Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 67

“I, who have never willfully pained another, have no business to pain myself.”

MARCUS AURELIUS

It seems that we are being tested these days. We may know intellectually that this is not the case, but we can’t help feeling that our ability to cope and endure is constantly being examined and gauged.

We wonder (and we sense that people around us are wondering, too) just how much longer we’ll be able to get by with night after night of pain-interrupted sleep. We worry that we won’t make the grade in adjusting to new limitations and rapidly changing relationships. We fear that we won’t be able to push through pain or even remain hopeful in the days and weeks ahead.

Let’s pull back! Let’s take a break from the demanding “pass-fail” mindset we’ve created for ourselves. Let’s put aside all of that punishing self-criticism and self-judgment. Let’s free our minds of wonder, worry, and fear.

Instead, let’s fill our minds and hearts with total acceptance of God’s grace. God’s love for us is not contingent on how we “measure up” or whether or not we “make the grade.” God’s love for us is eternal and unconditional.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

My recovery and wellness programs are not pass-fail propositions.