Luke 13:12 "And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity..." |
As the semester winds to a close, I am currently finalizing my Spiritual Formation portfolio. Part of this process is acknowledging my weakest points, understanding their source, and giving them to Christ. This process has caused me to go into great reflection. As part of that reflection, I wanted to share some profound words of wisdom that my great friend and co-worker, Christina Caputo, shared with me. They are a shaft of pure light in a convoluded world and articulate so clearly the inner peave I am striving to perfect:
Desiderata - by Max Ehrmann
Go
placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in
silence.
As
far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak
your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the
ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they
are vexations to the spirit.
If
you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements
as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it
is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise
caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let
this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high
ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not
feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity
and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take
kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of
youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do
not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and
loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a
child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right
to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is
unfolding as it should.
Therefore
be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors
and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With
all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be
careful. Strive to be happy.
AS A PREVIEW FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD:
Classes for Fall semester:
Biblical Hermeneutics
Women in the Ministry: a Biblical Perspective
New Testament 1
The Gospel: Global Perspectives