As a follow-on to my last post...
I am frequently concerned about how we treat each other. This seems to be a personal and inter-personal attribute as much as a geopolitical issue. We - all of us, to one degree or another - tend to forget who we are. We berate ourselves for imperfections. We chastise and judge others based on extremely limited understandings and experiences. We jump to conclusions based on appearance, on speech patterns, on momentary and fleeting glimpses into another's life. And we assume we know it all, when we really just don't.
On the other hand, we could jump to conclusions that lead to greater understanding. We could start off by assuming the best in people. We could forgive ourselves for our imperfections, viewing them as opportunities for learning and progression and growth, rather than as limiting factors that will forever hold us back. It takes courage to discover one's weaknesses and then do something about them.
The pride that is so universal and so damning stems from perceived or real inequalities. As we come to understand that each of us has divine potential, a spark of divinity that transcends mundane considerations of physical appearance, behaviors, and present conditions, we can come to realize that each of us is worthy of adoration and respect. We are often called to go through terrible, lonely, discouraging, and difficult times. But it is very rare to have to go through alone - truly alone. I have tried to look for the gold in people - that brilliant, shining, golden light that speaks of the crucible which formed our souls.
And I glory in it. I exult in the greatness of the people I'm surrounded by. It gives me hope.
And I love you. So very much.
The divine in me bows to the divine in you.
I am frequently concerned about how we treat each other. This seems to be a personal and inter-personal attribute as much as a geopolitical issue. We - all of us, to one degree or another - tend to forget who we are. We berate ourselves for imperfections. We chastise and judge others based on extremely limited understandings and experiences. We jump to conclusions based on appearance, on speech patterns, on momentary and fleeting glimpses into another's life. And we assume we know it all, when we really just don't.
On the other hand, we could jump to conclusions that lead to greater understanding. We could start off by assuming the best in people. We could forgive ourselves for our imperfections, viewing them as opportunities for learning and progression and growth, rather than as limiting factors that will forever hold us back. It takes courage to discover one's weaknesses and then do something about them.
The pride that is so universal and so damning stems from perceived or real inequalities. As we come to understand that each of us has divine potential, a spark of divinity that transcends mundane considerations of physical appearance, behaviors, and present conditions, we can come to realize that each of us is worthy of adoration and respect. We are often called to go through terrible, lonely, discouraging, and difficult times. But it is very rare to have to go through alone - truly alone. I have tried to look for the gold in people - that brilliant, shining, golden light that speaks of the crucible which formed our souls.
And I glory in it. I exult in the greatness of the people I'm surrounded by. It gives me hope.
And I love you. So very much.
The divine in me bows to the divine in you.
Comments