December 8, 2013

“Don't worry about your reputation.  Just do your best and let your reputation take care of itself.”

That is the best, and certainly the most memorable, professional advice I ever received.

Like much other wisdom, upon reflection, that advice may be applied to much more than at first appears.

Today it comes again to me this way:

“Don't worry about your relationship with God.  Just do your best and let your relationship with God take care of itself.”

December 1, 2013

“We’ll leave the light on for you.”

As I think today about how our little Quaker Meeting can, corporately and individually, contribute to the vast and complex world around us, what comes to mind is that simple pledge from a motel ad.

As a Meeting, we can maintain this community of faithful seekers and leave the light of welcome on for anyone who is moved to join us, whether for minutes or years.

Individually, we can leave our inner light on for everyone we meet: we can share freely such light as we are given – the light of attention, love and acceptance – with the people we meet.

To fulfill this pledge, we must take care of the light – we must provide protection and fuel to our spiritual lives.  And we must leave the light on for each other.

Contribution

What higher non-physical need do we have than to experience contributing to - mattering to - at least one other person?

Most treasured moment?

Which is the more to be treasured: doing something for the first time or doing something for the last time?
Does it matter?
Aren't we always living this moment, breathing this breath, for the first time and for the last time?

Wanting the best for our loved ones

We want our friends and loved ones to be well, happy, and fulfilled - even it means being well, happy, and fulfilled somewhere else or with someone else.

A father's advice

If a person knows you think something is wrong, or even just unwelcome, yet asks you to do that "if you love me", that person doesn't love you.

A question about fear

Is my fear of failure, embarrassment, loss, grief or pain the inner counsel of conscience or of cowardice?

(I think fear can come from an instinct for wisdom, even survival.  But it can also come from avoiding the kind of discomfort that is essential to growth.  See October 6, 2013.)