Here is a thought shared on my Facebook this morning, author not identified.
“In the end, only three things matter:
how much you loved,
how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
I think the hardest thing for me to learn has been the last of these. Throughout my life, it seemed that so much of what went on around me could do better with my insight, my wisdom, my intervention. What I’ve had to realize is that those around me, even those I loved the most, each had their own path to follow. Their path may have taken them places I wish they would not go, paths that might reflect on me in a way I would prefer they not, paths that may be harmful to them or others.
But when I honestly consider my own path, sitting here in the eagle’s nest, I realize that those who have loved me have had concerns about my life choices, been embarrassed by my actions, worried about the harm I might do to myself or others.
But these loving ones never left me. In their faithfulness, they revealed God to me.
I think one thing is missing and that is how much we give of ourselves to others in need, whether it be in the form of love, comfort, food, shelter, time, money , all given, and hopefully received without the recipient thinking there may be something malicious behind that giving. Maybe the word is “unselfishness”. How about forgiveness? How do we handle this? Hang on tight to those who care for you, love you and forgive you for your thoughtless actions for those are the ones truly created in God’s love. The others don’t matter.
I am reading a beautiful little book with the words of Mother Teresa that offers some amazing insights about love. It is called “Mother Teresa, Her Essential Wisdom”, edited by Carol Kelly Gangi. I read only a couple of short quotes each day, they are so full of meaning. Thank you for the comments.