How Great Is Love

"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow." -Chinese ProverbI've been working on a book these few weeks.The book is about gaining peace and joy in life, particularly, marriage, by surrendering to the word and will of God.

As I grow older, I better appreciate the simple and quiet things in life, and my ability to smile over these is much easier. I've come to the conclusion that life is, indeed, what we make of it. If we have a shallow and sullen outlook, chances are, our life will reflect this. However, if we seek truth, peace and joy, these too, have a way of displaying them self.

In the most simple things as the scent of freshly mown grass, or a wild flower in bloom, I can find small pleasure. I walk my dog after dinner to a small stream near our house, and when I tire from tossing stones in the water, I sit in the high grass and gaze in amazement at the tiny harmless bugs around me. Upon returning to the safety and comfort of my home, I view the faces of husband and children who, deep inside their hearts, possess genuine love for me. Upon resting my head in my pillow at night, I know the Lord has me in His care.

I have learned to be more content with what I have, and to accept all that God has given me, including the great teacher of life's pains and sufferings. I am now more comfortable in the skin I am in. If others want to sulk and complain, let them. You and I both know that God is good, and life can be sweet if we allow it to be.

As I pondered the concept of surrendering to godliness for a chapter in my book in progress, my friend, Jim, whom I have known for years, sent me the following poem. Its sentiments echoed the words I was trying to place upon paper, and so, I share them with you now.

The poem is titled, "Desiderata," and was written by Max Ehrman in 1927, although it has been asserted by some historians that it was found in Old St. Paul's Church, dated 1692.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater as well as lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.

Many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly to counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; You have a right to be here, and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world."

As you leave this Daily Wisdom today, I'd ask you to think about your own vision in life. What type of eyes do YOU see with? Eyes of hope, faith and promise, or eyes of despair and pessimism? God IS good, if only we allow Him to be.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr