Thursday, July 9, 2009

Simplify

There is an old Hebrew myth that tells of a night when Abraham saw a stranger walking toward him. As the old man, weary from travel and bent with age, stumbled along the path Abraham rushed to help him. Taking him into his tent, Abraham washed the old man’s feet and gave him food and drink. But the old man began to devour the food without saying a prayer.

Surprised, Abraham asked the man, “Don’t you offer thanks to God?”

“I only worship fire. I honor no other God,” the old man replied.

At those words, Abraham grabbed the old man and threw him out into the dark night.

As the old man stumbled off, God asked Abraham, “Where is the stranger?”

Abraham replied, “I threw him out because he did not worship You.”

“I have suffered him eighty years even though he dishonors Me,” God said. “Could you not tolerate him one night?”

I like this story because it reminds me that when I Live in Truth, I don’t need to judge, or lecture, or correct others. All I have to do is access what is needed in that moment and then do it. Living in Truth is a beautiful way to simplify life.

10 comments:

Talena said...

I love your new layout! We are looking forward to our visit in a couple of weeks!

Anonymous said...

This is one of my favorite stories and goes so well with your post yesterday. Thanks for keeping us focused on truthful living and remembering how much worry and judging can overwhelm our life and make it hard to hear the spirit. It never falis to amaze me how powerful the most simple gospel principles really are. I also love your new layout. Cathie

Wendi said...

I like your new layout too! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Talena, I'm glad you like the changes. I can't wait to see you, either!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Cathie, Thanks! You always add so much!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Wendi, Thanks. A wonderful friend suggested the change and I like it a lot better.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Anonymous, Thank YOU for stopping by and leaving a comment. I love comments. Have a great weekend where ever you are!

De and Matt said...

this is a beautiful post. one of my favorites.. and such a simple concept that is sometimes so hard to grasp. thank you.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

DeAnna, Thank you. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for leaving a comment. It's been a long time since I've seen you. I hope all is going well with you. Have you graduated?