Words to Live By

In all of life man finds himself challenged in large and in small ways.

Each day of his mortal life he is called upon to exhibit patience and understanding when others offend. Each day he is expected to be courteous, even to those who are less than kind, even to those who are hostile. Each day he is expected to contribute to the wellbeing of all those dependent upon him within and without the family and close friendship and to offer all he is asked to give with generosity and without reward. Each day he is expected to respond to unexpected need without regard to his own capacity to respond. Each day he is expected to remain cheerful and to extend his cheer to all those he encounters in the course of his daily life no matter how trying this may be.

This litany of expectations is at times overwhelming to the soul in progress, and he is to be forgiven if he on occasion finds himself lacking in response. At such times it becomes the responsibility of those who love him to sustain him in his momentary weakness with their confidence and their love and to ease his burdens in any possible way.

Thus challenges are shared, and it is to the benefit of all those bound in love to be both aware of the needs of those they love and to be willing to assume burdens to ease another's way. There is great reward in this sharing of responsibility, for the motive of love is infinitely powerful and infinitely contagious, and the burdens that once seemed overwhelming become bearable and sweeter for being shared.

Thus challenge becomes a catalyst. The soul who accepts all challenges great and small with a willing spirit is a soul blessed. The soul who senses need in a loved one and who chooses to share challenges is equally blessed. In this acceptance and in this sharing there is love infinite in its capacity to smooth the path to perfection and to bind together striving souls.