I have discerned the direction I wish to focus on for the next year and found a reservoir of creativity that brings up new and surprising suggestions each day. During this Baha'i month of Sharaf or honour, I was reminded that in pursuing my personal and professional goals I have a responsibility, no a duty, to ensure that my actions and behaviour conform with the honour bestowed upon me by God. It hit me like a brick today when I read a quotation that began, "Thou art God's Shadow on earth." (entire quotation) I am object on which the Light is cast that results in the area of darkness that appears behind me. I have a choice to be a channel of the light that is cast on me or to disregard the light and do my own thing. What a responsibility and honour this is! It seems like an unattainable and impossible goal to strive toward. Yet I am of the view that it would not be written in the Sacred Texts if it were not true. With this designation and standard to uphold, I see how perseverance needs to be my constant companion. In taking time to ponder its meaning this morning, I observed how I sat up straighter, dispelled negative thoughts as they arose and strove to be more empathetic in my interactions with my family. This, I believe, is what we are being asked to do when we contemplate the potential of our spiritual qualities. My job is to meditate on its meaning and in so doing as it preoccupies my thoughts I naturally find myself bringing about the behaviours that are simply a recipe to keep my life going and developing spiritually. Where there is love and inspiration things work out for the best, don't they?
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