Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Another incredible book

I have to thank Jamie for mentioning the book I just finished. It's "Tuesdays with Morrie" and it was fantastic. I'm totally looking forward to getting the second book "Five People You Meet In Heaven."
There were so many good lessons in this book, that it would take up pages and pages to really share. So I'll just share my favorite short part and recommend that you check out the book yourself!
In one small chapter the author is talking about an exercise that Morrie (the author's college professor) has for the class. They are to stand, facing away from their classmates, and fall backward, relying on another student to catch them. I'm sure we've all seen examples of this. What's interesting is that most of the students just can't let themselves go- they catch themselves before they actually fall. Finally, one quiet girl crosses her arms over her chest, closes her eyes, leans back, and falls. Her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly.
Morrie's lesson was this:
"You closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too- even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling."

This is such a great analogy of life. We are often in the dark, maybe we even feel like we're falling, wanting to reach out but scared of what we might encounter. Imagine if we all closed our eyes and put our trust first in God, who will never let us fall or let us fail, and then extended that trust to the people around us. I think we'd be amazed by how much richer our lives would be. We'd have an abundance of friends and teachers.
In the world today it seems like cynicism is a way of life. It's so easy to believe that peoples' intentions are selfish or devious. (Don't get me started on politics!!) But the more that I look around with an open heart and eyes closed to the cynic side of human nature, the more I find people who are loving, caring, supportive, and truly good. It's true that you find what it is you're looking for. I just have to keep my focus on finding good. And sometimes that means looking with my heart, not my eyes.

5 comments:

Cassie Rakes said...

It's always nice to hear your insights on life, especially since I hardly have time to read these days. It's nice to be inspired. I've been wanting to read this book - i guess it's on my to do list.

Mama D said...

Thanks for sharing these thoughts. You are insightful, and always help lift me up! Thanks for the perspective.

Louann and Bari said...

I've started this book. Katy has read it and thought it was really good. Someday I'll finish it. But I'll have to find it first.

Love YOU!!! and all your posts!!!

Steve and Jamie said...

I'm glad you liked Tuesdays with Morrie. I read the Five People book at a pivotal time in my life. It really shaped my perspective of eternity and how small our time is here on earth. I really enjoy reading Mitch Albom's books.

Pampered Princess said...

Jeez! I'm going to HAVE to read this book! I've had it recommended to me several times and I better hop to it! Thanks for sharing your perspective!