For your consideration….
I suspect that when you read the title of today’s message you will be thinking that it is talking about not judging others. While that is always a good reminder, that is not what today’s message is about.
Our message today is about not judging ourselves. All too often we have that fleeting thought to help someone, call someone, put forth an idea etc. but we don’t. We don’t act because we let our ego jump in with its dialogue. “You don’t know them.” “They may not want your help and turn you down.” “They may think you’re an idiot.” “I don’t have time to get involved or I don’t want to get involved.” “What will they think of me?”….and on and on and on.
We let our ego weigh in, offer up judgment on the action and talk us right out of it when really we knew we should offer the help and kindness.
We are reminded today to let go of judgment and reach out. Even if any or all of those things our ego tells us comes to fruition, it does not matter. The act of reaching out outweighs all of that many times over. We can walk away with a lighter heart having honored our authentic self. It is the action that counts, not the reaction.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all>”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths. Remember, they don’t have to be all at once. And remember, breath is our reset button whenever and wherever we need it.
-Reach out without judgment.
What made me smile yesterday…..
-I told my students that I was so tired when I got home from school, I put my PJ’s right on. They thought that was the funniest thing. They may not be able to tell time but they know they don’t put their PJ’s on as soon as they get home from school.
-Giggles. Unsolicited, spur of the moment giggles.
-“NO,” is an easy word to learn. One of my little students knows very little English but knows that. When I asked him to put his artwork and jacket in his backpack, he told me “NO!” I insisted, ultimately putting his things in. He was mad and spewing words in his language. I looked at him and said, “Are you talking about ME?” He paused and looked at me. I said, “Don’t you talk about me like that.” He looked up at me and broke out into the biggest grin. I think we reached an understanding.
-I made a decision. Rather than be sad that I can’t go to my cottage, I am going to bite the bullet, resign myself that I will sit in traffic for a long time and go right after school. Stillwater, here I come.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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