"It is therefore of supreme importance that we consent to live not for ourselves but for others. When we do this we will be able first of all to face and accept our own limitations. As long as we secretly adore ourselves, our own deficiencies will remain to torture us with an apparent defilement. But …
Blessed
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed." ― Maya Angelou To be a blessing you must give and receive cheerfully, gratefully, and gracefully. So give your all and receive with everything you've got...only gracious giving and receiving softens the hardened soul.
The Capacity for Surprise
"Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks." ― Samuel Johnson One of the defining characteristics of youth - whether one is young in body or young at heart - is the capacity for surprise. That capacity can weaken over time, especially if you take the attitude that you've "seen it all" …
Sun’s Rays
"Sun's Rays", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Clouds painted scarlet By sun's rays reaching eastward— Evening brings rest
Every Sunset
"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal." ― Elbert Hubbard The spirit of determination is one that I have often admired in others. Determination - a firmness of purpose or resoluteness - is …
Help Yourself
More often than not the best way to help yourself is to help others. Helping others is a simple thing to do, really. It doesn't require much beyond the willingness to jump right in and lend a hand. Selfless service is the gateway to being someone who matters. "No one is useless in this world …
Cloud Break
"Cloud Break", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Drizzle drifting by Like fairy dust in the wind— Dissolved by the sun
Legerdemain
"He who busies himself with the sins of others, or judges his brother on suspicion, has not yet even begun to repent or to examine himself so as to discover his own sins..." - St. Maximos the Confessor Judging others is likely the most popular way to avoid self-examination. The judge, with his wagging finger …
Light
"Light", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Light: a state of heart Known only when love commands— Lightness is at hand.
Greater Love
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 While this quote is commonly referred to in the context of the Crucifixion, there are many other levels of "laying down [one's] life for [one's] friends" which are worthy of consideration and actualization. For starters, …
Gregory Hake 