Spiritual Presents

  I know what I know, and that is all that I know, you know?  I am what I am, and that is all that I am, I am pretty sure.  There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.”  It can actually be quite refreshing and liberating.  Moreover, it is not a crime against humanity to change your mind or have your thoughts and opinions evolve over time.  That is actually a sign of intelligence, not of being a flip flopper.  We are all constantly growing and becoming.  Having an open mind and a good healthy sense of humility helps each of us age well, like a fine wine.  We are all unique gifts with so many possibilities.  We are each a treasure, and God desires that all of us become wiser and richer in love everyday.   At the same time we are never perfect.  We each need constant refinement.  The great deceptive trap that we all fall into is the pit of pride.  Now, pride can be a positive gift (See Present #26 on Pride)....

  Every year on the 4th of July my day goes something like this:  First, I try to roll out of bed early enough to see a parade.  Next, I find myself inexplicably captivated watching professional eaters stuff themselves on national TV.  As the day progresses, I seek out a tasty cookout where I can enjoy time with friends and gorge myself.  I hope to save a little room for pie and ice cream.  As the daylight fades and darkness settles, I find a comfy lawn chair and watch children chase fireflies.  I end the day gazing up at the sky, mesmerized by beautiful fireworks.  All in all a pretty fab day.  However, I wonder while nodding off to sleep, “is this what it means to be free?”  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (The Declaration of Independence) The 4th of July is ri...