The Tests of Life

I just posted on my Facebook page a quote I read from Benjamin Franklin. 

I quote, "The true test of a person's character comes through in matters of family inheritance." 

Does this resonate with anyone? 

I have seen the absolute worst come out in people when it comes to inheritances. It really takes me back a bit. 

It is a true test of character isn't it? 

Have you noticed that we are often tested in life...many times over in fact? 

Do you pay attention to these little tests or do you just go through life unaware? 

Being unaware is a good thing some days because some days I get tired of the tests. 

Some days I don't want to think that there are people in my life who will judge me for my mistakes. 

Some days I don't want to set the good example for my children. 

Some days I don't want to think that God or the angels are watching my reactions to the tests. 

Some days I want to be ugly and nasty and vindictive. 

Some days I want to listen to the devil on my shoulder rather than the angel on the other one. 

I know there is a lesson in each test....as I am aware there is a lesson in everything that happens in our lives. But there are times when I don't feel like stepping up to the plate. 

Is that the humanness coming out in me again? 

Trying to live in Spirit would be a lot easier if the human side of me would quit getting in my way!! 

I have a dear, wise friend who said these words to me this week:

"We, ...us, souls,... came with free will. Our will. It makes us independent and strong. It gives us the courage to do stupid dangerous things. Its a good thing. "It" stops being a good thing when "we" don't know how or when to turn it off and, "let God", God's Will. 

So, for my simple mind I use pictures. 

I imagine we are the willful two year old trying to do it our own way (which is a good thing). 

But frustration and anger and tears and trouble sets in and overwhelm us. 

There comes a time to allow the wise kind Elder (Gods will) to love, hold, guide and show us the way. 

Allow the guidance, support and love to be felt. It's there for the asking. 

Ask(let go)..........Accept(let God). 

Balance." 

Thank you wise, wise friend.... I will refer back to these words many times when I am faced with the tests of life. 

Even though the two year old in me would rather be impetuous, needy and selfish, I know I have a choice in how I react. I know that sometimes I will give in to the child in me.....and that's part of learning my lessons....that's what will make me stronger. 

 However, I know there are times when I will embrace that two year old in me.....especially when it comes time to walking in mud puddles and blowing bubbles!....~M

Multi-tasking

I was reading an article today called "The Practical Guide to Starting the Spiritual Journey". 

Now, I have been on a spiritual journey for quite some time so I found this article quite interesting. 

It's based on a book by Rita Nayar called "The Happiness Quotient". 

Sounds intriguing! 

There was so much valuable information in this article but one suggestion really struck me....and I quote:

"Do one action at a time, deliberately and slowly. This will slow down your thoughts, and make you actively aware. Contrary to popular belief, multi-tasking takes away the simplicity of life and therefore encourages anxiety and stress". 

You know, I know all of this stuff already, but I realized, in reading that, I am the Queen of Multi-tasking. Not that it gets me too far...but I do multi-task. 

No wonder it seems like some days I go two steps forward and six steps back. 

Do one thing at a time? 

I don't know if I could. 

How do I slow myself down enough to do that? 

How would I get everything done? 

These are the anxiety driven questions I asked myself upon reading that. 

As I think about it, however, I may just get more things done. As crazy as it sounds, I know that may be the truth. 

And it is one more step on my journey to Spirituality....but I have so many projects on the go, so many jobs to complete, so many calls to make and so many Thursday night tv shows to watch...while I am folding laundry and doing dishes. 

Maybe I'll just sit and watch my show without doing anything else! 

Somehow, I don't think that's what this article meant. :-)

But I do get it and I do understand and I will put it into action...right after I finish the books, wrap up the last essay question on my exam, finish my newsletter, read that last chapter, design the posters for the workshops and conference and make supper......hmmm....obviously this may be harder than I thought......~M