The Joy of This Day: Quotes for Daily Reflection Sept. 6th - 12th, 2013

The Joy of This Day Quotes for Daily Reflection - Rev. Gaye This week irony seems to abound in our world. As our government debates and decides on military action against Syria, we cannot help but notice that the anniversary of September 11 2001 is almost upon us. Whatever our feelings about the crisis in Syria, we hope and pray that our leaders have the necessary vision and courage to do the right thing for our country and our world. No situation is black and white; rather, the shades of gray that make it complex are what confirm or confuse us in making a wise decision. The confusion and trauma that came out of 9/11 still affects the way we see the world – and our place in it – today. Our vision for a planet that lives in peace is complicated by the knowledge that we have the power – but perhaps not the collective will - to deter injustice and suffering by engaging in military conflict once again. This week’s quotations again speak of vision in different contexts. What is interesting to me, as I reflect on them, is that they suggest that often vision can be achieved with the help of other qualities we value, such as courage, belief, and confidence. May every day bring you joy and inspiration! Friday, September 6: When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Saturday, September 7: Vision looks inward and becomes duty. Vision looks outward and becomes aspiration. Vision looks upward and becomes faith. ~Stephen S. Wise Sunday, September 8: We lift ourselves by our thought. We climb upon our vision of ourselves. To enlarge your life, first enlarge your thought of it. Hold the ideal of yourself as you long to be, always everywhere. ~Orison Swett Marden  Monday, September 9: You have to see the pattern, understand the order and experience the vision. ~Michael E. Gerber  Tuesday, September 10: One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. ~Daniel Berrigan Wednesday, September 11: I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision. ~Henry David Thoreau Thursday, September 12: Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. ~Martin Luther King, Jr. (Quotes from Simple Gifts, All Souls Unitarian Church of Tulsa; www. Brainyquotes.com)