Light in the Darkness

Just this once,

let's assume our friends and acquaintances do not have motives.

Let's assume that our loved ones are doing the best they can.

And let's assume that we have no real idea of what is going on in their lives.

In their homes and in their heads.

Before we jump to conclusions about why they said what they said,

or did what they did,

let's stop.

Stop assuming, stop blaming.

Stop getting "offended"

(don't get me started on how much I hate that word)

By God, stop calling each other and telling each other off.

It's madness...and it doesn't help anyone.

Let's maybe start having a little compassion for the struggles

others might be going through that we know nothing about.

A little empathy for their insecurities and their fears that may be

causing them to act the way they are.

A little love for the parts of themselves they seem to hate.

As I have said so many times...usually those things

that irk us about someone else...

the things that make us a little bit crazy,

or really tick us off.

Those are the things we need to take a long, hard look in the the mirror at ourselves about.

Because they aren't about our friends.

They are about us.

Where WE are insecure.

What WE fear.

And WE know we are just doing the best WE can to get through each day too.

WE would love a little compassion and understanding about our weaknesses and our self-loathing.

So...

given the chance today,

will you spread some light for someone in the same pain you are in

or will you leave them in the dark room of their soul.

My favorite prayer from St. Francis of Assisi has these lines...

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...

How I wish I lived this every day and in every situation, but I don't.

Ask my children! 

I am trying. I am only human.

We're doing the best we can.

I just try to make my best today, better than yesterday.

God Bless...