Perspective
Getting hit by an 18-wheeler stinks. Getting hit by the same 18-wheeler twice SUCSK! Trust me when I say this. I found this out from experience a few days ago. Having to deal with insurance to get repairs, medical bills, etc taken care of is not fun either, in case you were wondering. I don’t think anyone is going to argue with the above statements. Most people won’t argue with this statement either: I was lucky and am very lucky. Being rear ended by an 18-wheeler on the interstate is not a very fun thing to do at all. It is quite painful, actually.
After being hit by the 18-wheeler, I walked away with what basically is amounting to whiplash (I haven’t been diagnosed officially yet…). I am LUCKY! I am so blessed that I do not have any broken bones, that I did not hit the car ahead of me when I was hit and had to swerve, or even worse be killed. I am lucky that I have whiplash. Anyone who has had whiplash is probably saying yea right it hurts. And they would be absolutely right; whiplash is painful. One of the great things about having whiplash though: I get to offer it up! I am able to take my suffering (both minor and major) from the whiplash and offer it up for the souls in Purgatory. Remember, we are purified in our sufferings. Jesus purified our souls by his suffering on the Cross. Why can’t we purify another or even ourselves by suffering and offering it up to God?
People looking at the damage done to my car will so holy cow, or something much worse… I mean a Cavalier is not made to take the impact of an 18-wheeler especially one going over 45 miles per hour. If you think it is, sorry you’re wrong. Regardless of the fact that my trunk is smashed in several inches, that my bumper is cracked, that my doors are bowed, or the fact that my car is probably totaled. I am lucky. I have insurance for the car. This is why I pay that money every month to State Farm. They can take care of getting my car fixed, if the other guy’s insurance doesn’t. If State Farm doesn’t fix my car, no big deal. They give me money for my car and I make a down payment on another, newer vehicle. This would be one that I would get to choose. Sure I would now have a car note, which would cost me several hundred dollars a month. But that’s all good. I would have a vehicle that I would choose and I can afford to pay for it. Plus, new car smell is really cool J. Dealing with the insurance isn’t fun though. It’s a very tedious and trying process. Pray that you do not have to deal with them like I am doing.
How do the people viewing this as lucky or not differ? They differ by their perspective of the event. The people saying “oh poor Darion” are focusing on this world. They are worried about me being injured, the car being damaged, etc. They are focusing on the negative side of life. They are not rejoicing in all of our gifts. The people that are saying how lucky I am are the ones with the right attitude. They are having a positive view on life. Life is all about what we make it. Many times there are events we have no control over, ie my wreck. Other times there are events we can control. One of these things that we can control is our outlook on life. Is the glass half empty or half full? While such a simple question, there are profound implications by the answer.
Do we thank God for the blessings we have received? Do we focus on what we do not have? Do we blame God for our bad times? Do we fail to see God’s Hand working in our lives? Are we looking at the world with our prideful personalities? Are we willing to sacrifice? Are we willing to say fiat? Are we happy? Are we miserable? These questions can help guide us into finding a happier life, as long as we are willing to work and remember that God is in charge. Life is what you make of it. I want to be remembered as a happy person who loved life. What about you?
God,
Grant me the SERENITY
to accept the things I can not change.
The COURAGE
to change the things I can,
And the WISDOM
to know the difference. Amen
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
worrying
Worrying sucks. It is a very unfun emotion. It is one that drives to our core. It hits at our very being as humans. It hits at our hearts. When we worry, we lose focus. If we worry enough, we become emotional wrecks. When we worry, we become torn.
Worrying has us focus on something or someone. When we worry, we are sitting here thinking about another and wondering how they are doing, what they are doing, etc. Worrying about someone is grand in the fact that we are placing another above us, however, at what cost? At what cost to ourselves and those we love, does worrying occur? When we are worrying, we rarely are focused and dedicated to those that we love around us. We are focusing on someone or something that is away from us.
More importantly than focusing on another or an event, worrying has us asking what if. Worrying has us going, well what if this happens… Normally this “what if” is a bad thing. Look at a parent that has a child out past curfew. This parent is normally worrying that his/her child is out injured or doing something stupid. Sometimes this is the case, but many, many times this is not the case. The child simply forgot to call and say something was making them late, or had lost track of time. This situation is quickly remedied by something as simple as a phone call. But many times the toll has already been taken. Many times the parent has already had his/her heart rate increase and stress on their body, sleep lost, etc. What did this worrying help? What does this worrying benefit that person?
Worrying takes a harsh toll on the worrier. As we worry, we focus our energy onto something that we basically have no control over. That is stupid, but we will continually worry. It is part of our nature. It is based in our pride and love. We worry out of love, since we care for those we worry about. When we worry how another is doing, it is out of love. When we worry about a situation, it is normally out of pride. We want the situation to be a certain way, and we are hurt by it not being that way. So our mind begins to worry and think of ways about what may have happened that is wrong. This is our worrying. It is us wanting to be in control.
When we worry, we do not let God take control. When we worry, we do not the trials God has in store for us happen quickly and easily. Often times our worries are worse than the actual events that occur. Many times the worry is the worst part of an experience. What by worrying, do we add to our lives?
Worrying has us focus on something or someone. When we worry, we are sitting here thinking about another and wondering how they are doing, what they are doing, etc. Worrying about someone is grand in the fact that we are placing another above us, however, at what cost? At what cost to ourselves and those we love, does worrying occur? When we are worrying, we rarely are focused and dedicated to those that we love around us. We are focusing on someone or something that is away from us.
More importantly than focusing on another or an event, worrying has us asking what if. Worrying has us going, well what if this happens… Normally this “what if” is a bad thing. Look at a parent that has a child out past curfew. This parent is normally worrying that his/her child is out injured or doing something stupid. Sometimes this is the case, but many, many times this is not the case. The child simply forgot to call and say something was making them late, or had lost track of time. This situation is quickly remedied by something as simple as a phone call. But many times the toll has already been taken. Many times the parent has already had his/her heart rate increase and stress on their body, sleep lost, etc. What did this worrying help? What does this worrying benefit that person?
Worrying takes a harsh toll on the worrier. As we worry, we focus our energy onto something that we basically have no control over. That is stupid, but we will continually worry. It is part of our nature. It is based in our pride and love. We worry out of love, since we care for those we worry about. When we worry how another is doing, it is out of love. When we worry about a situation, it is normally out of pride. We want the situation to be a certain way, and we are hurt by it not being that way. So our mind begins to worry and think of ways about what may have happened that is wrong. This is our worrying. It is us wanting to be in control.
When we worry, we do not let God take control. When we worry, we do not the trials God has in store for us happen quickly and easily. Often times our worries are worse than the actual events that occur. Many times the worry is the worst part of an experience. What by worrying, do we add to our lives?
Saturday, May 5, 2007
We are game pieces...
Our lives are like the game Risk. If you’ve never played the game before, let me briefly explain it to you. The game is about world conquest. There are anywhere from 2-8 players, each with their own territories and armies. You are given men every turn, based upon the territories you control. You roll dice to attack your enemies or defend your territories when they attack. There is a lot of strategy and luck involved. There are alliances, free for alls, and backstabbing. Our lives are exactly like this game. We are armies being moved. We are the territories being conquered.
The territories are souls. The players in the game are God and the Devil. God is commanding an army that is trying to bring all souls into Heaven. Satan is commanding an army that is trying to pull souls away from Heaven. He wants souls to go to Hell and turn away from God. Sometimes we fall into the army of God and pull souls towards HIM. Other times our actions put us into the army of Satan and we pull souls away from God through our actions.
We are called to be an army for God. Our Baptism enlists us in this army. Our Christian lives make us soldiers. We are Soldiers for Christ. As Soldiers of Christ, we are called to move forward in God’s name. We are called to covert souls. How often do we pray for others? How often do we take people to Church with us? How often do our actions act like those of Jesus? Every time we do these things, we are acting for God’s army. St. Francis tells us, “Preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary.”
Many times we are the territories in the game. We are the pieces, the souls in contest, that are being fought over. We are being pushed and pulled by the Heavenly and Hellish forces. We are being pulled by God’s Angels and Satan’s little devils. Who do we let control us? Sometimes God beats Satan back and has control of us. Sometimes we let Satan take control. It is an ongoing battle, a Heavenly War, between God and Satan. Who will win? Who will have control of our territory, our souls?
Sometimes, multiple enemies attack our territory from multiple sides. These armies that are attacking us represent all aspects of our lives: the good and the bad. They may be our friends trying to convince us to go to mass, go to a movie, get drunk, have sex, etc. They may be a random event in our life that pulls us closer to God. They may be things that we don’t even remotely relate to God and Satan, yet they are related. How do you feel when your heart and mind are pulling you in different directions? This is what is happening when the different armies are fighting over our territory.
In conquering territories, there are many factors that go into it. In order to attack a territory, you have to come from an adjacent territory. This means that the attacks from Satan and God for our souls come from things near and dear to us. These are things like families, friends, school, work, etc. Sometimes the attacks come from places we do not realize, when our borders have been overrun.
In order to conquer a territory, die are tossed. The defending armies are given an advantage, since ties go to defense. This means that whichever army is in control of our souls are entrenched. It takes a greater effort from the other angels, Heavenly or fallen, to take over a soul. This means that whichever army is in control of us digs in and gets ready to never give us up. We can reinforce this army by acting in a way that supports it. (If we are controlled by Heaven, then we should act as such. If we are controlled by Satan, then we support that by sinning). We can break their defenses down by acting in a way that is counter to it. If Satan has us by following God’s example, we weaken his hold on us. Who controls you? Who conquers the world of souls? It is up to us to choose sides and prepare an army.
The territories are souls. The players in the game are God and the Devil. God is commanding an army that is trying to bring all souls into Heaven. Satan is commanding an army that is trying to pull souls away from Heaven. He wants souls to go to Hell and turn away from God. Sometimes we fall into the army of God and pull souls towards HIM. Other times our actions put us into the army of Satan and we pull souls away from God through our actions.
We are called to be an army for God. Our Baptism enlists us in this army. Our Christian lives make us soldiers. We are Soldiers for Christ. As Soldiers of Christ, we are called to move forward in God’s name. We are called to covert souls. How often do we pray for others? How often do we take people to Church with us? How often do our actions act like those of Jesus? Every time we do these things, we are acting for God’s army. St. Francis tells us, “Preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary.”
Many times we are the territories in the game. We are the pieces, the souls in contest, that are being fought over. We are being pushed and pulled by the Heavenly and Hellish forces. We are being pulled by God’s Angels and Satan’s little devils. Who do we let control us? Sometimes God beats Satan back and has control of us. Sometimes we let Satan take control. It is an ongoing battle, a Heavenly War, between God and Satan. Who will win? Who will have control of our territory, our souls?
Sometimes, multiple enemies attack our territory from multiple sides. These armies that are attacking us represent all aspects of our lives: the good and the bad. They may be our friends trying to convince us to go to mass, go to a movie, get drunk, have sex, etc. They may be a random event in our life that pulls us closer to God. They may be things that we don’t even remotely relate to God and Satan, yet they are related. How do you feel when your heart and mind are pulling you in different directions? This is what is happening when the different armies are fighting over our territory.
In conquering territories, there are many factors that go into it. In order to attack a territory, you have to come from an adjacent territory. This means that the attacks from Satan and God for our souls come from things near and dear to us. These are things like families, friends, school, work, etc. Sometimes the attacks come from places we do not realize, when our borders have been overrun.
In order to conquer a territory, die are tossed. The defending armies are given an advantage, since ties go to defense. This means that whichever army is in control of our souls are entrenched. It takes a greater effort from the other angels, Heavenly or fallen, to take over a soul. This means that whichever army is in control of us digs in and gets ready to never give us up. We can reinforce this army by acting in a way that supports it. (If we are controlled by Heaven, then we should act as such. If we are controlled by Satan, then we support that by sinning). We can break their defenses down by acting in a way that is counter to it. If Satan has us by following God’s example, we weaken his hold on us. Who controls you? Who conquers the world of souls? It is up to us to choose sides and prepare an army.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Satan's snares
We all know that Satan exists. It is inevitable. Where there is good, there too there is bad. Opposites attract. That is a basic rule in physics, but it also is a basic rule in religion. Wherever God has placed HIS hand, Satan is going to attack. Wherever Satan has placed HIS stronghold, God is going to persevere. Where there is darkness, so there too shall be light.
Satan, who's name literally means adversary, just loves to make us sin and not do God's will. Sometimes this sin is through omission. When we sin through omission, we don't do anything. Have you ever made up your mind to go to mass or say a rosary and then only to have a billion things fall into your lap? You had the intention of going to mass or saying the rosary, but you didn't. Now most people do not think of this as a sin (some do). Regardless of whether its a sin or not, we did not do God's will. HE wants us to say our prayers and enjoy HIM in Mass. HE wants us to draw closer to HIM. When we listen to Satan and don't keep our focus on good, we don't please God. We may be doing amazing things in the world, but not focusing our energies on God. Satan wins.
Satan attacks us through things that aren't good but not bad either. How many times have you heard a baby cry during Mass?? I'm sure you've heard that plenty of times, unless you go to the really early morning masses. There is nothing wrong in a baby's cry, however, Satan can have it happen at that precise moment in time to distract us from focusing on God. Have you ever had your phone go off during prayer? Its the same thing. The person who calls has done nothing wrong, but Satan uses it to distract us from God.
Satan also does more dastardly things. Padre Pio talks about Satan taking the shape of those we love, in order to tempt us and discourage us from God. Things that would appear perfectly normal and sound, except for them pulling us away from God. Satan used to smear letters Padre Pio was to receive, until God showed him a way around that snare. Satan does annoying things, like having us lock our keys in the car before Mass. That way we have to wait and get our car opened and not attend Mass. That sneaky sneaky snake!!!
Satan also causes us to turn away from God through our actions. These sins are those that we voluntarily commit. They bring hurt to us or others that we love. If we yell at our loved ones in anger, we are turning our backs on God's commandment to love others. We are letting Satan rule our actions, not God. We are not living the Christian ideal. How many times do we sin? How many times do we willingly turn our backs on the Lord? How many? I know that I personally am a sinner. I have turned my back on God countless times in my life. Each and everyone of us are sinners. We all turn our backs on God at some point in our life. It may be rarely or it may be every few minutes. A lot of that has to do with our spiritual maturity, where we are in our journey of faith.
When you are struggling with temptation and sin, there are some great helpers out there. We all have Guardian Angels. They desire nothing more than for us to find God and love God. They are there to help us and guide us on the path of life. The Saints are great helpers in our struggles. They motivate us by their lives and they intercede for us before the Throne of God. Look at their lives. Look at what they have gone through. Look at how much they loved God and HE loved them back. It is the same with all of us. We all are loved by God and HE wants us to all be safe and in HIS loving embrace. It is our decision to find ourselves in that embrace. Look at Mary. Jesus' mother was so pure and loved. She was a poor maiden, chosen to be the Lord's mother. If God can do that to her, why can't HE do amazing things in our own lives? HE can! We just have to turn to HIM. We have to let HIM take control. We have to LISTEN to God!! Do we truly want to turn from Satan and his “glamorous” ways? Do we want to struggle in life? Are we ready to let another lead us down the road of life?
Satan, who's name literally means adversary, just loves to make us sin and not do God's will. Sometimes this sin is through omission. When we sin through omission, we don't do anything. Have you ever made up your mind to go to mass or say a rosary and then only to have a billion things fall into your lap? You had the intention of going to mass or saying the rosary, but you didn't. Now most people do not think of this as a sin (some do). Regardless of whether its a sin or not, we did not do God's will. HE wants us to say our prayers and enjoy HIM in Mass. HE wants us to draw closer to HIM. When we listen to Satan and don't keep our focus on good, we don't please God. We may be doing amazing things in the world, but not focusing our energies on God. Satan wins.
Satan attacks us through things that aren't good but not bad either. How many times have you heard a baby cry during Mass?? I'm sure you've heard that plenty of times, unless you go to the really early morning masses. There is nothing wrong in a baby's cry, however, Satan can have it happen at that precise moment in time to distract us from focusing on God. Have you ever had your phone go off during prayer? Its the same thing. The person who calls has done nothing wrong, but Satan uses it to distract us from God.
Satan also does more dastardly things. Padre Pio talks about Satan taking the shape of those we love, in order to tempt us and discourage us from God. Things that would appear perfectly normal and sound, except for them pulling us away from God. Satan used to smear letters Padre Pio was to receive, until God showed him a way around that snare. Satan does annoying things, like having us lock our keys in the car before Mass. That way we have to wait and get our car opened and not attend Mass. That sneaky sneaky snake!!!
Satan also causes us to turn away from God through our actions. These sins are those that we voluntarily commit. They bring hurt to us or others that we love. If we yell at our loved ones in anger, we are turning our backs on God's commandment to love others. We are letting Satan rule our actions, not God. We are not living the Christian ideal. How many times do we sin? How many times do we willingly turn our backs on the Lord? How many? I know that I personally am a sinner. I have turned my back on God countless times in my life. Each and everyone of us are sinners. We all turn our backs on God at some point in our life. It may be rarely or it may be every few minutes. A lot of that has to do with our spiritual maturity, where we are in our journey of faith.
When you are struggling with temptation and sin, there are some great helpers out there. We all have Guardian Angels. They desire nothing more than for us to find God and love God. They are there to help us and guide us on the path of life. The Saints are great helpers in our struggles. They motivate us by their lives and they intercede for us before the Throne of God. Look at their lives. Look at what they have gone through. Look at how much they loved God and HE loved them back. It is the same with all of us. We all are loved by God and HE wants us to all be safe and in HIS loving embrace. It is our decision to find ourselves in that embrace. Look at Mary. Jesus' mother was so pure and loved. She was a poor maiden, chosen to be the Lord's mother. If God can do that to her, why can't HE do amazing things in our own lives? HE can! We just have to turn to HIM. We have to let HIM take control. We have to LISTEN to God!! Do we truly want to turn from Satan and his “glamorous” ways? Do we want to struggle in life? Are we ready to let another lead us down the road of life?
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