 Spiritual: February 21, 2007 Issue [#1557] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: windac
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Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same.
- Emily Jane Bronte -
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Hello, and welcome to this edition of The Spiritual Newsletter. Your upcoming editors are, kittiara, Becky Simpson  , Puditat , and me, windac.
Because of feedback received, the focus this month will be a continuation of my last issue. To refresh your memory, I had listed my goals for the new year, but only spoke in detail on the first one: "I want to be a blessing to every person that passes my way, whether it be in person, on the phone, or via e-mail."
Tehanu sent the comments shown below, and I found it surprising that our viewpoints differed so much. Below are Tehanu 's comments in their entirety, followed by my response which, by the way, she has not yet seen.
You have quite a list you plan to follow! Very inspirational, but I am a little concerned about your first goal; the one you fleshed out for us in this newsletter: "I want to be a blessing to every person that passes my way, whether it be in person, on the phone, or via e-mail." I feel that succeeding at this task is an improbability. Consider a quote of my favorite U.S. president:
You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. -- Abraham Lincoln
How can you expect to be a blessing to every person that passes your way? People have varying PoVs - not everyone is as sweet as you are.
Let's take your first example:
"It's rush hour traffic, cars bumper to bumper, with still more cars attempting to merge. Instead of trying to save a few seconds that will mean absolutely nothing, let a car or two in - with a wave and a smile. Who knows, that wave and smile could make a huge difference in someone else's day."
Yup, you're making the day of the people who need to merge. I'm personally all for allowing one vehicle in front of me. But, when cars ahead of me start letting in two, three, and four cars, I am not so happy. So, you may be a blessing to the cars that are coming into the line, but not the vehicles behind you.
I agree with the wave thing, though. People really like that. Look at Walmart greeters. Oh, and I visited Bermuda once - there was a retired guy who sat at a light every morning and just waved at the cars pouring into town, those going to work. He made a lot of people smile a bit more by being a cheerful countenance in the early morning. Very nice.
But, anyway, to get back to the point...I think a lot of people burn out by attempting to be a blessing to everyone. Especially because they tend to leave themselves out. Sure, this list makes you happy (now) but what are you going to do to be a blessing to yourself when some people possibly misunderstand your actions? Or crave your attention when your family and friends come first?
I think your heart is in the right place. But I suppose I have a want for members who follow your list - to also take care of themselves. Take time to relax, reflect, and realize that some people are very different, with varying goals.
I'm not saying give up on your goal. I just suggest that you modify it a bit. 'Cause "everyone" is an extreme standard.
BTW, I like the links you put up this newsletter.
Good luck and best wishes to you!
Tehanu
First of all, thank you Tehanu for taking the time to comment. It means that someone out there is paying attention, and feels compelled to contribute their own thoughts and ideas. But because we have vastly differing takes on what being a blessing means, I ask that you take a look at the following definition, number 3 in particular.
Definition of 'blessing' as found in American Heritage Dictionary:
1 The act of one that blesses.
2 A short prayer said before or after a meal; grace.
3 Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity; a boon.
4 Approbation; approval: This plan has my blessing.
Based on your comments, I assume that you think being a blessing means that one must give in to the whims of others, or be a personal door mat. Nothing could be further from the truth. One doesn't have to go about their day striving to please everyone. In that respect, Mr. Lincoln was right. It can't be done, so why bother? To be a blessing simply means that kindness, consideration, compassion and respect go a long way in closing those gaps worth closing, and opening those doors worth opening. It means to minister to the spirit, lifting others, and in the process, lifting ourselves. Perhaps my rush hour traffic example was a rather poor choice.
For me, being a blessing is the desire to leave each and every person I encounter with perhaps a better sense of who they are, and more importantly, that they matter. If nothing else, to leave someone in a better, more positive frame of mind works for me. It means putting my most loving foot forward. And while 'everyone' may be an extreme standard, I'll shoot for it just the same, all the while knowing I've got a long way to go.
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:23 NIV
Again, thank you for taking the time to send feedback Tehanu . I'd also like to thank you for calling me sweet. That's not an adjective I usually associate with myself. Crusty, cranky, menopausal madwoman, stubborn  - these are a little more in line! Good luck and best wishes to you as well!
 Until next time, live simply, love generously, care deeply, and speak kindly.
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Thank you to everyone that sent comments my way, and many apologies for not giving a personal response to each. It's been an extremely busy month with free time being a rare commodity. Blessings to you all!
Submitted By: vivacious 
Some of my fondest memories are the smiles, the kind gestures and words from complete strangers, especially when I'm in a dour mood at the time. Their small acts always uplifted me, often lasting the rest of the day.
I try to remember those kindnesses when I see others in need of the same. This newsletter is also another great reminder that something so small on my part can make a world of difference in someone else's life.
On a personal note, thank you for plugging my activity forum!
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Submitted By: raeburk01
I really enjoyed reading this edition... and it was definitely something that I needed to hear. There are so many situations day-to-day that we can take the opportunity to brighten someone else's day, as well as our own. Thank you for this reminder and God bless...
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Submitted By: werden
Thank you for this letter. It challenged me to make a difference in the people I encounter to.
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Submitted By: kundanchhabra
thanks for the message!
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Submitted By: Spooky, Cute & staiNed 
Awwww Wonderful, I love reading thge comments everyone gives, give be I glimpse of other's views. Thanks for including my c note shgop, I'm delighted!! staine
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