Many of you that have followed my blog, may know that I'm a devout Christian but I typically don't share my religion with others. I'm making a little bit of an exception for today because this touched me so much. I don't "not share" because of embarrassment or shame, I just keep things to myself. I try to follow the "Show, Don't Tell" philosophy of life.
When my world fell apart three years ago, I needed something to pull me out and get me going. My faith was part of that. I truly changed the focus of my life and while I still often take a wrong turn, I feel like I have found the right path.
Yesterday, our new priest read the Prayer of St. Francis during his homily. I had tears in my eyes because without knowing it, this was MY prayer. This was the path that I started following years ago and contains all the thoughts I have when trying to guide myself toward true happiness. I used to be very selfish in my feelings. What was going to make ME happy, why didn't everyone love ME, why am I always the one to GIVE? I realized that those weren't the right questions and when they would come up, I would squash them. Now I just have the words to help myself do that:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Whatever your beliefs, the message is clear...We GET joy, by GIVING it to others. SHOW, don't TELL.
Hugs to all!
7 comments:
I really appreciate your post. Although I'm about 1 year post op, I am at a not so good place in my life, my weight has fluctuated and despite all my efforts to find a new job..I can't even get an interview. So I'm a bit down and out. I was also really concerned about my mother who had to have some tests done. So I prayed and prayed and the tests were negative. I am so thankful for his blessings in regards to that situation because I was so concerned. But now, I am unsure to pray for help and guidance on the other things that have me stressed. I feel like I am asking too much. But maybe I should do what you mentioned, bring joy to others..I can just be such a Debbie Downer when things are not working out that I am not sure how to spread joy. Your post definately hits home.
I don't consider myself a religious person, but this is prayer is so true and such a great message! I love your philosophy on showing and not telling. So many people call themselves Christian and make it a point to tell everyone, rather than actually showing it. That's what I think is the most important as well. They should take a lesson out of your book :)
What a sweet prayer Beth. It's a beautiful glimpse into your sincere heart. I love that :)
Also, you look aaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaazing in that sweater dress from November! How did I miss that pic?
I believe that Christ lived the life of the giver, and that is what brings us happiness. To give completely of ourselves without reservation.
Hard concept for most of us, most of the time. In a society that is constantly preaching to us about what we DON'T have and what we might WANT!!
All we need we already have, God's eternal love and salvation.
When we treat others with kindness and love, what but good could come from that.
Love your post!
I adore this prayer!!! Thank you for sharing. It is so true!!
Love this, thanks for sharing, sweetie. :)
Love this!
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