Life's Not Fair

I read a great article in the 'May We Help You?" section of my September O Magazine by Martha Beck.   She used a metaphor of a vending machine as life where virtue was money and happiness was the product.   So if we are always doing the right thing, or being virtuous, then why aren't we happy?  The article suggests it's because we are using the wrong kind of money, erroneously valuing/defining virtue.

My favorite dictionary, Merriman Webster,  defines virtue as:  conformity to a standard of right or 
a particular moral excellence.   I believe that doing the right thing should ALWAYS be in the forefront of our minds.  The big question is whose standard of right?   If I do what is politically correct or what what my religion wants, or what my parents say then I should be happy - right?  But if those standards weigh heavily on my own instincts of what is right or wrong then I will not be happy.  I will be frustrated and get a stomach ache for doing something against my moral beliefs.

Following my gut has gotten me into a couple of tough spots (more than a couple), but in the end, I became a better person.  I felt at peace with my choices.  It isn't easy to stand against those whose 'station' in our lives are rule makers: political,  religious, societal, or in our workplace or families.  But if something isn't right, and your gut is telling you so, you will not be happy if you follow along.

 Believe me, I'm not saying that we should all do our own thing and that all of the rules are wrong.  We are a world of human-ness.  We make mistakes all the time.  Erroneous procedures or rules have been made and some of them have been outgrown or were made to meet the needs of an earlier need in society.  We are all so AFRAID to stand up for what is right.  We are afraid of losing our jobs, of being sued, of making our family mad at us.  We are afraid to confront others.  

It's about change; it's about growing into the person God wants us to be.  Be brave.  Be kind to one another.  Trust yourself and you will be a happier person.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Days Post Haylee

Image
It has been five days.  The grieving process has begun for myself and many around me.  It's a  beast this thing called grief.  It attaches to or attacks each of us differently.  When my mother lost my sister Barb, she named her grief George.  I think I too will have a name for my grief.  I've been thinking about Clarence.  I always loved the character Clarence Odbody.    He was only doing what was right and tried to have a little fun along the way.  He kept things simple.  I like simple.  I won't mind if Clarence hangs around awhile. "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?
Read more

2nd Week

Image
As Advent began, I found myself still struggling, so I got myself a couple of props. First I purchased little battery operated purple and rose votives. It had been a long time since I used an advent wreath so this is a compromise. I must say that it helps.
Read more

Will Advent Help?

Image
As an adult, Christmas has not been my favorite time of year. It seemed to remind me of all I did not have. Somehow I managed to make the best of it and survived. That's just it, I've been surviving the holidays, not enjoying the holidays. I need to do a better job at living Christmas. Raised a Catholic, advent is no stranger to me. Or is it? What does advent mean? What is it to me? Advent is a time for reflection. It is a time to prepare. It is a time for prayer. With my new job, I have more time. I have less stress. What am I doing with this time? Today, I will take a serious look into my advent prayers. Prayers that I've fallen away from. Prayers for peace in our country. Prayers with hope for all good things. Prayers for love. Prayers to renew my faith in a loving God. Dear Jesus, As I enter the advent season, prepare in me a place for you. Use me to be evidence of your life. Use me to help others come to know you. I pray for my children, Derri
Read more