I stole this from a friend (with permission, of course).
There are so many things I love about this.
First - That picture! So beautiful. If you want your Instagram feed infused with more beauty, go follow Jill @jills.joyful.life. Her posts are gorgeous and often accompanied by lovely bits of wisdom.
Second - The mud puddle thought. How often do we feel like nothing but a little mud puddle ourselves? Or maybe the time of life we're going through feels like an insignificant, messy little spot. But with the right perspective even a mud puddle can add value and beauty to life.
Third - The significance of stillness. How much time have we wasted fighting against the mud puddle times? But just look at the beauty in that puddle pictured above because of its stillness. Sometimes it's time to fight. Sometimes it's time to let go and be still, recognizing that there can be perfection in the puddle, too.
Finally - The gift of reflecting. I don't know about you, but I'm acutely aware of how often I am not enough to meet a situation. My shortcomings are many and easy for me to see.That's not to say I go around feeling bad about myself all the time. I just realize I'm very far from perfect, and I'm okay with that. I'm still learning and growing. But I also realize how often people and challenges deserve so much more than I have to give.
I mean seriously, is there any one person who has all it takes to single-handedly meet the enormous challenge of racism or other issues of that magnitude? Or on a much more intimate level, is there anyone who has all the wisdom and compassion to alleviate the deep suffering of a friend who has lost a loved one?
In the moments when my inner resources fall short, I take great comfort in knowing I have the gift of reflection. I can always receive the light surrounding me in ideas of wise friends, in beautiful music and other art forms, in words I read or hear, in the love I feel with my family - ultimately the light that comes from God, and I can reflect that light. In the gift of reflection lies the ability to bring enough to a person or situation when I, in and of myself, am not enough. What peace that brings!
Thank you, my joyful friend, Jill, for that reminder.