IF THE ONLY PRAYER YOU SAID IN YOUR LIFE WAS "THANK YOU", THAT WOULD SUFFICE. ~Meister Eckhart

Thursday, March 6, 2008

03.06.08

It’s the principle of the thing. ~Dad
Today I am grateful...
  • for this lazy morning where I can take my time for myself as luxury
  • that I do not have to be someone elses vision of anything
  • that in the end love always triumphs, always
  • that I might not have compassion for a particular person, I can still pray for them
  • for the freedom of practicing a program of recovery. I do not have to defend myself, or struggle to deflect an other's mean behavior. All I have to do is be content with my relationship with my own Higher Power. All that, my friend, is worth a million bucks.
All spiritual traditions have vows, precepts, and tenets that are designed to encourage us to live in harmony with a higher vision of what humanity can be. Following a set of precepts, or taking a vow, can teach us what it feels like to be true to a set of elevated ideals in which we think beyond I, me, and mine. Being true to a vow in the face of temptation builds strength and power. We learn first hand the benefits of sacrificing short-term gains in favor of long-term vision. We learn the value of doing what is right, and not just what is easy. In a culture obsessed with convenience and freedom, integrity can be a rare quality. Perhaps this is because we have a cultural habit of resisting limitation and restriction. And yet, limitation and restriction often provide the structure in which integrity can be born. ~Daily Om

8 comments:

Syd said...

I like the comment about a mean friend. I know that I don't have to let other's under my skin--I simply can accept them as they are, warts and all. And know that I'm okay within myself. Thanks--good message that I need to hear a lot.

Trailboss said...

It’s the principle of the thing. ~Dad

How very true.

Pammie said...

love your opening quote and am anxious to see what SO has to say ;)

dAAve said...

... what Syd said.

Zanejabbers said...

You always give me food for thought.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I love you.

Mary Christine said...

Have a happy Friday Scott W.

Bill said...

Part of my quest for Integrity means keeping a watchful eye on my own behavior, rather than telling someone else how to live.

It's the principle of the thing, just as a wise man said.