Forever My Child

Forever My Child

Friday, May 22

A woman had a friend over for tea.  As they prepared the tea in the kitchen, she looked out the window into the yard next door and saw her neighbor hanging up her laundry. “Look at those clothes,” she said to her friend.  “They are not even clean.  She’s hanging up dirty clothes.”  Her friend came over to the window to look.   She peered through the window, then took her hand and rubbed the glass.  “It’s not her laundry that’s dirty,” she said.  “It’s your window!”

            One of Jesus’ commandments was do not judge. (Mt. 7)  He was very clear about this instruction and illustrated it with his interaction with the crowd who was ready to stone a woman accused of adultery.  “Let whoever is without sin,” he said, “cast the first stone.” (John 8)

            Of course, none of us are without sin.  All of us have foibles, character flaws, and downright nasty things we’ve said or done.  Perhaps it eases our conscience to know that others have sinned, or maybe it is just easier to focus on what someone else needs to change than what we need to do.

            Many years ago, a counselor suggested that when I’m obsessing over the flaws of other people, it is an indicator of the flaws I see in myself.  Since I had just finished enumerating the problems I had with a person, I was both stunned and embarrassed.  I was sure that couldn’t be true, because I didn’t have those issues.  The counselor continued, “There are thousands of possible flaws that people can have.  Most of them won’t keep you awake at night, even if you notice them.  But when someone has the same flaw that you yourself have; it will infuriate you.”

            The counselor was older and wiser than I was.  He was able to accept who he was and not deny it.  Instead he acknowledged it, so he could begin the process of working on it.  As my life experience has grown, I have learned to pay attention to the times I feel judgmental towards someone and to ask myself Why?  What about that person’s behavior bothers me so much?  Have I done the same thing?  How would I like to change myself?

            When we know we need to change something in our thinking or our actions, we can begin by asking God to help us.  We don’t have to give God any directions on what to do – as soon as we turn it over to God, as soon as we collapse into God’s arms, the change begins.  We needn’t be afraid of God’s anger or judgment, for God comes only as Love, as Hope, as Peace, and as Light.

            In the same way that God receives us, we need to be gentle with ourselves.  Our mistakes do not define us. Remembering who we are is essential to our spiritual growth.  I am the son or daughter of God.  I am love, I am light, and I am beauty. I am forever God’s child.

Listen to the audio Forever My Child

20 Comments

    Carol Lee

    Mary and Brian, your writings have become such an important part of my morning prayer time. And more importantly they continue as a thread throughout my entire days. Thank you, thank you. You are reflecting beautifully Our Mother God.

      Mary Ramerman Author

      Carol,
      I think if your prayer continues as a thread throughout your day, then you have discovered that connection with Mother God.
      Love, Mary

    Barbara Simmons

    Your daily reflections and prayers have been a wonderful gift. ❤️

      Mary Ramerman Author

      Thank you Barbara. I’m glad to know you are praying with us.
      Mary

    Caroci Family

    Love these reflections, thank you! Shared as a family today…new start to our daily home learning routine:-).

      Mary Ramerman Author

      I love that you are sharing these with your family…what a wonderful experience that must be!
      Mary

    Francene C McCarthy

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! In the old testament God says, “I Am”. I’ve never embraced the true feeling of that until your reflection and meditation today. Thank you!
    Blessings and love,
    Fran

      Mary Ramerman Author

      Yes…such an amazing description of who God is….I Am.
      Mary

    Colleen Fox-Salah

    During my morning prayer, I unloaded some anger, guilt and confusion on God that ran the gamut. I felt better, but I wished I could’ve been more polite and gracious in my approach. This meditation is God’s reply. Thank you.

    Diane Seebach

    So many truths in that meditation! So many truths! Thank you! Love, Diane

    Barbara Branzovich

    “You don’t have to tell God what to do.” Great line for me to remember! Thank you, Mary.

      Mary Ramerman Author

      Yes…I have to remind myself of this periodically.
      Love, Mary

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