Simplicity

The simplest of phrases carry the greatest impact. Truly cements the premise that I over-think virtually everything, unable to process life with clarity until its broken down to the easiest understood terms and principles. I am incredibly grateful for God putting me right where I need to be at this moment in time (immediately and for the past 6+ months) and for the people he puts into my life; people who so freely share their experiences and perspective, which I now interpret as pure wisdom, meant for me to use and to carry to others.

"Do more to get more or better results." Takes the definition of insanity to a more meaningful level; I can't keep doing the same things if I want different results If I want to be better, if I want to have more, if I want to get well, I cannot keep doing just what I've been doing (though that does achieve a definite purpose); instead, I must be willing to take broader and deeper and different directions & steps, as directed by God and His servants. For if I am left to decide when, where, what and how to decide, I most assuredly will misstep, as my lifetime of missteps will attest. Not that I am incapable of good decisions, but that if left solely to my own devices, I must surely will not be where I want to be, nor where I need to be, nor where I "should" be.

"God is not Santa Claus". Experiencing "Santa", and the act of giving & receiving freely (in whatever form or concept), is all about "things" (gifts), without expectations or (typically) the need to earn the right to give or receive the "thing". For many, the act of giving is more important than the joy of receiving. God absolutely does not work this way; I must learn to ask Him for whatever He chooses to bestow upon me (or take away from me), and I am very much accountable for what He gives or takes away. I must be willing to change to meet His expectations for living a "good" life, and in many respects earn the right to receive His blessings. But not always; I must also become conscious of and gracious when He simply bestows a gift on me without my asking for it or even earning it. His involvement in my life is based purely on my interaction with Him, and not just Him "being there" to pop in and out whenever He so chooses. The more I interact with Him, the more I am able to receive His gifts and experience His grace. I have never prayed to Santa Claus - but I most certainly pray to God, and not just because of my wants or needs.


My ego, so prevalent in my life for decades, and so dictatorial over my personality and mannerisms, has been typically thought of in reference to the quality of my self-centered nature. But it is not just the extent to which I think of myself first and foremost; it is also the frequency. If I am able to realize how often my nature is to put myself first - as in, "what's in it for me?" - then perhaps I can reduce this tendency, and the extent and depth of my self-absorbed lifestyle will change accordingly. I can achieve this through service to others, as frequently as possible; the more I focus on others and doing for others and for the benefit of others - and do so without wanting the spotlight or accolades or recognition - then the less likely I am to be focused on myself, which means I can alter my behavior and personality simply by doing, and acting "as if" I have learned to be that way naturally. Over time, I hopefully will become natural in this mindset, and my ego-driven nature will reduce substantially. This concept of service goes far beyond my immediate family and friends (though certainly I can put a priority on them); the concept of service extends to all of God's creatures - mankind and animals, the earth and society, my community and my fellowships. It simply ain't all about me.

Lastly, heard this last night, which was amazingly profound for me, largely due to its simplicity:

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life...


He said to them, "A fight is going on inside of me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.


One wolf is evil -- he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.


The other is good---he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.


This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."


The children thought about it in silence for a while, and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"


The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed".


Simplicity can be so significant; in an instant, the light comes on and burns brightly, unfiltered by depth and breadth of related but confusing tangents......