Sometimes we
can effect change. Speaking up about something,
suggesting an improvement, or learning a new skill
can bring about a longed-for change.
But we
have to change ourselves first, not any- one,
anywhere, or anyplace else.
We can take a moment now to think of those people or
things we tried to change today.
Then we can
resolve not to keep trying to cause change or keep
wishing things could change.
If a
button falls off our shirt, we can pick up a needle
and thread and sew it back on.
But if
we see someone on the street without a button, we
can't change that situation.
By
looking to ourselves and mending our own fences, we
won't so likely try to mend the fences of others.
We
should think seriously before we slam doors,
before we burn bridges, before we saw off the
limb
on which we find ourselves sitting.
--
Richard L. Evans
Many of us
have difficult days. People disappoint us. Events or
circumstances upset us.
Anger
may be our sole feeling at such times.
Unfortunately,
we may act upon that anger hastily by saying things
we later regret, by making shortsighted decisions,
or even by slamming a door in someone's face.
Sometimes a slammed door won't open again. Sometimes
people we insult or snap at will back off from us.
Sometimes
decisions we make in anger and haste cannot be
changed -- or may take considerable time and effort
to undo.
Angry moments do not have to erupt into fiery
volcanoes. If we learn to sit with our anger awhile
until we are calmer and more rational, we can avoid
shameful, regretful results.
Today's
anger does not need to erupt tonight toward any
person, place, or thing.
Tonight
we can let the dust settle and tempers cool while
time helps us get things into perspective.
We who wait
are both wise and mature.
Worry
is most apt to ride you ragged not when you
are in action, but when the day's work is done.
Your
imagination can run riot then ... your mind is
like a
motor operating without its load.
--
James L. Mursell
Each day we
may have full-time activities: jobs, school, family,
or hobbies.
The hours we spend in those activities are
usually focused on the tasks at hand.
But when they are done and we're left with
free time, we may find ourselves cultivating a new
interest: worry.
During the day, we are like a train engine.
For as long as we stay on the tracks, keeping busy,
we move easily.
But when the day's activities are done, we are
like a derailed engine.
The power still makes the wheels spin, but we
are going nowhere.
We don't have to be on full speed, going
nowhere, as we fill our minds with worry.
When the day's work is done on a railroad, the
engines are guided onto sidetracks to cool until
morning.
Tonight we can guide the engines of our minds
onto sidetracks of relaxation and rest.
