“The human is a paradox. As “rational animals”, we are the only species that straddles the divide between matter and spirit. We do not just inhabit the material world – we interpret it, discern order within it, derive meaning from it and act decisively upon it. Our intellects transcend their material confines with a unique freedom and imagination.”
Thomas Aquinas
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Our lives are but an opened, on-going comprehensive examination. Every aspect of our being; our soul, mind, emotion and body is but a test. For each moment; each day, month and year for the very short time here on earth, each action, thought, deed and intention often-times is irrepeatable.
Let each of us purpose to take great measure in being thoughtful in our presentation to the world, for indeed, how we live does impact the choices of others. Much is made about all of the differences in the various ethnic groups which populate our American landscape. Yet, essentially each of us are more alike than different. As an example, let us briefly look at some of each human’s core needs.
- A need for dignity. Having a healthy self-awareness of personal worth and acceptance as being human, within the context of limitations and success.
- An awareness of power. Having the courage to become actively apart of this world, with all of the rights and liberties associated with one’s citizenship.
- Freedom. A human right to be loosed from the negative results that are associated with our human capacities at failure, mistakes, habits and addictions. We are to become life-long learners as we attempt to learn newer healthy ways at navigating through this life.
- Search for meaning. The importance for a sense of purpose in our living, whether a calling and or vocation in the world/family/community. For many, the true essence of one’s meaning, will be realized once humanity comes into contact with one’s Creator.
- Love, The opportunity and capacity to give and receive love from another or others. The ability to become vulnerable in reaching out to others, caring and feeling for healthy on-going [hopefully], lifetime relationships.
- Rest. The most important need to find comfort in a safe place where you can let go and just Be. This place enables you the unique yet important daily need to surrender from life’s burden of control, insanity, and uncertainty. It is during the time of rest that we learn the inner ability to release those things which are beyond our control and or power.
- Celebration of living. At least sometime during one’s day, we are in need to learn to affirm the wonderful nature of this physical life that essentially is transcendent and holy in contrast to the often-time mundane experiences of everyday life. In an effort at celebration of this life, we seek to find reasons to be grateful, thankful and giving as one develops spiritual maturity through prayer, worship, fasting, reading the Holy Scriptures and serving others.
Grace and Peace
Alonzo E. Thornton