EVERYDAY HEROS

This picture is of the biggest dogwood flower I have ever seen. It is huge! I have been waiting for it to bloom and finally it did.

I wrote yesterday morning about everyday hero's and this morning in the Sun there is an article about Nicola Aubre a psychologist who is training others to help people in the most poor and troubled areas of the world."She has shown remarkable leadership and courage; she is a pioneer in bringing psychological knowledge to countries dealing with conflict, war and natural disaster. She has analyzed enough people over the years-from police officers to convicted killers-to know how much we all crave acceptance." She was taught by her Christian mother, "When you give you find out that you receive much more, and it is so true."

She is being recognized by her peers for the work she is doing and which it appears had a strong calling on her life. I was thinking of the many average people who are living courageous lives in difficult circumstances. They do not expect recognition but those who love them cheer them on with admiration.

We all go through trials in our lives and we carry on the best we know how. We wish we could do more to help ease the suffering in the world. Mother Theresa said to just help those you can one by one.

In years past and even in some religions today people are promised a reward in the next life. There have also been harsh words about the judgment and punishment that await evil doers. I do not expect great rewards or harsh punishment even though reading the scriptures may seem to be teaching and confirming this reality.

God, has to be for me, a presence that welcomes into his love all the hurting and wounded people of this world. Maybe in heaven there will be a hospital for the soul where those who have been mistreated and have mistreated others will finally find peace and acceptance.

There is a dark energy that swirls all around us and we can be frustrated by the inaction of those who could help and yet act with stupidity and weakness. In this life we see victims and perpetrators and we cry for justice to be done.

One death on a cross seems like a worthless sacrifice; but the death of Jesus has stirred people and continues to motivate those who care to reach out to help. One death for the victims and for the perpetrators to bring light into the darkness of hate and violence.

We each do what we can in our daily lives to enrich the lives of others with the grace of kindness, patience, compassion, generosity and love.

I know that I need to turn to prayer to find inner peace that can be called a mystical experience not just mental brain power.

As I was watering the garden last night very frustrated by all the work that needs doing a young man with a baby said as he passed by "Your garden is awesome". Words of grace that lifted my spirits and helped me to experience a sense of joy.