In the book of Genesis shares with us the basis and foundation for what happens in the many books that follow. The book of Genesis also incorporates the elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, the basis for life on earth, as we know it.
"Out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."
Perhaps these are our roots to both right and wrong, nice and not nice, good and evil, white and black, dark and light or the other stereotypical imagery we conjure up when we think of evil and good. What is evil? What is good? What do they mean to us? What do they mean to others? What do they mean to the world?
I can remember a time when I liked wearing diamonds and gold rings and bracelets. There is nothing wrong with that. I liked driving expensive cars. There is nothing wrong with that. I liked going out to eat all the time, with large groups of people. There is nothing wrong with that. I liked entertaining and picking up the tab. There is certainly nothing wrong with that (especially if you were one of these people!) I liked wearing nice clothes. There is nothing wrong with that. Is any of that behavior evil? I don't believe so.
I liked to show off my jewelry so that others whom I knew could not afford it see what I had. I liked to tell everyone about the car I just bought. When someone said thanks for buying my dinner I would say I enjoy helping out those with less than me. I would point out how much my clothes cost. And that, in my opinion and belief system IS evil! It was wrong that I used what I had to make others feel less than, unworthy, unloved and certainly not beautiful.
All the time I was acting like that I was feeding my ego, it was poison to my mind, body and spirit. The Sacred would not want me to live like this. Karma would teach me a valuable lesson, just you wait and see!
One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all." One is Evil… It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is Good… It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked, "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied "The one you feed."
It did catch up to me and I got a big life time out. It was time for me to sit my ass down, be put in the corner and was allowed plenty of time to think about my wolf, my poison, what kind of foundation my life was built on.
It was difficult to get started. It was hard to do. It took a few angels poking and not giving up, but I got started. I am STILL, to this day, working on building the house, and getting it!
We all have choices in our life. What choices you will make, how you will make them, the reason(s) you will make them for are will all come from education, experience, passion, skills, and your ability to love yourself. It is when you accept yourself, love yourself and take care of yourself are you in a position to care for, love and help others.
Today I am able to take the last of our bill money to pay for a bus ticket for a friend who needs to make a trip, whom has no money. Didn't think twice about it.
Today I am able to spend time with someone who needs a shoulder, ear and a gentle touch when I had appointments or work that must be completed.
Today I am able to think about how my actions affect others AND actually care about the outcome.
Today I am able to know which wolf I feed and how to feed it. Today I know that the choices I make are the choices I make!
Would you pray with me: "Heavenly Parent thank you for the blessing and rich life we have before us. Thank you for the many time you have showed us grace and mercy. Allow us the space, the time and the passion to share grace and mercy on those whom we share life with. We ask continued help to foster peace on earth, and good will towards one another this day and every day. In you many names we pray, amen."
"Life, Love and Peace to you...",
Chaplain Royal D. Bush
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