As we stand at the precipice of an unparalleled new Gregorian year we find ourselves more eagerly and anxiously anticipating the incoming year than reflecting upon the events of the past one and the abysmal state of the economy and the world. Yet reflections of the past are very critical in charting a more meaningful, profitable and productive future. We often cowardice ourselves with reflections of past mistakes, unwise decisions or by some unkind words or deeds by others toward us or of our own toward others that stunts our own spiritual growth and productivity. To continuously burden yourself with such lamentations inevitable renders you helpless and useless at best, or worse still defensive and disruptive. Reflect instead upon the fact that others have made similar or worse mistakes but have chosen to use them as steppingstones rather than stumbling blocks and to turn inevitable obstacles into opportunities.
Mankind is not perfect and we will be perpetually unhappy if we choose to concentrate on our own or others’ imperfections. May we reflect instead upon our Creator Who is perfect and make our best offerings to Him, Who alone understand our heart and motives, also who is worthy or unworthy of what, and rewards us all accordingly – in His time, not ours. Many may reflect on certain people, places or things we hold dear that did not survive the past year. May we reflect with an attitude or gratitude on the precious time we did share and become rejuvenated and inspired to greater heights from the experience. May it serve as a reminder that regardless of age, health or circumstance, “We have no time to lose; every fleeting moment must be fully and wisely utilized,” we are charged in the Baha’i Holy Writings. We can no longer expect to achieve peace through more sophisticated weapons of war. War is darkness and death – peace is light and life. “When a thought of war comes, opposed it with a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hate must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.” We are told in the Baha’i Holy Writings. May we firmly resolve to become the instruments of God’s love to mankind, the good, the bad, the lovable and especially the unlovable – who need love most.
“At most it is this: some do not know, they must be guided, trained and encouraged in the acquisition of virtues. Some are ignorant; they must be informed. Some are as children, undeveloped; they must be helped to reach maturity. Some are ailing with unhealthy moral conditions. But the sick are not to be hated because they are sick, the child must not be shunned because he is a child nor the ignorant despised because he lacks knowledge. They must all be treated, educated, trained and assisted in love.”
This New Year, let’s resolve to be a light, not a judge; a model not a critic, for “In the world of existence there is indeed no power greater than the magnet of love.”
Investigate!
