Aim for the road to Heaven! We can do this by listening. Silence is golden, as it is then that we can begin to hear. There are the sounds in nature and even the sounds in the city that teach us about the life around us. Our minds are no longer based on our personal needs. A new outlook on life has begun. God has opened our eyes. Now, we must act upon what we have seen, continuing to listen, learning from actions and words as we work with others. This is how we become wise, setting our mind on the right course, a path that can lead us to Heaven.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Showing posts with label listening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label listening. Show all posts
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A MASTERPIECE
Picture the grand symphony, a blend of diverse instruments, yet creating music to touch the soul. Imagine the symphony as a diverse group of people, each doing something different, yet when blended together, create a masterpiece of harmony and tranquility. Acceptance, kindness, listening and believing can make this happen, deeply affecting the soul, something held inside each of God’s creatures.
~Marie T. Morrison~
~Marie T. Morrison~
Monday, May 2, 2011
LISTEN, CONVERSE
LISTEN,CONVERSE
While teaching a child recently about God, she would often express, “Really? I didn’t know that!” She was darling, black braids falling in front of her shoulders, grinning big, a front tooth missing in her smile. Seated at first, she was soon standing beside me, anxious to share with me how to apply what she learned to something today. Just as the Lord planned, we learned from one another. Teach, converse, listen, converse. What a way for our faith to grow!
While teaching a child recently about God, she would often express, “Really? I didn’t know that!” She was darling, black braids falling in front of her shoulders, grinning big, a front tooth missing in her smile. Seated at first, she was soon standing beside me, anxious to share with me how to apply what she learned to something today. Just as the Lord planned, we learned from one another. Teach, converse, listen, converse. What a way for our faith to grow!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
WISE
As one of God’s children ages, wisdom grows. It is something good to keep in mind, bearing patience for those too young to have the experience of wisdom, and having respect for the elderly, listening to them, learning from their wise ways.
~Marie T. Morrison~
~Marie T. Morrison~
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
EYES WIDE SHUT
Years ago, I saw the movie, “Eyes Wide Shut.” At the time, I thought it was such an odd name for a movie. It starred Tom Cruise, so of course I had to see it. One cannot turn down a movie with Tom Cruise!
This was a fascinating film. I now understood the given title. It made perfect sense. Now, it is part of my list of idioms. I often refer to it while talking about faith and spirituality.
People may say they have spirituality and faith; it is their actions that count. Their eyes are open, believing in the two, but they are actually not seeing what is behind the terms. Not understanding how to live a spiritual life has the eyes remain shut.
They do not have to stay this way. A little bit of effort can grow into being fully aware of how to live a life to its fullest. It can begin with a simple hello and a smile while passing someone in the grocery aisle. Staying patient in the grocery line, as someone goes for a handwriting of the year award while writing out the perfect check, makes the spirit grow a little more. Not getting angry in the store’s parking lot, as someone zooms by, has those eyes open up a little further.
Initiating small practices of caring and kindness is how spirituality develops. In a restaurant, I ask the name of our server, if I do not see a nametag. There is a complete change in body posture as the person responds. The waiter is pleased to be recognized as a person, rather than being an object who waits upon another. A number of years ago, at the end of our meal, the waiter came over, knelt beside me on one knee, and began to tell me how he recently lost his grandfather. He was emotional, expressing to me how much his granddad had meant to him. I let him talk; I only listened, resting my hand on his arm. As he finished what he was saying, I told him I would say prayers for him, to help him get through these tough times. I added that I was not just saying the words that I would pray; I actually would, as I am quite spiritual. He replied that he could tell I was, that is why he told me his story. He had been holding in the feelings of his grandfather from everyone. When he met me, he finally felt he could say what had been building up inside of him. I was surprised and honored at the same time.
Listening is another way of practicing faith, a faith in God, in others and in my own being. I am no better than my fellow man. No matter the clothes another person wears, the job one holds or the society where an individual resides, all must be treated with dignity. It is not an easy task, but practicing this means applying faith in any situation given to me, As a result, spirituality is part of everyday life. It becomes as easy as breathing. Living out the faith becomes automatic.
I pray for those with eyes wide shut, that they may experience the beauty in life as I see it. I want those eyes, behind a glass shield, to break out and become aware of everything and everyone, caring, loving, listening, understanding,exercising patience and being respectful, wherever they are. I pray that they will see what opportunities stand in front of them, enjoying a fulfilled life, all by learning to live the faith, not just to believe in it.
This was a fascinating film. I now understood the given title. It made perfect sense. Now, it is part of my list of idioms. I often refer to it while talking about faith and spirituality.
People may say they have spirituality and faith; it is their actions that count. Their eyes are open, believing in the two, but they are actually not seeing what is behind the terms. Not understanding how to live a spiritual life has the eyes remain shut.
They do not have to stay this way. A little bit of effort can grow into being fully aware of how to live a life to its fullest. It can begin with a simple hello and a smile while passing someone in the grocery aisle. Staying patient in the grocery line, as someone goes for a handwriting of the year award while writing out the perfect check, makes the spirit grow a little more. Not getting angry in the store’s parking lot, as someone zooms by, has those eyes open up a little further.
Initiating small practices of caring and kindness is how spirituality develops. In a restaurant, I ask the name of our server, if I do not see a nametag. There is a complete change in body posture as the person responds. The waiter is pleased to be recognized as a person, rather than being an object who waits upon another. A number of years ago, at the end of our meal, the waiter came over, knelt beside me on one knee, and began to tell me how he recently lost his grandfather. He was emotional, expressing to me how much his granddad had meant to him. I let him talk; I only listened, resting my hand on his arm. As he finished what he was saying, I told him I would say prayers for him, to help him get through these tough times. I added that I was not just saying the words that I would pray; I actually would, as I am quite spiritual. He replied that he could tell I was, that is why he told me his story. He had been holding in the feelings of his grandfather from everyone. When he met me, he finally felt he could say what had been building up inside of him. I was surprised and honored at the same time.
Listening is another way of practicing faith, a faith in God, in others and in my own being. I am no better than my fellow man. No matter the clothes another person wears, the job one holds or the society where an individual resides, all must be treated with dignity. It is not an easy task, but practicing this means applying faith in any situation given to me, As a result, spirituality is part of everyday life. It becomes as easy as breathing. Living out the faith becomes automatic.
I pray for those with eyes wide shut, that they may experience the beauty in life as I see it. I want those eyes, behind a glass shield, to break out and become aware of everything and everyone, caring, loving, listening, understanding,exercising patience and being respectful, wherever they are. I pray that they will see what opportunities stand in front of them, enjoying a fulfilled life, all by learning to live the faith, not just to believe in it.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The “Eyes” Have It
To know how another is feeling that day, I look into the eyes. It may be the eyes of a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger, holding stories of how life is right now. I see eyes holding a radiant glow, filled with happiness. Others are showing worry. There is a look of fear, questioning what an outcome will be. Eyes of sadness bring me heartache. I cannot help but reach out to this person to inquire if everything is all right. As if eager to tell someone their story, I hear what is behind those eyes. I can only listen, place my hands on theirs, and say “I am sorry.” Sometimes, it is all an individual needs to hear. I add that God's eyes are looking down upon this person, sharing His warmth and love. He is always there, listening. Listen back, I say, and a sense of peace will be felt, as His grace of the Holy Spirit becomes a comfort to the heart, mind and soul.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
TASTE AND SEE
A favorite verse of mine is Psalm 34:9, “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” We can taste and see His goodness as we live in His image. This does not mean we grow our hair out and wear the white robe and sandals. Rather, we live with the same sense of loving, caring, kindness, teaching, listening and learning from one another as the Lord would. Similar words include graciousness, courtesy, warm-hearted, generosity, gentleness, understanding and giving attention to those we greet. Our morning prayers must ask God to let us feel His Spirit within us as we carry out our actions of the day. We will taste and see the goodness of the Lord everywhere we go. A smile will remain on our faces, no matter where we are. As we know, smiles are contagious. Let our smiles remind others of the great works of the Holy Spirit!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Listen
Often, we can get so wrapped up in telling our story, we don't listen to someone else. Yet, if we do listen, we can learn from one another. At times, a person just wants to be able to talk, to clear the mind. At times, a reply isn't really needed, nor an opinion stated. It is nice to only offer a hug of support. Doing so can make someone's day, to allow one to get over the obstacle which has been blocking the path to move ahead. You may feel the strength of the Holy Spirit as you listen, but you don't need to say so to another. Instead, let your actions speak for you. Pray silently, asking God to let others feel the peace you do. God has His own beautiful way of taking care of things. For now, you be the unexpected friend to help them silently feel the power of the Holy Spirit!
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