i am learning!

I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.
Helen Keller

I'm learning more and more that I need structure. A busy, scheduled life in which there are deadlines and responsibilities. Just the thought of this coming school years makes my soul writhe a wee bit and starts to nurture the attitude of "ger! I don't wanna!" just like a 4 or 5 year old when they're forced to eat something revolting to their undeveloped taste buds or to stop playing with toys and friends.

But despite the discomfort of tasks and learning that MUST be accomplished, my time outside of that becomes rather effective and precious! Which I know is a good thing! My house gets cleaned, my mind expands! I actually have things to say and ponder!

I'm learning that it really is the small things that make the differences--a smiled greeting, pleasant tone of voice, putting my stuff away when I get home (Kyle will smile at that, I am trying!), doing tasks in a timely manner, holding the door for that little old lady behind me or even the large middle aged man (but hey, older men like me anyway!), reading for ten minutes instead of frittering away my time on Facebook or Twitter or watching tv, hiking to the top of Big Glassy despite the humidity, and staying within my self governed budget. All these are rolling with me down this life road, accumulating into how I act and what I do. I for one, would rather be nicer than not!

I think this is perhaps why I love the attitude of the Eastern religions. They have the mind set of love and respect, which is sadly lacking from the Western society.

It's a trend that my personal and spiritual growth has been on for the last few years, and the more I see, live, and learn, the more I feel drawn into "love." Not romantic love, but the love that provides courtesy, respect, assistance, advice, and acceptance. But not one that breeds false agreement or support.

I'm a fan of diversity. It's part of what makes this world such an interesting place, and people appealing (who wants to know only one type of person with one set of tastes and opinions? Not I!). But I'll never be one of those people who thinks we all should hold the exact same beliefs.

If a person stays only within the environment into which they were born and raised, how can maturity be achieved? How is understanding gained and knowledge increased? It's not.

I have some friends. While they travel and talk to many different people with many different beliefs, they always hold themselves behind a barrier, not really hearing or relating to the people they're conversing with. Now, what good does that do? Are they too afraid of what may happen if they actually listen and are prompted to wonder or question something in their own life and beliefs?

I've learned it is good to question. Even questioning God. It's what you do with that doubting or questioning that matters. This is how you grow. As babies, we learn to talk, partially in imitation of what we're surrounded by, and later as a means to be understood. Understood so that our questions and entreaties can be responded to. So that we can grow and learn and become reasonable and secure adults. Questions are good. Very good indeed.

So, as I prepare for another school year, I know I have not been mentally stagnant!

Happy Start!