Sunday journal, 650 words

This column grew out of an email sharing of my personal journal with a handful of people who wanted to learn journaling as a personal development tool. They began to send copies to their lists and before long, it was going out directly to hundreds and indirectly to thousands.

International Press Services Executive Editor Pete Chaney liked it and added it as a regular feature to newspapers served by IPSF all over the world.

Like most of us, President Lincoln cherished spiritual practices of several traditions. He enjoyed attendance at Presbyterian services but he had a mystic affinity for the Quakers, enjoying times of quiet meditation. He read many of the early Unitarian and Universalist writers and Sandburg says he held some of their views. It is impossible to read his self-penned speeches without sensing that he was a deeply spiritual man.

Air cleaned by night rain

breathes in like a healing breeze.

Lungs appreciate.

We can do little about most of our fears. We worry about things that never happen. So how much of a normal life is eaten up by mind-dominating, monkey-minded fears?

Your life is page one and page two. On page one are all the things you can directly impact with your choices. Page two is everything else – things you cannot change no matter what you think or do. Do you spend most of you life on page one or page two?

We should consider these words of Carlyle, "The crash of the whole solar system could only kill you once."

Russian writer Leo Tolstoy kept a gem-packed journal. Insights sparkle on every page. While I seldom like dividing people into classes, Tolstoy’s idea of "the three kinds of people in the world" rings with much truth.

He says, "One kind knows nothing at all and sits quietly, and just as quiet are those who know, but there is a middle kind who don’t know but believe they do and from them comes all the evil in the world."

It can make one uncomfortable to think about where they belong in Tolstoy’s boxes. At one time or another, we have probably been in each one. A friend said, "Yeah, and sometimes in the same day!"

West Coast minister Oscar Greene is always good for a freshly polished spiritual jewel. He urges us, "Flavor your home with gentle words," and asks, "Can you think of a more ideal place to serve God than in your own home?"

In my growing up days, most of the mothers in our community were homemakers and stayed at home to keep home life running smoothly. I was blessed to have a full-time mother.

This is not a put-down of all the mothers today who find it necessary to work. They, too, can minister with gentle words and deeds. Many working mothers I have known have built impressive quality into their at-home time.

Visiting a friend with a new baby, I struck up a conversation with a three year old in the family. Everyone was doting on the baby and I figured the three year old girl needed some attention, too. When I asked what she liked, she responded with bright-eyed energy, "Oh, I like God and Jesus and Popeye!"

We overlook the importance of all kinds of role models in the lives of children. I still remember listening to the Lone Ranger in my earliest years. His relationship with Tonto taught me that the races could work together to bring great good to the world. He preferred anonymity for his good deeds, teaching me humility. He fought for the weakest, showing me the value of each individual.

That little girl is on the right track. Popeye is a fine role model for a three year old.

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