Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Author Post: Blog #14, "Engaged in a Wonderful Life"

There are different definitions for the word, "engaged."  It is an adjective meaning:

Employed, occupied, or busy.
Committed, as to a cause.

Pledged to marry; betrothed: an engaged couple
There are many ways in life in which we are engaged. We can be engaged in our work, engaged and occupied in our activities, or engaged and busy with our every day schedules. These types of engagements keep us diligently pressing toward a future of promise.  We press forward with much effort, gaining accomplishments, taking care of our families and earning pay to make it all possible.  It is good to be engaged in our every day events, as long as we focus on the positive results and making each moment count.  


Sometimes we get so wrapped up in these types of engagements, that life somehow passes too quickly, and we haven't stopped for a moment to reflect on all the goodness around us.  It is so essential to relax once in awhile, to sing, laugh, enjoy little things, stop to see a friend, and simply marvel at our lives.  Look at your life as a blessed opportunity to reach out and do something good that you normally wouldn't do, or maybe that you do all the time!  Most importantly, have FUN with your life.  After all, it is what you make it.  Choose to make it more rewarding, which leads me to the next definition of "engaged."


Being engaged or committed to a cause is a spectacular gift that you give others.  Participating or being active toward a cause gains much self worth.  There are endless causes in the world that need our attention.  Good causes help us develop compassion and love in our lives for others.  Joining a cause helps us stand up and lend a helpful hand to what we believe in.  It gives us strength and builds incredible character.  God blesses us with treasures in heaven for all the good deeds we do down here!  Lending a hand to a worthy organization, whether it be through fund raising, sports, comfort or feeding the hungry, it engages us in a whole other aspect of life and increases the love inside of us...which leads me, again, to the final definition of "engaged."


Being engaged also means to pledge yourself to someone with unconditional love.  It is a sacred promise to the special person you love saying that you want to spend the rest of your life with them, and that you will always be there for them to share all of life's experiences, caring for them in a way that no one else can.  It is so important that when you're engaged to be married, you center your commitment around the nine "Fruits of the Spirit," as listed in the Bible:


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians:5-22). Any marriage formed on these principles is sure to succeed.  Always practice these special qualities each and every day to live an abundant and happy life full of love and caring.


This post means so much to me because I recently became engaged to a man whom I've shared the past ten years with in a long distance relationship. (One hour away).  We've grown together as a loving couple and cherish every moment ever spent together.  I love the way Tony always makes me laugh, and his calm spirit allows him to always speak with a pleasant voice.  He gets up happy and goes to bed happy! He prides himself as an insurance agent and has a great friendship with his boss.  He always encourages me in all that I do..my writing, web designing and anything that is important to me. (We are even writing a Christian novel together!)


Most importantly, he has always been loving and kind to my two daughters, never raising his voice to them, but teaching them life's valuable lessons and always praising their accomplishments.


My family thinks the world of him because he treats them all with respect and caring.  Being the oldest of nine fun-loving sisters and brothers, Tony has gained a title of "authority," being lovingly pulled in all different directions, and not having it any other way. He is a fabulous father to his two sons, who have grown to be responsible and hard-working young men.  He became a grandfather this past February, and his new, sweet little granddaughter is the apple of his eye! He learned how to treat people from his loving parents.  


Tony is like all three definitions that I've explained the positive side of.  He always takes time out to enjoy life, and enjoys life in whatever he's doing.  He is a Rotary President and helps give back to his community through amazing charitable events and contributions.  He also carries with him all the fruits of the Spirit, he really does!  I am so excited to be engaged and in a commitment that goes beyond anything I could have ever imagined, and with my very best friend whom I love and adore who has taught me through the years to be the best possible person I can be through God.


Make life all it can be with these valuable lessons and choose to be aware of the little things, lend a helping hand, and love unconditionally.