Christian Reflection and Prayer

"In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a
man of prayer." — Psalm 109:4

I really believe that God delivers to us exactly what we
need at that moment. Whatever happens as a result of
the enemies in my life was bound to happen to me one
way or another. This clarity allows me to let go of my
need to hate back or repay the hurt. It allows me to
choose love instead.

If you are like the rest of us, there are probably people
in your life who have hurt you at one time or another.
There are probably also people that you don't know –
even in other countries – who say and do things that
are hateful toward you. But remember – everything is
as it should be and they, too, are part of God's plan.
Lose the hate and choose to love.

Don't put your enemies in their place; instead place
them in your prayers.

Psalm 49:16-17

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them. (NIV)

There is a powerful story told about a member of the
famous wealthy Rothschild family. Someone asked
him, “Exactly how much wealth do you have?” In
response, Lord Rothschild answered, “Let me show
you.” He led the man to a room and showed him
many documents. They were receipts from charities
that he had supported. “These,” said Lord Rothschild,
“are my only true possessions. Only the money that
I have given away will accompany me to the grave.”

In the end, all possessions are meaningless; only our
good deeds will be with us forever. So let us convert
our wealth into charity and use our possessions to do
kindness. Then we will have something of true value
that will be with us forever.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

(excerpts taken from Holy Land Moments)

A poem entitled "One Thread,"-3 describes various aspects
of our lives as threads which we hold at one end in our hand...

One is the thread of mortality. Always there is the lurking fear
that the line will snap. We hold it tenderly. We must not let it
go.

Another thread represents our dreams and vision of getting
more out of life. The poet describes this thread as being
attached to a "high-flying kite" that flutters with the mighty
pull of our shifting hopes and dreams.

A third thread represents our fragile relationships with one
another. We're hardly aware of the moment when the tight
line slackens and there is nothing at all on the other end.

A fourth thread is but a "tangled mess" that won't come right:
mistakes, false starts, lost battles, angry words." (We just
can't seem to keep this line from tangling.)

Finally, there is a strange and mysterious thread. "It is my
steadying hand," the poet says. "When I am lost, I pull it
hard and find my way. When I am saddened, I tighten my
grip and gladness glides along its quivering path. This thread
becomes a channel of newness of life for it is God's hand that
is anchored on the other end."