. . . to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom.
Thomas Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
The storm passes and, for now, there is a little bit of sun in my eyes. It’s way too cool for June. My weather app shows a significant warming trend once we get through this unsettled week.
Nature mirrors our life experience. We will always weather storms of one kind or another, just as there will always be better days on the other side.
Last night I woke for no reason in particular. I lay thinking about things for a while, then picked up my Kindle and opened my standard middle-of-the-night book: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis. I was reminded of old truths.
The words are old-fashioned (Kempis wrote it between 1418 and 1427) but the wisdom is just as relevant today. We are folly if we think all of this is new. The world looks different than it did even just a short time ago, but at the root there is nothing it hasn’t seen before.
And so, in this reflective state of mind, I set my Kindle aside and go to prayer where I find rest.
And it is well.
What is the hypothesis of generosity? What is the most generous assumption you can make about this person’s intentions or what this person said?”
Brené Brown, Rising Strong
Thank you for sharing this ancient wisdom this morning. With gratitude, MJ
Hugs, Mary Jo.
I often do not think highly or kindly of others, but they would never know that. It’s all in my head. Still, those thoughts are negative and the only way to kick them out is to replace them with scripture or song . . . sometimes songs in the night! Useful wisdom from Thomas a Kempis. Thank you!
I often fail in this too, Marian, in the quiet of my heart. We recognize it and do better, always improving. And yes, scripture and song and prayer are the best antidotes.