‘We allow ourselves to resent criticism even when justified. Note that I say allow – the feeling of resentment is not within our control – and maybe we try to smudge the unpalatable truth by discrediting the critic and, should an opportunity arise, retaliate in kind…
St Teresa (of Avila) assures her Carmelite sisters that one day of humbling self-knowledge …. is of far greater value than hours spent in meditation. Our days are strewn with graces that we do not recognize: opportunities, for instance, of letting another take precedence or receive the credit for something we ourselves have said or done; of refraining from profuse excuses when we have made mistakes … a thousand and one things happen that wound our self-love.
If only we really knew Jesus we would not be so concerned with putting on a good show and of how others see us. Instead of concealing our insecurities, fears, secret failings even from ourselves, we would accept the reality that we are ….
It is so difficult for us to grasp the reality of the incarnation: the truth that our great God, our holy Creator, has, so we may say, thrown off his robes of grandeur and run out in eagerness to meet us, to be with us where we are.’
(from ‘Love Unknown’ by Ruth Burrows, pub by Continuum)
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That is very true….. about feeling resentment when criticised justly etc ….
the bit about standing back as other people take credit due reminded me of a post you once wrote about how you say good stuff at church meetings and nobody takes notice and then a man comes up with your idea and everybody responds…. and about if you get your reward here in this life then you won’t get it in Heaven because you have already had it… Or something.
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Did I really 😳 can’t remember :crazy: But yeah, that sounds about right!! 😉
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I think it is truly beautiful.and yes,why don’t we trust?Is it early life which has scarred us and scared us?I’ll dwell on that.Did you hear “start the week” today..it was very good.
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Early experiences can scar and scare us for the rest of our lives, and influence our reactions and attitudes and opinions. We need to allow ourselves to be healed, so that we can be free to respond to God.
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So God has to respond to us in healing us,before we can respond towards him?
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I don’t think it quite works like that, in a sort of ‘time line’. I think it’s more that his love is always ready for us, his arms are always open to us, for us to respond to. And often, when we do respond, no matter how weakly or doubtingly, he can bring about healing in us, whether immediately or more long-term. And as he brings about healing, so we are set free, and see things differently.
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Thank you,Gilly.
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Hugs! Hope you are feeling better.
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Excellent reminder from Ruth Burrows….:yes: :)x
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I do enjoy honesty in spiritual writing.
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You had an excellent ‘quote’ on this subject recently … :yes:
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