EGO HINDERS APPRECIATION

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 The senses aren’t put to good use without an open mind and heart. The physical world feeds our senses, which in turn feed the mind and heart, which we can use to grow our soul. We use our mouth and body to make contact prayers. We use our eyes to see opportunities to be righteous. We use sight, smell and taste to distinguish good healthy foods from bad unhealthy ones that we use to nourish our physical bodies. If we have a closed mind and heart, we may not see the benefit of contact prayers, being righteous, or taking care of our souls and bodies. I like comparing a closed mind and heart to a balloon that is blown up and tied off. With a closed mind and heart, nothing new could enter our senses to allow our soul to grow. With a closed balloon, no new air enters the balloon that is tied off, which would enable it to expand more. In time the blown-up tied off balloon may empty and deflate, which is what could happen to our soul if our mind and heart are closed. 

May God help us to have open minds and hearts to grow our souls. May God forgive us and help us learn from our downfalls to do better, make us knowledgeable, help us kill our egos, and show us how to be appreciative.

 Robert

 

 Verses on Appreciation 

[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative. 

[3:145] No one dies except by GOD's leave, at a predetermined time. Whoever seeks the vanities of this world, we give him therefrom, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we bless him therein. We reward those who are appreciative. 

[16:78] GOD brought you out of your mothers' bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative. 

[16:121] Because he was appreciative of His Lord's blessings, He chose him and guided him in a straight path. 

[25:62] He is the One who designed the night and the day to alternate: a sufficient proof for those who wish to take heed, or to be appreciative. 

[39:66] Therefore, you shall worship GOD alone, and be appreciative. 

[76:20] Wherever you look, you will see bliss, and a wonderful dominion.
[76:22] This is the reward that awaits you, for your efforts have been appreciated.

Poem of Remembrance

 [Ed note: Memorial Day in the United States is May 31 this year. It was originally set aside as a day to honor soldiers killed in wars. But we all have loved ones who have passed on, and this is a beautiful poem of remembrance] 

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, 

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room!
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long. And not with head bowed low!

Remember the love that once we shared. Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and weak at heart, go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

Original by Christina Rossetti, slightly revised