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If you want to see your own life clearly, you have to rely on other people’s eyes. Your own view will always be a little skewed, because you will always be a little too close.
“It is difficult, if not impossible, to see the picture if you’re in the frame.” Unattributed
“[The blind man] said, ‘Lord, I want to see.’” Luke 18:41
I almost decided to harbor a new resentment yesterday. I was ready to give it a sheltered spot inside me (maybe for years), but I changed my mind. I decided to look for some less toxic things (like wonder and thanksgiving and good humor) to harbor instead.
Harbor: to give something shelter or a home
“[G]iving [me] the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13
I wonder how much more enjoyable today would be if I decided to do (even a few) things with my whole heart – fully present, right where my hands and feet are?
“Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart. . . .” Colossians 3:23
“Living mindfully is the art of living awake and ready to embrace the gift of the present moment.” Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr
I already know what it’s like to work frantically all day and fall into bed at night counting the things I left out anyway. Today, I’m going to work like snow -- quietly, quietly, leaving nothing out -- just to see what happens.
“Suppose we did our work / Like snow, quietly, quietly, / Leaving nothing out.” Wendell Berry
“But what happens when we live life God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard -- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.” Galatians 5:22-23
When you’re stuck in a frustrating, same-old-same-old way of relating to somebody, the bad news is that (no matter how hard you try) you can’t change the way the other person acts. The very good news is that you can change the way you react. Choose to react differently, and everything changes.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Unknown
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2
When you’re trying to change (the way you eat or work or react or whatever), the buddy system works a lot better than flying solo.
“Two people are better than one. . . . If one falls down, the other can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Most humbling of all is to comprehend the lifesaving gift that your pit crew of people has been for you. . . .” Anne Lamott
