Windows

There are windows of opportunity all around you. Some are even disguised in doors you wouldn’t ordinarily walk through. Prayer is a way to filter through what opportunities you should take and which ones you should avoid. Windows have a way of filtering your perspective. Can you appreciate the rain the same way you enjoy the sunlight? Sometimes, our perspectives hinder us. We don’t see the opportunities, because sometimes the requirements are too high. Try to see the windows that are open to you everyday. Open a window and see how it changes your environment. Look into someone’s eyes and see the windows of their soul. See the majesty all around you. See the opportunities.

Zion

The first time I heard anything about Zion was in reference to the city of God. Then, it was Lauryn Hill. Next, it was Bob Marley. Lastly, it was the Matrix. All were references to a sacred place or thing. For David, it was Jerusalem. For Lauryn, it was her son. For Bob, it was Ethopia. In the Matrix, it was the last human city. Where is your piece of heaven on Earth? Where is your sacred place? Where is your place of worship? Where is your Promised Land? Where is your Zion?

Nirvana

My first introduction to Nirvana was in 1991. Kurt Cobain was singing melodic tunes in a gym filled with tranced-out teenagers. I have to admit that hook was catchy. My second introduction was in ministers training class when we studied the twelve major religions of the world. I often compared my idea of heaven with a Buddhist's version of Nirvana. Not the same. Nirvana is a state of desirelessness whereas heaven is a state of having one's most fundamental desire fulfilled. Similarly, they are both places where one is oblivious to pain, worry, or fear. Nirvana is the most common term used to describe the goal of the Buddhist path. The literal meaning is "blowing out" or "quenching." It's hard to imagine a place with no wants, no needs, and no desires. It's definitely not on Earth. Interesting enough, almost every major religion has their version of this place for some it is a mindset, and for others, it's another plane of existence. Whatever you believe or don't believe, Nirvana, Heaven, the afterlife sounds like a better place. It sounds like a place I definitely would want to go, as long as it doesn't smell like teen spirit. Pun intended.
 

"What we think, we become."- Buddha

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny." -Mahatma Gandhi


 

Gain

The end of the year always makes me reflect. I reflect on the past year. I think about my victories and my losses. I think about my loved ones. I think about what I want to change, and what I can improve in the upcoming year. I try to set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant/results focused,time-based) goals. I really try to drive home all of the lessons of the previous year. Most importantly, I ask myself what have I gained? As you prepare to embark on this new year, how have you grown? What have you gained? 

Mark 8:36 (KJV) For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?