ACCEPTANCE...AN ACT OF GRACE

[The following is a reprint of my blog of February 19,2012, reworked.]

“If you do not transform your pain, you will always transmit it.” — Fr. Richard Rohr

To me, the rest of that thought is: in your search for someone out there to blame...“If you do not transform your pain, you will always transmit it in your search for someone out there to blame.”

There is no one to blame, not even our own self. There is no one to blame for anything, no reason to shame anyone. We are, however, responsible for our pain…no matter who or what the apparent cause.

It is through surrender that pain is transformed…and then becomes the instrument through which we can be of benefit to others.

We slowly, slowly learn that all pain is beneficial to us when we learn to take responsibility for it...and the instant we think, “Yes, but...,” we are going down that wrong road again.

There are two truths about pain...1) all transformed pain is beneficial; and 2) finding someone to blame nurtures, grows, our pain.

Another truth: Acceptance, like forgiveness, cannot be received through an act of will...it can only come through the grace of God.

Thank you.