Contrast is Calling

If it were not for contrast in our experiences, would we have the capability of recognizing just how good Life really is? This may seem a strange question at first glance. However, being confronted with change, which is simply contrast -- or opposites as others put it -- we are offered opportunities to consider things from a different perspective, and this equates to growth potential.

But Please Pay Attention!

Bloggers come from all walks of life, and I have been given a larger world view completely free of charge just by being open to what they write about. In the same way, being open to change lessens resistance to growth, and we find that we flow more naturally with the current of Life. I have found that it is much more enjoyable than swimming upstream! And the key is the awareness that change is not intended to hurt me.

Stop Fighting Change.

Allow. I did not say tolerate. Tolerance screams, "I still disapprove!" Allowing simply allows. No fighting. No judgement. In much the same way we are guided through this life by a benevolent Love, we can more easily maneuver the maze-like "obstacles" we sometimes face by just letting go of the desire to control.

Desire is good. Control is dangerous.

Would you rather win, or would you rather offer love? Do you prefer being right over being open? Do you even think about it?

Think. About. It.

Do something ridiculously kind for someone in need today. And do it for no other reason except to experience the contrast of otherwise pretending to be too busy to see them.

There is no them, and I love you! -- jb

The Cost of Kindness (Why We Give)

I had blogger block for a while so I asked my son, Brandon, to look for someone to whom he could offer kindness, and I would write a post about why we give. Simple way to get back in the flow of writing, and it was an idea just in passing as we were discussing his test scores. It wasn't one of those things where your kid says in response, "Oh, okay Dad. I sure will." ... and it is never mentioned again.

Brandon knew that he was going to enjoy it, and get to help me at the same time. He said, "I look forward to it, and I will let you know how it goes in a few days." Brandon is a student at the University of Alabama. He is a standout for his dedication to his goals and his purpose, and the absolutely natural way in which he coexists with everything and everyone. He is very easy to be around, and he is a particular joy for me.

He is pure joy for his father.

So he's a good kid. You get it. He related to me the following story: He was walking out of class and met a man who explained that he needed $60.00 and a ride to where his car was disabled. The gentleman was a graduate of Alabama, and further he was schooled in video production which is Brandon's major. He only had $60.00 dollars in his checking account, so in his mind he had just enough to help this guy get what he needed. He goes to school full time even in the summer. He also works 30+ hours a week, so he understands money. His new acquaintance promised to call in an hour or so and meet Brandon in order to repay him :)

He gave his last dollar.

To some, it would appear my son is simply out some money for being naive'. To others it may seem he was a victim of a con artist. Here is what he did: He aligned himself with Love, and without question, gave what he had just to be kind.

Just. Be. Kind.

The greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward. The darker the night, the brighter the dawn. It was a simple story that made me feel so good. He opened himself to the opportunity to be kind even though it might cost him some money. If we all just once a day would do something similar, it would change everything.

There is no them anyway so why not just treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. By the way, I gave him $100.00 just because it felt good :) Not a bad return.

Peace. -- jb