Month: February 2015

Acts 20:35 Birthday Tradition

~ seeingeternity

We started a new Acts 20:35 tradition this year: “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Instead of buying our young grandson a gift for his upcoming birthday, we took him out to lunch, then to shop for gifts for everyone else in his household. We gave him a modest budget and encouraged him to select things that THEY would like, not what HE would like.

He did it. Now he can’t wait for his birthday to arrive–not out of greed and selfishness, but because he’s so anxious to be the Giver of Gifts to his household.

If he can acquire contentment and a generous spirit, those will be “gifts” that will serve him well all his life.

© 2015 Deborah Morris

Questions or Comments?

New Eyes

~ seeingeternity

Each morning on the way to school, I have Ford and Harbor (6 & 7) name at least three things they’re thankful for. It’s our way to start the day with a grateful heart.

This morning they taught me a lesson.

The boys huddled in the back seat with their coat hoods pulled up because my back convertible window had come loose, allowing rain (and sleet) to pour straight down on their heads. They were both white-dusted with sleet and sitting in an icy draft.

Here is a picture of our view on the way to school this morning.

neweyes

Looking out the window, Ford said, “I’m thankful for seasons, and for this beautiful world.”

I was still processing that when Harbor piped up: “I’m thankful for sleet, and that I get to go to school.”

It was one of those humbling moments for me. Where I saw greyness, traffic, and sticky sleet through eyes still watering from a cutting 32-degree wind, they saw beauty. Where I saw a car window that needed repair and children in an uncomfortable position, they saw the wonder of ice raindrops bouncing off the windshield and dancing in the air. And on their heads.

God grant me better vision!

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Mt 6:22-23)

© 2015 Deborah Morris

Questions or Comments?

Litany of Humility

~ seeingeternity

I spent time with a friend yesterday who introduced me to a litany (series of petitions) of humility. May this someday be my heart.

A PRIVATE LITANY OF HUMILITY

From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honoured, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of comfort and ease, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being criticized, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being passed over, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being lonely, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being hurt, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering, deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, strengthen me with your Spirit.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, teach me your ways.

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
help me put my self importance aside
to learn the kind of cooperation with others
that makes possible the presence of your Abba’s household.

Adapted from a prayer by Rafael, Cardinal Merry Del Val,
from the prayer book, For Jesuits, 1963, Loyola University Press.

© 2015 Deborah Morris

Questions or Comments?