This past week, I witnessed two things that have been weighing heavy on my mind and heart. Both made me shake my head in disbelief and sadness. The first, showed me that we do things that we view in a positive light, yet do not consider or completely ignore the intent in our actions. Take for example, we may want to show off our new boyfriend or girlfriend, and this is great (very positive), unless we are doing it to hurt his/her ex, who we know is going to be where we are going. I think you get the idea. Why not just go someplace new? Why do we continue to think something is positive, when we clearly have negative intent. In my honest opinion, nothing good comes out of ill intentions. Even if the ramifications are not immediate.
The second had me watching someone trying to classify different levels of hate. What is the difference between me being vile to you, whether I hate you for your politics, because you are a man, a woman, a different color, speak a different language, are of a different religion, or no religion, are gay, or straight? Is not hate, still hate? We seem to want to classify hate in order to make justifications for our actions, or the actions of someone else with whom we agree, or whom we may like or even love. Shy of something being a crime, and that is a whole other topic or post, my opinion is that hate is all the same and we shouldn’t be doing any of it or justifying any of it. Is it not time to get over it and find a new way?
In both these instances, I like to try to follow the advice given to me in Romans 12:17-21 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.
That last line, overcoming evil with good, had me in a discussion with someone about a topic I continue to bring up in post after post, love. This person and I have gotten into some great conversations the last few times I’ve seen them. The last time was whether or not people had the ability to change the world. This time, although I started the conversation at where we left off the last time, it soon transgressed into something else. Amid the conversation, they handed me a pamphlet to read a small excerpt; a daily thought. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the author’s name or title of the excerpt. The gist of it, however, was that love is like running a marathon, not a sprint. That life will continue to throw obstacles in your path, to try to keep you from reaching your goal. That you need to train yourself to complete it, even though it is taking a toll on your physical being. And you will need strength, stamina, power, will, faith, among other things to make it to the finish line. I so got the point.
Life can be easy loving someone who loves us, but the ones that truly need our love are the ones that love us the least. I truly am trying to do my best to walk that walk, or run that run, and perhaps bring some of you along with me. Have no fear, our evil sides will make sure we stumble and fall along the way. The key is that we get up and continue toward the finish line. As always, whatever you want to add is more than welcome here. We just ask that your addition be something positive or constructive. Until next time..
All of this is so true. We were all born to work out Karma. Whether it is from our distant pasts, thrust upon us from ancestral lineage, or from decisions we have made along the way in this lifetime. Some don’t believe in Karma or past life. That is okay. None of us can deny that in any decision we have made there is outcome. Good, bad, indifferent. We were put here to learn lessons to evolve and grow. If all situations were perfect then where would our potential to grow come from? I have learned alot these last few years about myself. To quickly recognize things, friendships, jobs, situations that don’t have my best interest at heart. To stand in my truth and change things sooner than later. When I have wronged someone or have been wronged to be forgiving of myself and of the other party. I was speaking with the person who writes this blog not to long ago. In my evolution and stillness I have noticed that some of the lessons I have come here to learn is patience, to be non-judgmental, to speak my truth. To come from a helpful, loving place as often as possible. To pay it forward in random acts of kindness. To share knowledge and at the same time be open to what others have to say. Knowledge is knowledge is knowledge. Favorite words: caring, sharing, loving, forgiving.