We each have an individual life to live that no one else can fully shape or govern. We also have a collective, communal life amongst others. These two intersect in our moral stance. Do you have a personal moral code? What is the theme of your relationships with yourself and others? Do they purposely breathe out beauty and goodness into the world?
In order to keep life lovely, we must take possession of our moral choices and
Embrace beauty ©Clague
consciously choose the best. Moral courage, compassion, self control, affection, honesty, unselfishness, these are some of the qualities that, incorporated into daily activities, enhance relationships and the ability to work in concert with others.
Here’s an example of the formation of a deliberate moral code by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius that has stood the test of time and wisdom:
”No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative, or hate him. We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are obstructions.“
Valuing family and friends as gifts from God adds beauty to life. Refusing to obstruct, blame, or be offended by others brings peace. Working with others in a way that enhances their life as well as your own adds dignity.
Do you have someone in your life today that you want to acknowledge as God’s gift to you? Let them know how you feel. A true friend can always see the beauty and goodness in loved ones. Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful.”
When asked to describe a friend or loved one, people rarely begin with the physical attributes and often never mention them at all. The loveliness we see in a friend is not mainly outward but inward. It is the manifestation of the attributes they choose to express in their relationship with you. Showing compassion and honest affection for others honors God, for we best show our love for God by our love for our fellow beings, even when it seems difficult.
Two children were among many taken to a concentration camp during World War II. Separated as they arrived at the camp, never to see each other again, the older sister was haunted that the last words she ever said to her brother chided him for losing his shoe. Because of this, she later committed to speak to others in a way that would be worthy of the last thing they would ever hear from her.
Good questions for each of us to ask ourselves are,“Who am I being that makes others feel loved, valued, necessary, and beautiful? Can I strive to speak in a way that is worthy of the last words someone might hear from me?” Being kind in the first and last words you say to friends and family each day, is a simple way to keep relationships on track. The world can always use more of such beauty.
Joanna
I never cease to be grateful for how beautiful my friends are. Now I’m going to try to live up to the prayer of that young girl, and remember to speak words that would be joyfully remembered if they were my last. thank you, Cindy, for the lovely article.
Kelly
A lovely reminder that goes hand in hand with the Golden Rule. Thank you so much.