Writing by Ear

I just wrote a whole post listing the things I wanted to gain control over in the new year. They sounded suspiciously like resolutions, and were a way to combat my worry over the 365 days to come and how they might play out for the economy, for our jobs, for our country, for our families and friends, and for Mike and me personally.

Then, as I was searching for a quote to end with, I discovered the quotes that spoke to me the most were those that focused on giving up control. You know, let go and let God. Maybe trite, but if what I’m really striving for is to be a better me on a lot of different levels, having more faith has to be the way to start.

No, I can’t give up my to-do lists, even if they’re only mental. I need that sense of purpose and the satisfaction of checking things off. And after all, faith isn’t a license to do nothing; I’m still resolving to accomplish some things that are important to me. Not the least of which is “less control, more faith.”

As your faith is strengthened, you will find that
there is no longer the need to have a sense of control,
that things will flow as they will, and that you will
flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.
                                                            ~ Emmanuel Teney

May today there be peace within. May you trust God
that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have
received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow
your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of you.
                                                    ~ St. Theresa’s Prayer

To me, faith means not worrying.
                                     ~ John Dewey

Faith can move mountains, but don’t be
surprised if God hands you a shovel. 
                                   ~ Author Unknown

Desiderata
(something desired as essential)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember
what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all
persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to the dull
and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and
aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of
trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many
persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the
things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars
and you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you.
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of
life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery
and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
                                                ~ Max Ehrmann, 1927
                                             © Robert L. Bell