Friday, January 11, 2008

LESSON #3 - PRAY FOR COURAGE - STRENGTH - HUMOR


Anne Morrow Lindbergh :
"Don't wish me happiness
I don't expect to be happy all the time...
It's gotten beyond that somehow.
Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor.
I will need them all. "

Sneha, a beautiful person and soul, sent this poem to me in the blog. The first time I set my eyes on those lines.. tears came to my eyes. How true are those lines to the feelings I had in my heart. Many times well-meaning friends tried as best as they could to make me happy .. hoping that I would take rest from the burden of sorrow and grief. I know they try so hard but sometimes it just does not work.

But on thinking hard about it all I began to realize that this is not right. I don't have to remain in this misery and pass up on the wonderful things which life still has to offer. The sun still shines, flowers bloom their prettiest, new babies are born every minute, people still fall in love and get married, rivers and streams flow merrily, trees stand tall in the wind, and I can get back to my favorite morning walks, eat my favorite pasta, drink my cappuccino at Thor's coffee shop, and meet up with my lady friends for lunch on the 14th condo floor . I can still do a lot of things - life does not stand still even for those who mourn. So ...to you Sneha, thank you so much for this lovely quote. And I hope that you will include me in your prayers... for I humbly have asked God for courage, strength, and humor too.

That I may have the........

Courage to face life's tests and difficulties. There will always be those in anyone's life. There's no guarantee that because you've been through the most difficult trial that nothing more will come after that. Wish that it won't and didn't ..but we know better -- life loves playing bad jokes on us.

Strength to stand my ground when strong winds blow. Not to grow weak nor falter despite the hard hits and the bruises received from it. To be strong to accept the inevitable and the unexpected and change. And the strength to be weak and diminish.. to enable God's strength to take over and increase in my life and situation.

Humor to see the lighter side of things in life even in the midst of heartaches and troubles. To laugh at one's frailties and shortcomings. Simply to laugh with self, people, and life.

Yes truly...
wish me courage, strength, and humor..... I will need them all!


10 comments:

  1. Humour, strength and courage to face any and every situation thrown at by life. I agree couldn't have survived this long without them. True very true, been thinking a long time after reading your piece. I like the way u make me think. Thanks. I look forward to more life lessons.

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  2. And you, my dear friend, do have a way of making enjoy the writing. :-) Thank you for your message. Glad that you found the time to drop by... considering how busy you are with your masters which I understand eats up most of your time. So seeing you here now is truly appreciated.

    Take care; may God bless you.

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  3. Ooops! have missed a word there.. sorry. It should be "...have a way of making me enjoy..." lols :-D

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  4. Hi Ellen,

    So am back on your blog after a long time. Would like to wish a very happy and healthy new year to you and your family.

    Have been choc-o-bloc at work this whole time and the blog just went out of my mind, will try and find some time shortly to come over again and read your valuable posts i've missed.

    Cheers and Keeps smiling.
    Sumit

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  5. Hello Sumit,

    Great to see you after such a long time! Heyy, I went to your new blog home and also left message there.

    Now.. now.. don't be so hard on yourself. Ease up a bit. Don't let work rob you of the fun lighter side of living. :-)

    Take care okay?
    God bless you and your loved ones.

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  6. Hi Ellen,

    For someone who has been showering precious pearls of wisdom all along, its difficult to give any advise.. So I won't do that..

    But, seeing your last few posts, I am sure that you know what needs to be done.. I know, its really tough.. but it happens to the strongest of persons.. there are moments in everyone's life when things don't go one's way..
    As you rightly pointed, life still has a lot to offer..

    So dear friend, I just wish that may you get the best of all that life has to offer..

    Take Care and God Bless!

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  7. Hi Ellen,
    Humor, courage and strength indeed! I'm sure God has heard your cries and is even now granting you with that and more... what you need AND want...

    Continued Peace in Him,
    Regina

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  8. Hi Kamesh,

    Your words put a smile to my face. :-) Thank you for your kind words and wonderful wish. Don't worry, whatever lessons life is throwing my way -- has to be learned. We always do that in life, don't we all -- learn, unlearn, and relearn. That goes on all through our temporary lives here on earth. It's placed there by a loving God who means for us to grow in mind, body, and spirit.

    My best to your family..
    and prayers for your joy peace and contentment.

    God bless you!

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  9. You know what else, Kamesh....

    That was the sweetest thing you've done for me in your o3 blog. How it warmed my heart so that it brought tears to my eyes. I only saw it today. This wonderful gesture I shall always carry in my heart for the rest of my life.

    Thank you so much, my dear friend.
    God bless you a hundredfold for the goodness of your heart.

    Always,
    Ellen

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  10. Dear Regina,

    I think God hears you now.. for I have those in my heart as I write. You know, many may have claim to riches and fame... but I can proudly claim one for myself --- good friends which not even all the gold in Fort Knox can buy!

    God bless your kind heart and gentle soul.. and may this blessing pour out to your loved ones too.

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:-) Here's where I warmly welcome you and where you leave your footprints behind with fond memories attached to it of wonderful chats and friendships. Thank you for your comments. Or send your comments to ellen622@gmail.com. Will be seeing you in your blog too. God bless you!