Spirit Perspective

Lately, I have been thinking about the sum total of this thing known as “my life.” I have come to the conclusion that life – at least my life- is fair. I may not like or understand every turn of events, but in the final analysis it is fair. I have had a number of painful, even terrifying experiences, but I have also had a number of joyful, breath-taking moments. Pain, pleasure, tears, laughter, loss and gain, all in all, I’ve been dealt a pretty fair hand with which I must play – heck, an even swap ain’t never a swindle.

Concretely speaking, I am not real clear on what the rules for living are or should be. Yet, I have found some truths that have brought me a measure of comfort, cheer, strength and courage along the way. Because what happens to you matters to me, I want to share what I’ve learned. Not because I have the answers, but because these ideas may serve you as well as they have served me, and I want your life to be full of all the wonderful things you deserve. (And don’t be fooled, you do deserve a life rich in beauty and peace and full of faith, hope and love.

 1.   Never be too ashamed or selfish to give love, and never be too afraid to receive it.  The amount of love you are willing to share will directly correspond with the amount of love you will receive.

2. Always search for, find, and embrace the beauty in life.

3. Recognize and respect the place and importance of others in the universe.  Life is a cooperative fellowship and no person can successfully live it alone. Therefore, you will never stand taller than when you bend to help someone else. In doing so, you render faithful service to God and Godly service to humanity.

4. If you look inside yourself, you’ll find an amazing source of power.  

5. Listen to your spirit and nurture your soul.

6. Dare to dream and move your ideas from vision to fruition.  The Bible declares, “where this is no vision, the people perish.”

7. Be merciful and forgiving of others, and then, be merciful and forgiving of yourself.  Grudges rarely resolve a situation; they only torment those who befriend them.

8. It is okay to be afraid; however, it is never okay to stop trying because you are afraid.  Life is full of uncertainties and risks, but faith is the forward movement in the face of fear.

9. Stay close to and continuously work on your relationship with God.  Allow yourself to rest in God’s safety and abide in God’s love. There is nothing that can destroy or devour you, because there is nothing larger than the God that keeps you.

10. Remember that all of life’s situations are temporary.  Never become too involved in what you have, because “here today, gone today” is always applicable. Never become too involved in what you don’t have, because you may block your blessings. In all situations thank God, and remember, “This too shall pass.”

I believe and see the God in you. I love you enough to remind you that you can make it, and you can withstand anything. I believe you are just that strong! Remember, all the while I am praying for you and God is carrying you. You are so loved!

- Rev. Paris L. Eley