"Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.”
~Theodore Isaac Rubin
Showing posts with label Theodore Isaac Rubin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theodore Isaac Rubin. Show all posts
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Problems
“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.” ~Theodore Isaac Rubin
So true - seemingly smooth waters make me nervous...I always expect problems, know they are just under the surface, and am never surprised by new events, turmoil, etc. That doesn't make it any less tiring, but it certainly is no longer surprising. And in those times, I go to this verse:
"Consider it pure joy my brothers [and sisters] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~James 1:2-4
I recently learned something new about this verse. I used to think you were supposed to consider it pure joy because of the problems, and WOW that's hard - how do you even do that?. But I missed a word - it never says "because" - the verse says "whenever" or "when" - When I face trials of many kinds, I'm to consider it pure joy, to count my blessings, during the trial. That I can do, believing that there is a purpose, believing in his promise in Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope a future"
So true - seemingly smooth waters make me nervous...I always expect problems, know they are just under the surface, and am never surprised by new events, turmoil, etc. That doesn't make it any less tiring, but it certainly is no longer surprising. And in those times, I go to this verse:
"Consider it pure joy my brothers [and sisters] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~James 1:2-4
I recently learned something new about this verse. I used to think you were supposed to consider it pure joy because of the problems, and WOW that's hard - how do you even do that?. But I missed a word - it never says "because" - the verse says "whenever" or "when" - When I face trials of many kinds, I'm to consider it pure joy, to count my blessings, during the trial. That I can do, believing that there is a purpose, believing in his promise in Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope a future"
Friday, July 03, 2009
The fool in me...
“I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries”
~Theodore Isaac Rubin
Feeling very much like the fool in this description lately, trying to reconcile with these many aspects. And certainly feels like there is just not enough of me to go around, to please everyone...and in the end, I please no one. I don't know if this is part of transitioning...there is so much of it going on right now. The end of a HUGE chapter in my life, the beginning of another, moving, new job for husband, preparing to expand our family, etc. I am having a hard time living up to my own expectations, and have no doubts that I'm not living up to expectations of others.
So, going back to the basics. God, marriage, career, and let the other pieces fall where they may, all the while learning to not berate myself when I feel too much, talk too much, cry, etc. Embracing my fool.
~Theodore Isaac Rubin
Feeling very much like the fool in this description lately, trying to reconcile with these many aspects. And certainly feels like there is just not enough of me to go around, to please everyone...and in the end, I please no one. I don't know if this is part of transitioning...there is so much of it going on right now. The end of a HUGE chapter in my life, the beginning of another, moving, new job for husband, preparing to expand our family, etc. I am having a hard time living up to my own expectations, and have no doubts that I'm not living up to expectations of others.
So, going back to the basics. God, marriage, career, and let the other pieces fall where they may, all the while learning to not berate myself when I feel too much, talk too much, cry, etc. Embracing my fool.
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