Christmas is over and boy was it a good one. Finally, Miles is getting to an age that Santa and presents intrigue him. So, it is fun to watch his eyes twinkle and his face light up when he realizes what the gift is. For me, I got some thoughtful gifts, but my mind was elsewhere. I was thinking about the next year and what it had in store for me. I decided it was time to clean myself up a bit. Not that I am especially terrible, but there are things I can do better.
Not to sound too weird, but I think I’d like to live more like a Jedi from Star Wars. No, not dress in robes and carry a flashlight jumping around in my living room…but, be about helping and defending those in need. Be charitable and remember the little things that make my life so nice. Patience and benevolence are also traits of Jedi which I have tons of work to do on.
PATIENCE AND BENEVOLENCE
“Patience!” – Yoda
Patience is something that I have to really watch. Windy and Miles just never seem like they move fast enough. I want to proclaim: “HURRY UP!” But, what does it really help to move a few seconds faster? It is just in my mind. Relax! Charitable or Benevolent is something that I feel I have always been good at. I find myself helping others all the time. I don’t have money to give, but time and kind words are always available.
MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
“… Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is.” – Yoda
Jedi tend to live a life where materials and emotional attachments are forbidden. Well, the emotional attachments can stay, but the worshiping of materials has got to end. Too often do we as humans treat others who have as those who are better. That just isn’t true.
FEAR
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda.
Jedi also do not fear. This one is hard. I don’t think I’ll ever get over my fear of heights, but fear of the future, maybe. But, fear can show itself all the time. Like when Miles decides to climb on something and I walk around the corner and see him. Fear rushes in and I watch in horror thinking he could fall. I usually run over to him and help him down. But, I think that putting things in God’s perspective and remembering that he is watching the family should settle my reaction. Now, I’ll still go over to help him down safely, but I’ll also remember the angels who are watching over my family.
Jedi hold the deepest commitment and serious minds. I want to commit myself to my family and to God and to remember to think seriously about my family and my actions.
I’ll leave you with some of my favorite quotes from Master Yoda:
“… Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
“Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not.…”
“Do or do not… there is no try.”