Jump

July 1,2007 - July 4, 2007 "But I want first of all - in fact, as an end to these other desires - to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact - to borrow from the language of the saints - to live 'in grace' as much of the time as possible. I am not using this term in a strictly theological sense. By grace, I mean an inner harmony, essentially spiritual, which can be translated into outward harmony. I am seeking perhaps what Socrates asked for in the prayer from Phaedrus when he said 'May the outward and inward man be at one.' I would like to achieve a state of inner spiritual grace which I could function and give as I was meant to in the eye of God." Gift's From The Sea  Ann Morrow Lindbergh
 Every time I read this passage I am in awe  of Ann's ability to put into words what I feel is her soul's desire .' To be at peace with myself .'  Why are so many of us striving for this paragon. Why do we feel we are not living 'in grace' ? In todays society are we all striving to prominence as the perfect  parent or a perfect role model? Maybe  being the perfect adult will obliterate any wrong doings of our youth.

Last night I clicked on my computer one last time  to see if any new posts had been added to the blogs I read. I was so excited to see Joan was writing again. I starting reading  her post and almost passed out/fell over/ heart stopped....she was writing about me. I was shocked. I felt like the Grinch

 And what happened then? Well...in Whoville they say, 

That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day!  Dr. Suess

My heart needed to grow because I was not being as gracious as I needed to be after such a wonderful week.

Joan thank for your kind words and for making me jump with joy. At times I feel am still a child or a dog seeking attention for a job well done......The need to be validated and feel real.

Comments

[joan]

Ah Grace...
I think we all are striving to be more inwardly aware... to walk in graciousness, and reach that place where grace becomes as natural and effortless as breathing.

(I should put THAT in my blog!!)

I too, am still very much that small child who desperately needs to feel validated... and that is perfectly okay :)

For me I think it is better to be a grown woman seeking to recover a sense of self she never received in her formative years than to walk around broken and bitter.

You my dear friend did quite a selfless thing all last week, and you deserve to be recognized and celebrated wholeheartedly, you truly do.

Thank you so much for the passage from 'Gift's from the Sea', it is a book every woman should have by her bedside, and carry in her heart.

Hey Susan... you are SO loved today!!!!

xoxo

[Rachel]

I came over at Joan's suggestion. I have a copy of Lindberg's book, too. It's really wonderful. The work you and your daughter did with Extreme sounds really rewarding- for both of you.