Nov. 27, 2005 - Life's Lessons

Each person who enters our life has a unique
lesson to teach us. And it is only through these
lessons that we learn about life, people,
relationships and God.

When someone lies to you, it teaches you that
things are not always as they seem. The truth is
often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the
masks people wear if you want to know their heart.
And remove your own masks to let people know
yours.

When someone steals from you, it teaches you
that nothing is forever.

Always appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might lose it.
And never ever take your friends and family for
granted because today is the only guarantee you
have.

When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it
teaches you that the human state is a fragile one.
Protect and take care of your body as best you
can; it's the only thing you are sure to have
forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no
two people are alike. When you encounter people
who are different from you, don't judge them by
how they look or act; instead base your opinion on
the contents of their heart.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you
that loving someone does not always mean that
person will love you back.

But don't turn your back on love

 because when you find the right person,
the joy that one person brings will make up for all
the past hurts put together -- times ten!!!!

When someone holds a grudge against you, it
teaches you that everyone makes mistakes.

When you are wronged,

the most virtuous thing you can do is

forgive the offender without pretense.
Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most
difficult and courageous thing
anyone can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches
you that resisting temptation is man's greatest
challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all
temptation. By doing so you, will be rewarded with
an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than
the temporary pleasure by which you were
tempted.

When someone cheats on you, it teaches you that
greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your
dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may
be. Do not feel guilty about our success, but never
let an obsession with achieving your goals lead
you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that
nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits
and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject
someone for imperfections over which they have no
control.

What about lessons to be learned from Man's good
deeds?

When someone loves us, it teaches us that love,
kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness
and acceptance can counteract all the evil in the
world. For every good deed, there is one less evil
deed. Man alone has the power to control the
balance between good and evil, but because the
lessons of love are not taught often enough, the
power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan,
chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson
will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of
reality? When you die, will your life have
resulted in more loving or hurting?

 More comfort or pain?

More joy or sadness?

Each one of us has power over the balance of love
in the world. Use it wisely. Don't miss an
opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right
direction.