What are the Odds?: A Christmas Pondering

Quotes

"You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed, as your deed is, so is your destiny." Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.5 (Translated by Eknath Easwaran.).

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now." Goethe

" I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt, or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming." Goethe

"Being committed to place ourselves in an environment that we know will make us grow and teach us about our deepest selves builds character, strength, and courage. We soon find ourselves in the habit of growth and find that "we’ve arrived" by our mere presence on the path. We find ourselves at home in the heat of our own refinement." Scott Moore

"The last thing the world needs is another perfect Downward Facing Dog pose. What the world does need is another open heart." Judeth Lasater

Sunday, December 21, 2008

A Christmas Pondering

Today was a good day, even an excellent day. Sundays have the potential to be the best days. Rejuvenating, recharging, and restful. But it isn't a physical rest. It took me a long time to understand the meaning of Sunday being a day of rest. It is not napping- although the rare Sabbaths that include a nap are marvelous. I don't have great words to describe the rest I'm referring to. As if I can set down the weight of living in the world with all its stress and cares for a day and remember what is really important.
After I finished church today, I had a smile on my face I couldn't hide away. I was filled with the true Christmas spirit and in awe of the miracle we celebrate each year. Fortified in faith to withstand the "Christmas eves" of my life because the fulfillment of the promise on Christmas day. What more glorious news can there be than the Savior was born and perfected his life so everyone has hope?! I went to Clara Rae's blessing this morning and during the Sacrament meeting a man who was in a puff powered wheelchair (controlled by puffing or sucking air from a tube- used when injury is so extensive a person is a quadriplegic) sang a beautiful Christmas song. It brought powerfully to mind how miraculous and personal the gifts of the Savior are. This man did not despair because he knew that one day he would be whole again. No matter our weakness, imperfection, injury, pain, or suffering, the healing has already been promised, prepared, and waiting. This has extra peace for me because I realized that even if I cannot help someone at work with all their physical suffering- in the end- it's okay because it is already taken care of. I don't have to carry the weight/responsibility to end their suffering. To me Christmas is hope.