"In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season." - Lao Tzu Commentary:I often find myself obsessing on things which don't really matter. This passage, taken from "Tao Te Ching," reminds me that the basic principles of life can and should be simple.
HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read "Heavens Grocery Store"
As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of ANGELS, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said "My Child, shop with care".
Everything a christian needs is in that grocery store, and all that you can't carry, come back the next day for more.
First I got some PATIENCE, LOVE was in the same row.
Further down was UNDERSTANDING, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH, I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race.
But then my basket was getting full, and I remembered I needed some GRACE.
I didn't forget SALVATION, which like the others was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my MASTER'S will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER, and had to put that in, for I know when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
SONG and PRAISES were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, " How much do I owe?"
The angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I politely asked, "How much do I owe?"
The angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill A Long Time Ago."
"ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL ASK IN PRAYER, BELIEVING, YOU SHALL RECEIVE."
Matthew 21:22
prayers
Loving Father, I offer you everything I do this day -- my thoughts, works, joys and sufferings. I desire to join my heart this day to the heart of your Son, who gave himself up totally to your service and to the service of others. Give me your Spirit so that I can live like him, joined to his offering in the Eucharist.
HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read "Heavens Grocery Store"
As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of ANGELS, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said "My Child, shop with care".
Everything a christian needs is in that grocery store, and all that you can't carry, come back the next day for more.
First I got some PATIENCE, LOVE was in the same row.
Further down was UNDERSTANDING, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH, I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race.
But then my basket was getting full, and I remembered I needed some GRACE.
I didn't forget SALVATION, which like the others was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my MASTER'S will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER, and had to put that in, for I know when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
SONG and PRAISES were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, " How much do I owe?"
The angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I politely asked, "How much do I owe?"
The angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill A Long Time Ago."
"ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL ASK IN PRAYER, BELIEVING, YOU SHALL RECEIVE."
Matthew 21:22
prayers
Loving Father, I offer you everything I do this day -- my thoughts, works, joys and sufferings. I desire to join my heart this day to the heart of your Son, who gave himself up totally to your service and to the service of others. Give me your Spirit so that I can live like him, joined to his offering in the Eucharist.
