My healthy self knows that I am always loved and safe with God.

Text: 

“If we face our unpleasant feelings with care, affection, and nonviolence, we can transform them into the kind of energy that is healthy and has the capacity to nourish us.”

                    ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Scripture:  LUKE 6:35-36 

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your father is merciful.

Reflection:

The very first time I went to a therapist, I was 24, married to my first husband, and struggling with my ability to love the people I was supposed to love. Forget about loving my enemies; this was hard enough! When the doctor asked what brought me into his office that day, I said the following, “It’s my understanding of psychology that tells me when I start to think that I am the sane one and THEY are all nuts, that I should seek some clarity.” He agreed with me and I continued, “Well, I am here today to tell you that I think each and every one of them is out of their minds. I want you to tell me if they are or are not crazy. If they are not, then I need help with reality. If they are, then I need to learn how to live with them. They are family and I will not just walk away like the books tell me to do.” Long story short…it WAS them, not me. I needed to learn to love my enemies. Over time I learned that I was able to lovingly voice my dislikes and point out problematic situations, giving myself the room I needed to be healthy and well. In the long run, I learned that I was able to love and accept others, even if I didn’t like them. I could be kind and compassionate as an example, without expectations. During these times of angst and uncertainty, I take comfort in knowing that love and compassion towards others, and especially myself, breeds peace.

Prayer:

Ever merciful Spirit, essence of the Most High, please be with us today and every day as we seek to do your will amongst so many trials and tribulations. Encourage us to be strong and steadfast in our love to all, forgiving and moving forward, not clinging to a past that has gone. Make each of us aware of our own capacity to love unconditionally. Help us, with your grace, to accept the personal struggles we face as well as the turmoil of our world. Fill us with a sense of hope and sufficiency as we live each moment with you. Amen.

Focus for the Day:  

My healthy self knows that I am always loved and safe with God.

Author:  Robbie Sawitski