You don't snuff out self-will in one day...especially in your relationships. This world is a place where we learn to return goodwill for ill will and love for hatred, to work harmoniously with others, and to put other people's welfare before our own. -- Eknath Easwaran, "Words To Live By," May 15
I've read my Easwaran daily reader since 1996. I have underlined the above passage more than once with my original underlining of that passage dated 1999.
Today, it hit home again but especially because I saw how blessed I was the day I realized that nothing is original to me...or to you or to them, for that matter, but I'll stick with me. It has only been in the last maybe four years that be the first to give over came to me...a blinding flash of the obvious that I knew to be an instruction.
Without forcing that as my self-determined objective, i.e., making nice, still feeling ugly, I have sought guidance toward that end whenever I've felt at odds with another.
All the while I've felt that "be the first to give over" was original to me...felt fairly pleased about it, too. No doubt was about to start preaching on its value till I read Easwaran this morning. Talk about a slap upside the head...I finally heard the Main Man's command: Agree with your adversary quickly, which comes straight from the Sermon...which I mention on occasion that I study.
There...proof God loves me...plus, I give Him a good laugh and that counts.
Thank you.
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