my opinion, sunsets are so underrated.)

If you are in the midst of tough times, know that you are not alone. Reach out for help and find safety in those who love you and provide trust, strength, and reliability.

If you are a sailor, thank you for this lovely adage and the chance to use it for Intentergy.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Does anyone have an umbrella?

Advertisement

Don’t Get “Stuck” on Your Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday

Stuck on your mistakes

Earlier this summer, my youngest son was helping me run errands. He had behaved well and been so patient all morning. When he asked to purchase a small cactus in at the hardware store, I said, “Yes.” The cactus was in a small plastic pot and didn’t seem too dangerous, so I didn’t think twice about taking it home.

cactus 2

My six-year-old son proudly watered the cactus every other week and talked to it almost daily. I didn’t give it much attention until he placed it on the kitchen counter next to my Christmas cactus. I noticed his cactus was a bit pale and still had a tag hanging off it.

Upon closer inspection I made a prickly discovery. My sweet son’s cactus was a fake. It was made in China.

Now you might ask, “How in the world did you not know the cactus was a fake?” Continue reading “Don’t Get “Stuck” on Your Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday”

How can I ask if I didn’t know?

How can I ask if I didn’t know?

how-can-i-ask

Recently, hubby and I had a heated “discussion” about my belief that I had to physically drive to the bank to pay the truck payment. My belief goes back almost 20 years.

In 1998 my mother co-signed a loan to purchase a new car for me. When we left the bank, the loan agent told me, “Each month just bring in your payment and the loan book. We will tear out a receipt for each payment.” After that I just always took my payment book to the bank.

As our “discussion” wound down, my husband said, “If you don’t know something, just ask.”

How was I supposed to ask, if I didn’t know that I didn’t know it???? Continue reading “How can I ask if I didn’t know?”

Graceful Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday

Graceful Mistakes – Wise Words Wednesday

graceful-mistakes

There is no better time than the holidays to forgive and forget mistakes. Let bygones be bygones. Let peace within yourself ring and forgiveness shine for all to see.

Not one of us is perfect. That is the fun of being human. Embrace your imperfections.

Not one of us says the right thing all the time. That makes conversation exciting. Pray for the right words. Slow down and give yourself time to find the most helpful thing to say.

Not one of us freely prances through life without a flub up. That gives us room for grace. It’s not the fall that is graceful; it is how you get back up.

I encourage you to find the grace within yourself to forgive past shortcomings and move on from your mistakes. Grow from the things you have learned.

Graceful intentergy is the best kind of positivity. Graceful intentergy is the most rewarding energy. The grace and light that radiates from forgiving yourself will not only brighten your day but will shine as an example for all those you encounter of how to love themselves gracefully.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Remember that whole love yourself thing.