Path to Peace

A beautiful, peaceful sunset that I captured while rolling my dogs.

Path to Peace

In my mind today I'm thinking about pearls, swine, splinters, and judgement. The longer I live the less judgmental I'm becoming. I'm really trying to see God's purpose in everything and everyone. There has to be a reason, past hurt, or flaw in our past that causes us to become jaded, self-absorbed, unhappy, or angry. It's like trying to solve a mystery and unravel all of the bandages that are bound tightly around our souls. The causes are so ugly and unsightly that we push them down deep into places we hope will never be uncovered.

Listen to me. We all have secret shames and past hurts that are repulsive. "Like what?" you ask. Sexual, emotional, and physical abuse done to us or by us. It's sad that life is full of so many lumps and bumps. But hey that is life. I hear you saying, "Living is futile. What can we do about it? Should we even try?" The good news is yes, life is worth living even with the scars. The scars are where all of our wisdom emanates. The healing process of our souls is crucial to "living" life to the fullest.

How can we start the healing?

First we have to forgive ourselves. We have to admit, "Hey, I messed up. I was so horrible. I own all of my actions." Owning those actions even if they were caused by the actions of other people. This is the hardest part.

Next, forgive the ones who tormented you. Really forgive them. Write them a letter, call, write it down in a journal, or send a text. Pray for your feelings but even more importantly pray for them. Usually those hurting others were usually a victim. Remember it's not about you. When you pray and forgive, release it. Let it go. It's all in the past so leave it there. Bringing up past hurts reopens wounds. What is the motive for this: attention , sympathy, or drama? The only person you can do anything about is yourself.

Last, live in the present. It's the only place where Peace lives. Try to be the best person you can be each moment of each day. If you slip up, forgive yourself again and move forward. Spoiler alert! You will have relapses but the quicker you forgive, reconcile, and let go the more Peace you will have. Do you want Peace?

What about pearls, swine, and splinters? These are when we try to separate the good from the evil. Who's the swine? What are the pearls? Do you have a wood beam in your eye or a splinter? Wisdom is to have discernment: the ability to know what is the best in every situation. This is very hard. Jesus taught that God is a God of love and evil begets evil. Today I feel the world needs a lot of forgiveness and love. We have enough evil to last eons. In this moment right now forgive yourself, forgive others, and start anew.

Whisper, "God I'm so, so sorry. Please free my soul from all these burdens and pain. Free me to spread love. Give me Peace Dear God." And let's begin again.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quote of the Day:

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of everyday life."

William Morris