WORK FOR A GOOD REPORT CARD IN LIFE

Improve the self. And anything that does not give or contribute to that goal should take a back seat in your day. Tough one I would agree because many times it's the convenient old self that kicks hard to get its way ... the way it has always been used to. That is why LEARNING has always been a struggle to many of us. It is easy to learn something the first time but to RELEARN stuff again and again can be quite boring, annoying to a few. Yet God himself sends us lessons, often the same lessons, to learn repeatedly... and the reason is that we didn't really get it the first time. Until we do.. God will keep sending you the lesson until he is satisfied that you understand what he is trying to teach or tell you.

Another thing which we don't quite warm up to in any way is to UNLEARN those things which do not contribute to our good in the bigger picture of our lives. Well, that kind of good which God has in mind. Because you see, our perception of good is OUR perception of what we think is best for us. That is where our comfort zones lie.

I too have my comfort zones. Sleeping late and waking up late is one of them particularly that I have the luxury of time which retirement now affords me. Not anymore. Early morning walks are first on the agenda of my day. I walk almost everyday according to what my age allows. Just round the neighborhood but it works wonders to my mind, heart, body, and soul. And with this what could be a minor one to others but a huge benefit for me the day becomes one of great and greater wonder and good potential. No, it does not vanish all the evil or ills of the world or in your own tiny corner of it... but it becomes what God promised it would be if we walk in his light.

Let's aim to be good students in life; work for good grades in our report card; strive to put a smile on our Teacher's loving face who's definitely watching from above.

Have a blessed Monday... with tons more in the week ahead.
God bless you.

KNOW YOURSELF

Saw this in a book I was reading recently, to quote..... 

"In ancient Greece, those who sought the advice of the famous oracle at Delphi were greeted by a simple inscription above the entrance:  'Know Yourself'. It was a reminder that as well as seeking the counsel of others we must also look inward at what is going on in our bodies, our feelings, and our minds. By truly understanding ourselves we become our own surest guides."   -- (1001 Pearls of Wisdom, David Ross, published by Chronicle Books)

We go to great lengths in trying to understand people but nary a glance at trying to know ourselves better. Because we think that we already do. But do we really? It's not just about knowing your likes, dislikes, preferences, comfort zones, stuff which you perceive to be you and through which others may see you or interact with too. I believe there is far more than what goes on at the surface of our lives or persons.

The inner self or the core of which we are asked to seek out lies there within us just waiting ... placed there by Someone who meant it for our greater and better good. By God's design. When we find it only then perhaps can we truly say -- " I know me". And the miracles you were wishing for begin to happen.

My own search continues. Good luck to yours.