Inspire

          The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents hope for mankind. It’s not easy to be nailed on the cross, become lifeless and come alive once more, all that to convince the human race the he is The Chosen One. Despite all the “magic” he had done, still it has to come to a grueling drama for several generations to believe in him. Saving mankind is literally a pain in the certain part of the body.

            Back to hope. Hope is not the brand of cigarette you kill yourself slowly. Hope inspires you to live one more day. It gives you the will to persevere in life. When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly…err.

            In the spirit of resurrection of Jesus, I would like to share one of my favorite readings. I have read several books in my life and I came across this when I was in  my lowest point. So low, I thought the ground would swallow me. Yes, I am a bookworm. I love the taste of paper and the smell of a freshly purchased paperback. One of my favorite books is The Gift of Acabar by Og Mandino. The passage below helps guide me in my existential crisis. Here it goes.

                                                                    CREDENDA

                                         

Turn away from the crowd and its fruitless pursuit of fame and gold. Never look back as you close your door to the sorry tumult of greed and ambition. Wipe away your tears of failure and misfortune. Lay aside your heavy load and rest until your heart is still. Be at peace. Already it is later than you think, for your earthly life, at best, is only the blink of an eye between two eternities. 

Be unafraid. Nothing here can harm you except yourself. Do that which you dread and cherish those victories with pride. Concentrate your energy. To be everywhere is to be nowhere. Be jealous of your time, since it is your greatest treasure. 

Reconsider your goals. Before you set your heart too much on anything, examine how happy they are who already possess what you desire. Love your family and count your blessings. Reflect on how eagerly they would be sought if you did not have them.

Put aside your impossible dreams and complete the task at hand no matter how distasteful. All great achievements come from working and waiting. Be patient. God’s delays are never God’s denials. Hold on. Hold fast. Know that your paymaster is always near. What you sow, good or evil that you will reap. What you are is through your choice alone. Learn to live with honest poverty, if you must, and turn to more important matters than transporting gold to your grave.

Never meet trouble halfway. Anxiety is the rust of life; when you add tomorrow’s burdens to today’s their weight becomes unbreakable. Avoid the mourner’s bench and give thanks, instead, for your defeats. You would not receive them if you did not need them. Always learn from others. He who teaches himself has a fool for a master. Be careful. Do not overload your conscience.

Conduct your life as if it were spent in an arena filled with tattlers. Avoid boasting. If you see anything in you that puffs you with pride, look close and you will find more than enough to make you humble.

Be wise. Realize that all men are not created equal, for there is no equality in nature, yet no man was ever born whose work was not born with him. Work every day as if it were your first, yet tenderly treat the lives you touch as if they will all end at midnight. Love everyone, even those who deny you, for hate is a luxury you cannot afford. Seek out those in need. Learn that he who delivers with one hand will always gather with two. Be of good cheer.

Above all, remember that very little is needed to make a happy life. Look up. Reach out. Cling simply to God and journey quietly on your pathway to forever with charity and a smile. When you depart, it will be said by all that your legacy was a better world than the one you found.


God Bless us all.