THE GIFT OF SELF-CHOSEN PAIN

Most people are like electric wires: what comes in is what goes out. Someone calls us a name, and we call them a name back. That is, most people pass on the same energy that is given to them. Now compare an electric wire to those big, grey transformers that you see on utility poles. Dangerous current or voltage comes in, but something happens inside that grey box and what comes out is, in fact, now helpful and productive. That is exactly what [spiritual growth teaches] with suffering. - Fr Richard Rohr, "Daily Meditation," September 18, 2020

In short, we do not return negative energy directed at us but hold it inside where it is made into something better. (And our reasoning mind rises up in righteous indignation quick, fast and without further thought...also known as contempt prior to investigation.) 

The fact is, if we are sincere in our desire to grow spiritually, we must refuse to pass the negative on. Face it, that is the entire instructions for how to get over ourself.

We pray our thank you for our everything just at it is right this very instant, for every mistake, miscue or honest error that has led us to this time and place...accepting that we must be utterly broken to fully realize our powerlessness. Then we can rest knowing the hand of God is guiding us by His will and His way. 

I pray thank you  and trust God to lift my understanding deeper

Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. -- Kahlil Gibran 

Thank you.