You Matter

In a book on Hildegard, Rosten said: The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter; to have it make a difference that you lived at all. Joan Chittister, OSB adds: ... everything, everything -- we ourselves become will affect what women after us may also become.

It has been my vision for my life to be a beneficial presence wherever I am, with whomever I find myself, not controlled by the circumstances, without excuses. Not that I totally am able to always be that, yet that is my constant goal and vision, my prayer

It seems to me that the intent of the above quotes from Rosten and Chittister is to matter in a positive way. We are not being guided to matter in history as one of its villains, but as one of its heroes, perhaps even more importantly, unsung heroes. We must guard against ego running our show. If it becomes about us and not about compassion, caring, making a positive difference, then it moves to the dark side of the force so to speak. Humility is a virtue, and it is often considered essential for actually walking the spiritual path.

I suggest we sit down for a bit of time for several days and contemplate "I matter, I make a positive difference," and then write in our journals for 5 or 10 minutes, re-read what came up from our depths and consider it deeply. Strengthen our weak spots with prayer and action and keep aiming toward the highest goal, day by day, moment by moment.

Lord teach me to walk the rest of my life humbly making a positive difference. Help me to have my eyes and ears and heart open to see even tiny ways my choices can make a difference. Help me leave a foundation for future men and women to stand tall and be differences for good in their times. Here I am, I listen.