IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

GOODNESS AND PEACE IN MAN (part one)

FIRST keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others. A peaceful man does more good than a learned man. Whereas a passionate man turns even good to evil and is quick to believe evil, the peaceful man, being good himself, turns all things to good. (as we approach another school year I am reminded of the importance of getting to bed early so to wake before the kids...hopefully- this is how I find peace to start my day and to try to bring peace to others-teenagers exempt...)
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The man who is at perfect ease is never suspicious, but the disturbed and discontented spirit is upset by many a suspicion. He neither rests himself nor permits others to do so. He often says what ought not to be said and leaves undone what ought to be done. He is concerned with the duties of others but neglects his own. (when I find myself discontented...it is time for confession)

Direct your zeal, therefore, first upon yourself; then you may with justice exercise it upon those about you. You are well versed in coloring your own actions with excuses which you will not accept from others, though it would be more just to accuse yourself and excuse your brother. If you wish men to bear with you, you must bear with them. Behold, how far you are from true charity and humility which does not know how to be angry with anyone, or to be indignant save only against self! (I guess my goal today is to bear with my teenagers and find ways to better love and parent them...)