Although I’m not a Christian and wasn’t raised a Christian, I find that I frequently am drawn to the Christian mystics. One of my favorites is Howard Thurman. (1899-1981). His writing is clear and rings like a bell in me.
As I’m beginning another Spiritual Counseling Training Intensive this week, I find myself going back, over and over again to a favorite writing of Thurman’s. I share it here with you, hoping that you will draw inspiration and motivation from it as I do.
The Moments of High Resolve
Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.
Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance. But I had forgotten. At the time it was full-orbed, glorious, and resplendent. I was sure that I would never forget. In the moment of its fullness, I was sure that it would illumine my path for all the rest of my journey. I had forgotten how easy it is to forget.
There was no intent to betray what seemed so sure at the time. My response was whole, clean, authentic. But little by little, there crept into my life the dust and grit of the journey. Details, lower-level demands, all kinds of cross currents — nothing momentous, nothing overwhelming, nothing flagrant — just wear and tear. If there had been some direct challenge –a clear-cut issue — I would have fought it to the end, and beyond.
In the quietness of this place, surrounded by the all-pervading Presence of God, my heart whispers: Keep fresh before me the moments of my High Resolve, that in fair weather or in foul, in good times or in tempests, in the days when the darkness and the foe are nameless or familiar, I may not forget that to which my life is committed.
Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.
From For The Inward Journey by Howard Thurman
I find that it is SO TRUE that the “small” slippage is so much more challenging – the dust and grit of the journey, and the tiny compromises that happen have a greater impact than the direct challenges. Sometimes the honest self-assessment can feel brutal, and so we avoid it, saying instead that the little things aren’t that important. I’m realizing more and more that making the highest choices in these small moments is absolutely crucial. It isn’t easy.
I’m aware that it all matters. Love always matters. It is the ONLY thing that matters. In every moment we can bring Love or we can miss the opportunity.
Sometimes, it’s not easy, it’s profoundly challenging. This is why we gather together with like-minded friends. To support us in holding to the highest aspirations we can make. Together we can light the way on the narrow path and remember to remember.
Thank you, my dear friend, for being such a one on this journey of Love!
TODAY is my Sacred Circle day! This is my monthly membership program that gives you a weekly call of group spiritual counseling. Join my Sacred Circle and you can ask me any question you would like on the phone, on line or in writing! I love it! We have an awesome group of people who are doing the deep work! Try my Sacred Circle for a month and see! 4 spiritual counseling calls with me each month – ask me any question!
RADIO SHOW: On my radio show yesterday my topic was: Release From Sin. You can click here to get the download at iTunes or Stitcher for Androids. All the previous episodes are free at iTunes right now! You can subscribe to the podcast and get the show every week automatically. On your phone, iPod, or computer. Check it out! And if you enjoy the radio show, will you please write a review so more people find the show? Thank you!
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