Here’s a Wednesday photograph (on Thursday : ) from the Middle East…
This photo reminded me of something i recently highlighted in Joan Chittister’s Book, The Radical Christian Life – a Year with Saint Benedict (a brand new daily reader procured at the New Year with Christmas Gift cards – it’s a great addition to the daily ‘pile’ of devotionals that i highly recommend : )
“To be able to face the difficulties of our lives, to admit them and resolve them instead of trying to swallow them in a cauldron of muffled anger, may be the greatest gift we can give those we say we love. It certainly beats resenting them for the rest of our lives and punishing them secretly for doing what we never told them not to do.” Joan Chittister, O.S.B.
If you look back at the photo taken through a doorway in Petra, it could represent the doorway to our hearts & what might happen if we keep swallowing our challenges vs. facing them. Note the rock fissures (withered over Many, Many years in Petra) could you imagine a heart cracked like that? well, yes, that’s the point of the quote …not to let anger fissure our hearts, but to face up to ourselves, take ownership of our bads & move toward resolution with the ones we love…
“I was wrong. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?” Ten words.
Then if your friend, husband, wife, partner, family member (et all) Gets On Your Nerves when he, she, they do x or y… & you’ve never said ‘please, i am allergic to your cat crawling all over me’ & instead Suffered the Consequences all the time resenting ‘why do they always make me play with their cat?’ … well, maybe it’s time to Be Honest.
“I am allergic to your cat…”
There, not so bad – it’s not their fault you’re allergic, but if they don’t know (because you haven’t told them) how does resentment build up that relationship?
Something to think about…
grace, peace & Honesty Remedies
Virginia : )
p.s. if you want to know more about author Joan Chittister, check out her website:
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Roses in the Rubble 
thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Thanks Ro : )
There was a really great interview with Joan Chittister a few years ago in this magazine called The Sun. Do you read that one? I bet you would like it, they do lots of stuff on spirituality, lots of short stories and poetry, too.
that sounds like a great read – i will look that magazine up! I have several of Joan Chittister’s books & really like her ecumenical style & insights… : )
The Way is sometimes narrow, and the climb is often steep,
but He who counts the sparrows, knows when you’re in too deep.
Thank the Good Lord He sends Help when we’re In Too Deep – creative ladders of forgiveness across crevices of our selfish makings & missteps… (p.s. one of my FAVORITE Gospel Hymns = “His Eye is on the Sparrow” !!! : )