Sometimes I Feel Sorry for Myself

Yes, there are days it is hard to go cheerfully into the world. But, I have antidotes for getting off the pity pot. One of my favorites is to read and contemplate a prayer attributed to Francis of Assisi.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is error truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

These are our marching orders. Go forth and express love and light freely. Don't go out needy, wanting to receive. Give.

May I suggest we read this thoughtfully several times a day this week? Watch how attitude and choices of action change, seemingly on their own. As Paul said, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.