“Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.” Jiddu Krishnamurti

When people give us a different point of view, it may not be that their perspective is a better summary than our own, but we will be in a better position to grow wiser just for having listened. The road to wisdom begins in a humble soul. The best counsel is in the heart of the one willing and ready to receive it. It is the spirit of learning, not necessarily what is learned, that will lead us to wisdom and truth.

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Ps.25 Conversations Within” ts 10/25/2016

“Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.” Jiddu Krishnamurti

When people give us a different point of view, it may not be that their perspective is a better summary than our own, but we will be in a better position to grow wiser just for having listened. The road to wisdom begins in a humble soul. The best counsel is in the heart of the one willing and ready to receive it. It is the spirit of learning, not necessarily what is learned, that will lead us to wisdom and truth.

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Ps.25 Conversations Within” ts 10/25/2016

“A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue.” Russian Proverb

It is generally considered wise to listen to different points of view. Not every disagreement competes with our understanding, it may complement it in ways we have not yet seen. Be open to dissenting counsel, even aggressively seek it. Surround yourself with friends who do not always agree with you, and who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

“Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.” Prov.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2016

“A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue.” Russian Proverb

It is generally considered wise to listen to different points of view. Not every disagreement competes with our understanding, it may complement it in ways we have not yet seen. Be open to dissenting counsel, even aggressively seek it. Surround yourself with friends who do not always agree with you, and who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

“Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.” Prov.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2016

”Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out.” Stephen A. Kallis, Jr

It is silly to be supercilious--believing oneself to be superior to others. What is tempting for people of faith, even people of science, is to believe this about our own point of view. Just because I believe in a perfect God does not mean that I understand or represent Him perfectly. The same can be said of all points of view, spiritual and secular. If there is any objectivity that will serve us all, it is to recognize that none of us has a perfect understanding.

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Prov.14 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2016

”Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out.” Stephen A. Kallis, Jr

It is silly to be supercilious--believing oneself to be superior to others. What is tempting for people of faith, even people of science, is to believe this about our own point of view. Just because I believe in a perfect God does not mean that I understand or represent Him perfectly. The same can be said of all points of view, spiritual and secular. If there is any objectivity that will serve us all, it is to recognize that none of us has a perfect understanding.

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Prov.14 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2016

“The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history.” George Orwell

It has been shown time and again that we cannot always trust what we see. Things are not always as they appear. This does not mean that there is nothing solid behind the illusions of life. Everything is not a mirage. Truth is there. It is widely believed that we must be objective if we are to find it. Perhaps a certain truth must first be embraced in us before other truths can be shown to us. Simply put, we should be open to the possibility that some of our views are wrong. The worst blindspot is when we do not believe that we have any.

“If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2016

“The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history.” George Orwell

It has been shown time and again that we cannot always trust what we see. Things are not always as they appear. This does not mean that there is nothing solid behind the illusions of life. Everything is not a mirage. Truth is there. It is widely believed that we must be objective if we are to find it. Perhaps a certain truth must first be embraced in us before other truths can be shown to us. Simply put, we should be open to the possibility that some of our views are wrong. The worst blindspot is when we do not believe that we have any.

“If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2016

”We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another.” Unknown

Should we make it our objective to be objective when complete objectivity is outside our reach? Well, we often pursue good things that are not entirely within our grasp. We pursue health even though we know we will eventually lose it. We give it our best shot to make good choices even though we know we make bad ones every day. Being totally unbiased, and nonpartisan are probably outside our reach, but we can certainly try to be fair, and even-handed in our dealing with others.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Prov.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2016

”We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another.” Unknown

Should we make it our objective to be objective when complete objectivity is outside our reach? Well, we often pursue good things that are not entirely within our grasp. We pursue health even though we know we will eventually lose it. We give it our best shot to make good choices even though we know we make bad ones every day. Being totally unbiased, and nonpartisan are probably outside our reach, but we can certainly try to be fair, and even-handed in our dealing with others.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Prov.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2016

“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.” Anais Nin

We can only be as objective as our perspective allows. My point of view is not the only point of view, but it is the view I have. If I want to see something outside my point of view, I must seek a different point of view. If we want a complete and objective picture of the world, we may have to ask Someone outside it. After all, people on a boat in the middle of the ocean cannot see the boat in the middle of the ocean only the boat and the ocean around them. The big picture is lost to those in the picture.

“The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.” Heb.4 Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2016

“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.” Anais Nin

We can only be as objective as our perspective allows. My point of view is not the only point of view, but it is the view I have. If I want to see something outside my point of view, I must seek a different point of view. If we want a complete and objective picture of the world, we may have to ask Someone outside it. After all, people on a boat in the middle of the ocean cannot see the boat in the middle of the ocean only the boat and the ocean around them. The big picture is lost to those in the picture.

“The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.” Heb.4 Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2016

“Never forget that the facts are important, but it’s the opinion of the facts that causes comment.” Unknown

As I try to be objective about being objective, I am pretty sure that no one can be completely objective. Even when we state something we believe is fact, we usually follow it with an opinion. It is not that truth does not exist, the problem is in our different summaries of it. There I go again, giving my opinion. I am sure we can factually state that people have opinions.

“Therefore I say, 'Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.” Job 32 Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2016

“Never forget that the facts are important, but it’s the opinion of the facts that causes comment.” Unknown

As I try to be objective about being objective, I am pretty sure that no one can be completely objective. Even when we state something we believe is fact, we usually follow it with an opinion. It is not that truth does not exist, the problem is in our different summaries of it. There I go again, giving my opinion. I am sure we can factually state that people have opinions.

“Therefore I say, 'Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.” Job 32 Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2016

"A purely objective viewpoint does not exist in the cosmos or in politics." - Howard Fineman

I generally think of myself as an objective person. One might say that being objective is being able to look at oneself from another's point of view. The way that I see myself may be skewed, and probably is skewed. Of course, being able to look at myself from another’s point of view might be called being objective, until we realize that they too may have, and probably do have a skewed point of view as well.

“What is truth?” Pilate to Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2016

"A purely objective viewpoint does not exist in the cosmos or in politics." - Howard Fineman

I generally think of myself as an objective person. One might say that being objective is being able to look at oneself from another's point of view. The way that I see myself may be skewed, and probably is skewed. Of course, being able to look at myself from another’s point of view might be called being objective, until we realize that they too may have, and probably do have a skewed point of view as well.

“What is truth?” Pilate to Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2016

“It’s a good day to have a good day.” Unknown

A heart inclined to goodness is always having a good day. We incline our hearts towards goodness by entertaining only good thoughts, speaking only good words, and doing only good deeds. Since God is good, we need but to ask Him about the goodness of a matter. The sun of a good day rises in the skies of a good heart and a good life is the sum of many good days. Have a good day.

“...the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2016

“It’s a good day to have a good day.” Unknown

A heart inclined to goodness is always having a good day. We incline our hearts towards goodness by entertaining only good thoughts, speaking only good words, and doing only good deeds. Since God is good, we need but to ask Him about the goodness of a matter. The sun of a good day rises in the skies of a good heart and a good life is the sum of many good days. Have a good day.

“...the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2016

“Are we having fun yet?”

Isn’t this supposed to be fun? How many activities are spoiled because of pent-up frustration. People break their golf clubs, throw their tennis rackets, and lose their temper doing any number of activities which, by design, are intended to be enjoyed. If we are not having fun, it may be that the heart needs to let go of the loads of life and lighten up. Throw your frustrations away, not your play toys. Laugh a little. In fact, laugh a lot, and especially at yourself.

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy...”Psalm 126 ESV Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2016

“Are we having fun yet?”

Isn’t this supposed to be fun? How many activities are spoiled because of pent-up frustration. People break their golf clubs, throw their tennis rackets, and lose their temper doing any number of activities which, by design, are intended to be enjoyed. If we are not having fun, it may be that the heart needs to let go of the loads of life and lighten up. Throw your frustrations away, not your play toys. Laugh a little. In fact, laugh a lot, and especially at yourself.

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy...”Psalm 126 ESV Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2016

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar…” Lord Byron

I try and make it a point to interact with nature most days. Wood, wind, water, and waves work a special grace in me. Spending time in them is spending time with HIm. I think our heavenly Father enjoys spending time with us in the earthly sanctuary of the natural world.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?” Job 12 Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2016

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar…” Lord Byron

I try and make it a point to interact with nature most days. Wood, wind, water, and waves work a special grace in me. Spending time in them is spending time with HIm. I think our heavenly Father enjoys spending time with us in the earthly sanctuary of the natural world.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?” Job 12 Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2016

“We cannot love someone with whom we never laugh.” Agnes Repplier

God wants to enjoy the day together, but I often am feeling guilty about something. He wants to run and play, but I have let life shackle me with the weight of my failure. He invites me to a feast but I feel like I need to diet. Thank you for poking me in the ribs, my Father, and reminding me that you are one happy God, and you  want nothing more than our happiness. Teach me to lighten up, to shed the burdens I needlessly carry, and just enjoy life as you intend.

“…you make him glad with the joy of your presence.” Ps21.6 ESV Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2016

“We cannot love someone with whom we never laugh.” Agnes Repplier

God wants to enjoy the day together, but I often am feeling guilty about something. He wants to run and play, but I have let life shackle me with the weight of my failure. He invites me to a feast but I feel like I need to diet. Thank you for poking me in the ribs, my Father, and reminding me that you are one happy God, and you  want nothing more than our happiness. Teach me to lighten up, to shed the burdens I needlessly carry, and just enjoy life as you intend.

“…you make him glad with the joy of your presence.” Ps21.6 ESV Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2016

“Every survival kit should include a sense of humor.” Anonymous

Being prepared for whatever is a good approach for dealing with life. Stuff breaks, the power goes out, tires go flat, and misunderstandings happen between people.  Keeping a light heart and a sense of humor will go a long way in dealing with life’s negatives in a wholesome manner. Pull out a sense of humor the next time you are rubbed wrong by someone. Give people room to be irritated. When you turn the other cheek, make sure you are smiling.  

“A merry heart is good medicine.” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2016

“Every survival kit should include a sense of humor.” Anonymous

Being prepared for whatever is a good approach for dealing with life. Stuff breaks, the power goes out, tires go flat, and misunderstandings happen between people.  Keeping a light heart and a sense of humor will go a long way in dealing with life’s negatives in a wholesome manner. Pull out a sense of humor the next time you are rubbed wrong by someone. Give people room to be irritated. When you turn the other cheek, make sure you are smiling.  

“A merry heart is good medicine.” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2016

“Be of light heart and mind. There is beauty and humor all around. Look for it.” Stu Sanfield

O my soul, wake to wonder of wonder. Give thanks all through the day. Make it a point every day to interact with nature, listen to music, talk wholeheartedly with a child, laugh at life, even poke fun at it’s serious moments. Make merriment! Celebrate life! Enjoy your work. Take the adventure that is before us everyday.  

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2016

“Be of light heart and mind. There is beauty and humor all around. Look for it.” Stu Sanfield

O my soul, wake to wonder of wonder. Give thanks all through the day. Make it a point every day to interact with nature, listen to music, talk wholeheartedly with a child, laugh at life, even poke fun at it’s serious moments. Make merriment! Celebrate life! Enjoy your work. Take the adventure that is before us everyday.  

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2016

”The struggle is part of our story.” Unknown

Muscles are developed when they are resisted. Without that resistance, muscles grow weak. The same can be said for the muscles of our character. Without struggle, the soul becomes disabled. Embrace struggle as a necessary means to growth. What would Everest be without the climb, or a race without running, or winning without competition?

“Run the race.” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2016

”The struggle is part of our story.” Unknown

Muscles are developed when they are resisted. Without that resistance, muscles grow weak. The same can be said for the muscles of our character. Without struggle, the soul becomes disabled. Embrace struggle as a necessary means to growth. What would Everest be without the climb, or a race without running, or winning without competition?

“Run the race.” Heb.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2016

Nothing is accomplished that is not overcome. Every field of accomplishment is also a field of battle.

There is wisdom when we pick our fights, but one thing is certain, we are all in for a fight of one kind or another. There are many good fights and good things worth fighting for. The fight for health, to overcome an injury, or to defeat some bad habit are all fights worth fighting. We may find that we must fight our own selfishness if we are to know life as God intends. Put on your gloves and start punching.

“Fight the good fight.” 1Tim.6 Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2016

Nothing is accomplished that is not overcome. Every field of accomplishment is also a field of battle.

There is wisdom when we pick our fights, but one thing is certain, we are all in for a fight of one kind or another. There are many good fights and good things worth fighting for. The fight for health, to overcome an injury, or to defeat some bad habit are all fights worth fighting. We may find that we must fight our own selfishness if we are to know life as God intends. Put on your gloves and start punching.

“Fight the good fight.” 1Tim.6 Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2016

“Just stay the course.”

Once we are convinced of the goodness in a decision why would we not want to stay the course and see it through? Of course, some matters are like breathing, and have no conclusion. Just keep breathing, keep taking the trash out, keep washing the dishes, and keep loving your enemies.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal.6 Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2016

“Just stay the course.”

Once we are convinced of the goodness in a decision why would we not want to stay the course and see it through? Of course, some matters are like breathing, and have no conclusion. Just keep breathing, keep taking the trash out, keep washing the dishes, and keep loving your enemies.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal.6 Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2016

A good life boils down to the next right choice.

Enough said. Well, maybe not. Why do we make bad choices? The truth is that when we are able, we always follow our greatest desire at the moment. Alas, how can we be sure that our greatest desire at any given moment is always for things which are good? Desires are like fires. The fire that burns the brightest is the one we feed the most. One strategy might be that anytime we find in ourselves a desire for goodness, we keep stoking that fire.

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2016

A good life boils down to the next right choice.

Enough said. Well, maybe not. Why do we make bad choices? The truth is that when we are able, we always follow our greatest desire at the moment. Alas, how can we be sure that our greatest desire at any given moment is always for things which are good? Desires are like fires. The fire that burns the brightest is the one we feed the most. One strategy might be that anytime we find in ourselves a desire for goodness, we keep stoking that fire.

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2016

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Unknown

How many times do you start over? I suppose as many times as it takes. Failure is to be expected in this place. I once heard that there is no failure except the failure to learn from our failures. Learning from failure may mean that we do not keep a bag of potato chips in the cabinet and french dip in the fridge if we want to diet. Of course this decision is best made in the grocery store.

“Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.” Prov.24 Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2016

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Unknown

How many times do you start over? I suppose as many times as it takes. Failure is to be expected in this place. I once heard that there is no failure except the failure to learn from our failures. Learning from failure may mean that we do not keep a bag of potato chips in the cabinet and french dip in the fridge if we want to diet. Of course this decision is best made in the grocery store.

“Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.” Prov.24 Conversations Within” ts 10/4/2016

“The most important step of all is the first step.” Start something.” Blake Mycoskie

When it comes to positive change, any change really, we can only start from where we are. This is true even if it means we must go back to go forwards. Don’t despair going back if it is necessary to move on. One very important thing is to simply start, take the step, and keep stepping. The sooner we start the better. Start now.

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2016

“The most important step of all is the first step.” Start something.” Blake Mycoskie

When it comes to positive change, any change really, we can only start from where we are. This is true even if it means we must go back to go forwards. Don’t despair going back if it is necessary to move on. One very important thing is to simply start, take the step, and keep stepping. The sooner we start the better. Start now.

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2016

“Finding clarity is eliminating options and aligning with values.” Unknown

I feel good once a decision has been made. It can be something as simple as deciding what to have for dinner. I am not sure why, but I often feel unsettled when faced with too many options. Once I have decided something, I am just happy to be settled again. Of course when my choice reflects poor values then my good feeling about deciding something may be akin to the calm before a storm. Before we settle on anything, it would be wise to settle on our core values.

“The prudent man considers his steps.” Prov.14 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2016

“Finding clarity is eliminating options and aligning with values.” Unknown

I feel good once a decision has been made. It can be something as simple as deciding what to have for dinner. I am not sure why, but I often feel unsettled when faced with too many options. Once I have decided something, I am just happy to be settled again. Of course when my choice reflects poor values then my good feeling about deciding something may be akin to the calm before a storm. Before we settle on anything, it would be wise to settle on our core values.

“The prudent man considers his steps.” Prov.14 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2016

“Only eyes washed by tears can see clearly.” Louis L. Mann

If we are to see anything clearly we must first see ourselves in God’s light. I will never know anything clearly until I first know myself. The message of Jesus is that we must see ourselves as God sees us. And how does He see us? We are precious people in need of forgiveness, and He gladly gives it--even joyfully gives it--to all who would but ask. Those who mourn are comforted.

“God is light…” John 1  Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2016

“Only eyes washed by tears can see clearly.” Louis L. Mann

If we are to see anything clearly we must first see ourselves in God’s light. I will never know anything clearly until I first know myself. The message of Jesus is that we must see ourselves as God sees us. And how does He see us? We are precious people in need of forgiveness, and He gladly gives it--even joyfully gives it--to all who would but ask. Those who mourn are comforted.

“God is light…” John 1  Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2016

“I can see clearly now.” Jimmy Cliff

A clear head comes from exhaling what is false and inhaling what is truth. This often means putting our emotions in their place because emotions have been know to lie. Emotions can make us think we are in danger even when we are not, or make us feel safe when we are in fact in danger. Decide to act not with your emotions, but by using your head. Think it through and act accordingly.

“Be sober-minded.” 1Pet.5 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2016

“I can see clearly now.” Jimmy Cliff

A clear head comes from exhaling what is false and inhaling what is truth. This often means putting our emotions in their place because emotions have been know to lie. Emotions can make us think we are in danger even when we are not, or make us feel safe when we are in fact in danger. Decide to act not with your emotions, but by using your head. Think it through and act accordingly.

“Be sober-minded.” 1Pet.5 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2016

“Keep in mind that we were not designed to live indefinitely nor without diminishing capabilities.” Stu

There is a quiet wisdom found when we make peace with our mortality. We are all terminal. We will all grow weaker with time. We will all die. It is wise to nurture realistic expectations about our physical decline. This of course does not mean that we should neglect our health. It does means that we should take care of it and that we should perform as we are able for as long as we are able. Accept with grace and gratefulness the limitations that God has placed on our physical life, even embrace them as the dictates of His wisdom for the present order. A new day will dawn.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Is.40 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2016

“Keep in mind that we were not designed to live indefinitely nor without diminishing capabilities.” Stu

There is a quiet wisdom found when we make peace with our mortality. We are all terminal. We will all grow weaker with time. We will all die. It is wise to nurture realistic expectations about our physical decline. This of course does not mean that we should neglect our health. It does means that we should take care of it and that we should perform as we are able for as long as we are able. Accept with grace and gratefulness the limitations that God has placed on our physical life, even embrace them as the dictates of His wisdom for the present order. A new day will dawn.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Is.40 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2016

“Being realistic is the most common path to mediocrity.” Will Smith

Hope is a delicate thing. It seems that we can hope for something too much or not enough. If we hope for something too much, we may be greatly disappointed. If we do not have enough hope then we may cripple the potential for some great accomplishment. I am referring to hope in the sense of expectation because this is more in line with Christian hope. To put hope in God is to expect great things from Him. Wisdom teaches us when to have great expectations and when to surrender them.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov.13

“Being realistic is the most common path to mediocrity.” Will Smith

Hope is a delicate thing. It seems that we can hope for something too much or not enough. If we hope for something too much, we may be greatly disappointed. If we do not have enough hope then we may cripple the potential for some great accomplishment. I am referring to hope in the sense of expectation because this is more in line with Christian hope. To put hope in God is to expect great things from Him. Wisdom teaches us when to have great expectations and when to surrender them.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov.13

“The menu is not the meal.” Alan W. Watts

What looks good on the menu does not necessarily taste good on the plate. Unfulfilled promises, built up expectations, and just everyday reality can suppress our joy if we let them. It is wise to nurture realistic expectations and not put too much hope in things that often change with time. Our strength will eventually wane away. Health will eventually let us down. Even so, we can hope in God’s unchanging love and gratefully accept His timetable for all things temporal.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps.73 Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2016

“The menu is not the meal.” Alan W. Watts

What looks good on the menu does not necessarily taste good on the plate. Unfulfilled promises, built up expectations, and just everyday reality can suppress our joy if we let them. It is wise to nurture realistic expectations and not put too much hope in things that often change with time. Our strength will eventually wane away. Health will eventually let us down. Even so, we can hope in God’s unchanging love and gratefully accept His timetable for all things temporal.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps.73 Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2016