Circumstantial Constraint

Today's Quote:
If we examine every stage of our lives, we find that from our first breath to our last we are under the constraint of circumstances. And yet we still possess the greatest of all freedoms, the power of developing our innermost selves in harmony with the moral order of the Universe, and so winning peace at heart whatever obstacles we meet.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


I was asked by my sister-in-law to keep my posts squeaky clean, so that when she wished to show one to her pastor, she could do so without shame. With respect for her wishes, I will not open this post the way I normally would by saying "s... happens", but will say instead... STUFF OCCURS. Some good, some bad, and some totally indifferent to our expectations. We are all at times held hostage by circumstances over which we have little or no control.


At birth we inherit the environment our parents inhabit. If we are lucky they have a good grasp on reality, if not it becomes an instant struggle to survive and grow wise in spite of what surrounds us. School follows and learning is easy or hard, according to our ability and affability. If fitting in is an issue, formal education can be pure torture. With age comes the wisdom that being a bit different is often a blessing, but until that dawning of knowledge it can be a bumpy ride.


Then it is time for adult pastimes like work, and love, and parenthood. The opportunities for stuff to occur just grows and grows. And stuff occurs! And occurs!! And keeps occurring!!! The quicker we can learn not to become hostage to occurrences the better, but for some of us it can take a huge portion of our lifetime to get a clue. *Raises hand here, admitting I used to be a most dedicated hostage.

Constraints are devices that retard movement, which guarantees no forward motion is possible. Circumstance is a set of facts that surround a situation. When I get surrounded the last thing I need is retarded movement. The fact is that when I get trapped by situations, I've been known to make some really retarded movements without the aid of any devices. But only when I forget to make good use of my power of reasoning.

It is more than possible to rise above whatever it is, yet so many people never develop their ability to fly. Whatever it is that is holding you stationary, is not at fault... the blame lies in the fact that you allow it to grip the space you should own free and clear. Once you believe in your right to ownership, protecting it becomes your responsibility, and it is a most sacred trust. Sometimes reclaiming it becomes necessary, and thank God there is no limit to the times this can be done.

A calm mind, a quiet soul, and a peaceful heart are just rewards for the battles we fight to find our true self. Really knowing ourselves and why we
sometime do stupid things is the first step to ceasing the stupidity. And even more important than knowing who you are is being certain of who you will become if you keep journeying down the path that leads to your deepest being. As you travel, look around, I'll be along the road somewhere... maybe we can walk for a time together. Think about it... let it ride... then decide!!!