Real Courage

I include this picture because it represents an example of real courage and love.  The lady in the center is my mother. She will be 80 years old April 3. Helen was about 25 years old when the picture was taken.  The others pictured are: me on the left, Steve, Richard, and Linda.  The picture was taken in front of Daddy Po and Moma Po's house in Gallatin, Tennessee. 
I owe my wonderful memories of times like these to Mom and Dad, who, had the courage to face whatever came, for our well being; and still had enough love to reach out to help others.  I have lived a blessed, charmed life because of their dedication and love for their family; a family which has expanded across the United State from this humble beginning.  I am happy, peaceful, and free NOW because they had REAL COURAGE, the kind St. Teresa knew.

To have courage for whatever comes in life – everything lies in that. – Saint Teresa of Avila---
Eknath Easwaran’s Thought for the Day

For the majority of us, uncertainty is worse than disaster, because disaster comes to us only rarely; worry depletes us often. We never know whether we are going to get a brick or a bouquet. If we knew for certain a brick was on its way, there would be no anxiety. We would just say, “Throw it and be done with it.”

We can learn how to handle both bricks and bouquets, praise and censure, success and defeat. When we can say, “Whatever comes, we will not be afraid because the divine Self is within us,” then this resoluteness and faith will enable us to work free from tension, agitation, and fear of defeat. The person who works in this way is at peace, because he or she is not anxious about results.

The Thought for the Day is today's entry from Eknath Easwaran's Words to Live By.
(Copyright 1999 & 2005 by The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation.)
Select the Thought for the Day for any day of the year.
www.easwaran.org