Monthly Letter: August 2011

How many times do we try to convince others their viewpoint is incorrect? How often do we argue, cajole, persuade, entice or reason with others to change their mind set? More important, how often does our trying to manipulate the behavior of others really change their habits? No matter how we protest, in the end the mind will go only where the heart leads it. So if it is change we seek, what are we doing to awaken goodness in the hearts of those around us?

There is only one way to bring light into the lives of those we love, and that is by lighting up the world around us. Have we become so accustomed to manipulating the behavior of others that we have forgotten how to simply awaken them to the best they can be? Consequently, the best, the very best we can do for others is to live our lives in such a way that, eventually, our example will become irresistible to them. Almost no words will inspire others like our own actions, and nothing will change others permanently like our example.  When we are tempted to say, “Look at me,” let us remember that good needs no advocate; it needs no defense. For good is its own advocate, and there is nothing it needs defending against. When we are tempted to explain the good we have done “so it may be better understood,” or to defend goodness “because it is worth protecting,” we have just begun to justify that which is not the best within us. Good, real good needs only to be done, not explained, promoted or defended.

This is a difficult task because change is gradual and it takes time. To be a living example to those we love requires an unfailing belief in the inevitable triumph of good. All evidence to the contrary, everyone would rather be good, to go good, and live a spirit filled life. God is love, love is God, and we are all made in the image and likeness of God. This is who we are, and how we choose to express ourselves is what we are. If we can be divine in nature why cannot our brothers and sisters be so as well? If our brothers and sisters are spiritual, divine in essence, why can’t this be awakened in them? It takes only the commitment to be the very best we can for as long as it takes for our good to awaken the good in the world around us. It remains for us to light up only the world in which we find ourselves, not our city, our state, or our nation, but simply the in our own lives. Do we have enough faith in goodness, enough love for our brothers and sisters, that we are willing to begin with ourselves?

May God bless you and shine His grace, through your eyes, upon all of those you have chosen to set your gaze.