Have you ever found yourself in a situation that was
somewhat confusing, uncomfortable or perhaps even dangerous? Sometimes it's hard
to understand why things happen or why we must participate in particular activities.
We don't often understand why certain people enter our lives or why they leave.
"Living in the moment" is a wonderful philosophy but can obstruct our
ability to more fully see the bigger picture, the why's and what for's. As
a child, I believed I had the meanest parents in the world. In my limited mind,
I could only see the restrictions they placed on me that prohibited me from
doing the things I wanted or that appeared to be fun in the moment, such as
climbing to the top of the 60 foot oak tree in the backyard. I found myself
angry with them much of the time. Yet as I grew older, I understood that the
decisions they made were for my well-being and designed to keep me safe and
alive.
Cleaning my room, doing my homework before playing with my
friends, eating my veggies - each of these rules were part of the larger
picture of my life. Being disciplined, nourishing my body or even being leery of strangers all served me well
later in life.
Consider this: as an adult, perhaps we're facing exploratory
surgery that will be painful. This can cause us to become angry and bitter
until the doctor explains that in doing she so will be able to uncover the
serious medical issue plaguing us and with proper treatment can most likely
correct it.
There is much suffering that one must endure in life. With
the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the world is reeling from the shock of yet
another atrocity committed against humanity. For many, there is no logic to
these horrific events and people cry out for revenge while governments call for
retaliation. Certainly I do not condone nor minimize the horrific acts
perpetrated on our brothers and sisters yet I am able to see beyond the
incident and understand this from a broader perspective. As a people we have
collectively devalued human life. Due in part to technology which dehumanizes
people through violent games, sexualized images, social media bullying, and a
general disconnect from physical interaction with others, we have less regard
for one another as human beings comprised of flesh and blood and feelings and
needs. We have lost our ability to feel compassion and empathy for one another
and prefer the company of our computers to that of others. Our tolerance levels
have plummeted to zero and courtesy is almost nonexistent. Pews in churches
that were once filled to capacity now sit in anticipation of the arrival of a
few diehard followers. God's name is only spoken in conjunction with profanity
and cynicism reigns where optimism and
cheerfulness once resided.
Yet in times of extreme tragedies, civilization remembers
its humanity and reaches out in love and concern to embrace one another in a
strong statement of solidarity. People turn to God in a desperate plea for
guidance, assistance, and strength. Prayer replaces criticism; families gently hold
one another in remembrance of their unity and love; footsteps echo in churches
around the world as people come together in prayer. In a world where wrong has
become right, and moral values have been replaced with a "do what makes
you happy" mentality, where those who've been sworn to protect us are now
viewed as criminals and greed overshadows generosity, a tragedy of this
magnitude serves in part to remind us of what is truly important, pure and
honorable. It helps to restore our sense of right and wrong and propels us to
find ways to cohabitate in peaceful unity with one another. And while some may
blame God for such horrific events, rest assured that He does not have the
capacity to inflict harm upon His children. He endowed us with intellect, free
will, and a set of 10 Commandments to ensure our well-being. We chose which
path to take in life: one of violence and hatred or the path of righteousness
and love.
Like the athlete who endures sore muscles, a torn cartilage
or broken bones, in anticipation of achieving world-class status as the premier
competitor in their sport, we must be willing to look at the bigger picture of
any event that takes place in our personal lives or on a global level. When we
look beyond the moment and explore the deeper meaning of what has occurred it
enables us to see the purpose behind the event and thus replace anger with
understanding and hope.
Know that there is always a bigger picture, a higher purpose
to every person and event that touches our lives for each is meant to unite us
in love and compassion and ultimately bring us into a closer union with God.
And once acknowledged, anger can no longer thrive.
Order The Secret
Side of Anger, Second Edition or The Great Truth @
http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com/pps1-products.html
Listen to past shows on iHeart Radio @ http://ow.ly/OADTf
Listen to my newest iHeart Radio show, BETWEEN YOU AND GOD, @ http://ow.ly/OADJK
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, Google+
No comments:
Post a Comment