My dear friend asked me to write a post on achieving abundance since I haven't touched on this for some time and she needed something to lift her spirits. I hope this message brings a little light for anyone that might be struggling in this same way.
I've thought about how I might inspire and came to something that helped move me forward out of my turmoil the very next day. This is one achievement that is very powerful and a lot of us might overlook because of its simplicity: start counting the abundance of good deeds you've already done for all those around you, and notice how satisfied and fulfilled you feel.
This is most important to recall, especially for those of us who might be experiencing conflict. A lot of us might ask ourselves in times of crisis why these things keep happening. A long time ago I asked this question myself and Grace answered me, saying that I was doing this to myself; that drove me to search for answers to why I would choose to suffer. This led me to a lifelong quest of attending to those who were suffering, helping them in any way that is for the good. I mistakenly believed that I wouldn't suffer so much as long I supported others, and found that this practice is not enough to keep comfortable for long.
We all have our stories. Perhaps, somewhere along the way, we forgot our dependence on God, who loves us all. Whether we set our hearts on becoming a top achiever in our profession, or a mother, or a father, or a saint, we must strive to overcome every hardship, regardless of what we set our hearts to do.
"You are doing this to yourself," has become my saving grace, showing that there's no one person out there who is supposed to save us. We really need is a Savior. But somehow I didn't fully grasp this until I just couldn't take any more heartache, my own or anyone else's around me.
Whenever you're facing something distressing, you may despair as you search endlessly for solutions and support. You may even believe that you're already doing enough, especially those seeking holiness and longing to teach it to others. This is only my opinion that we are all entrusted with this calling of helping others.
This passage from 2 Corinthians 4:6 inspired me at a dark time: "It is the same God that said, 'Let there be light shining out of darkness, who has shone in our minds to radiate the light of the knowledge of God's glory, the glory on the face of Christ.' We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us."
After reading that passage, I was inspired to find deeper meaning in this scripture as it related to my personal experience. I feel this is a giant step forward for today's new thought coaches who teach peace as one's inner state of consciousness.
My life has been enriched by modern teachers, who have pointed out many powerful theories and have taught me well, but many times I tremble with the conflicts around me. That's when scripture continues to make things clear and comforts me. "You are doing this yourself" is a reminder to stop searching outside of yourself for solutions, for recognition, or for approval of your good deeds. Instead, look within and remember especially to give thanks for the many wonderful things you've learned in the name of God and times when you've asked and have received. Remind yourself several times a day how He made you like Himself, and that this is the only thing that will satisfy you, since it satisfies Him.
This is the most powerful achievement we all hope for as we walk in holiness, keeping close to the teachings of the Gospel. Truth dawns on each of us at the level of our understanding. Remember that God brought you to this light so you will live courageously through all your conflicts. God loves you for meeting with him in prayer, contemplation and meditation. This alone is our greatest achievement we might have forgotten.
I use the following affirmations to help lift my aching spirit:
I carefully examine my conscience if I've been living right in God's eyes.
And in addition to praying for others, being grateful, and counting my blessings, I remind myself and thank God for making me a Daughter that He loves.
For making me a sister He is pleased with.
For making me a mother He approves of.
For making me a wife who prayers to Him.
For making me a friend who mentions His name.
For making me a servant who satisfies Him.
He is my saving grace and my greatest achievement.
About Catherine Nagle: Catherine grew up in Philadelphia with 16 brothers and sisters, reared by loving, old school Italian parents. Catherine's artist father's
works graced locations from churches to public buildings; her mother was a full-time homemaker. A professional hairdresser, Catherine worked in various salons while studying the Bible and pursuing spiritual growth through courses, seminars, lectures and inspirational books, including A Course in Miracles and the works of Marianne Williamson among many others. The mother of two children and a grandmother, Catherine lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. She is the Author of Imprinted Wisdom.