Grief

-
Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Enchiridion 9: Ability To Choose

-
"Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself." (Epictetus, Enchiridion 9)

Every situation we experience is accompanied by a choice on our part. Sickness is a sign that all is not well with the body. There is no choice when sickness comes to the body, but how does one "be" while sick? How does one think, interact with others? With a choice.

Sickness happens, but attitude does not. One's demeanor is chosen.

You are not your body.
You are not what you own nor are you what is lacking.
You are not your circumstances.
You are a human.
Being.

The choice of how you "be" is this: either consent, give in and let the situation define your identity, your character, your emotions; or, control your response despite that situation. Just because one is sick does not mean one may treat others rudely, angrily or with impatience. Life did not suddenly sour because you don't feel well.

Next time you don't feel well and it seems the world is going to end, look at those around you are having a good day. Clearly, what you feel is not universal. Sure our body feels gross, but we don't stop thinking. There's no reason to let something on the outside decide for you. You are not puppet.

It's not difficult to hear a mother say to a child, "I don't care how bad you feel! Sickness is no excuse to be mean!"

Here's a man who made a choice, who did not let circumstances dictate his identity:

Popular posts from this blog

Rock Me, Epictetus!

-
Image
“Keep constant guard over your perceptions, for it is no small thing you are protecting, but your respect, trustworthiness and steadiness, peace of mind, freedom from pain and fear, in a word your freedom. For what would you sell these things?” EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.3.6 b –8 
Read more

The Smooth-flowing Life

-
Image
Legend has it that the astronomer Ptolemy (1st century A.D.) suggested that falling stars were caused by the gods moving in the heavens, thus knocking stars out of their places. Somehow people reasoned that that if the gods were moving, they must be getting close to earth so they would lift their "prayers" or "wishes" (literally, "desires") whenever they saw the stars falling in hopes the gods would notice and grant a favorable answer. But how does one wish on falling star? Once you see it, it's gone before the wish or prayer can be made! The answer is simple: meteor shower. That's how to get your wish. Mrs. Ann Hodges had a wish fall right into her lap. Sort of. In 1954 Mrs. Hodges was sleeping on the couch when a 8 1/2 pound meteorite fell through her house and into her living room where it bounced off the radio and struck her left hip leaving her with a bruise. Not sure what she was wishing, but that's not how to do it. Epictetus hel...
Read more