By Sharon Ray
The symbol for the virtue of equanimity is a woman holding the balance scales, blindfolded, that she may judge without prejudice. (She is not allowed to peek!). One quality that is an opposite of equanimity is that of being judgmental.
How wonderful it would be if I didn’t have any judgment about my challenges. Instead of saying, “Oy vey, not another one!” if I could really live the song: “I like the sunshine; I like the rain; I like the good times; I like the pain, ’cause it’s all the same when you’re livin’ the life!”
Yes, I can see life as a journey of hills and valleys designed by Love for my growth and for my joy. God is with me. God, is for me. This is truly possible when all I want is to be close to God. Rumi wrote, “The snow brings me closer to Your lips.”
When I am sad, I am close to God. When I am happy, I am close to God. So, what do the ups and downs of life matter? I am always close to God! All I need to do is remember this.
Beloved God, I receive my challenges with an open heart, knowing that they make me strong and wise. I embrace the times that are difficult because they bring me closer to you. Today, through your grace, I hope to make someone else’s load lighter. Amen