The Four Seasons of Life

As with nature, our life is also composed of seasons. Learn how.

Photo by Vincentiu Solomon on Unsplash

Have you ever noticed the perfection that exists in nature? An indisputable proof of the harmony that governs the universe.

As in a cosmic poem, God rhymes human life with the rhythm of the infinite.

When we are born, it is spring that bursts with its perfumes and colors. The skin is lush, hair and eyes shine, the smile is easy. Everything translates hope and joy.

It's the delicate spring, like the children who delight our eyes with their grace. At this time, everything ends in smiles. No worries can disturb the soul.

Then comes youth corresponding to the height of Summer. A season of warmth and beauty, blessed by occasional rain. The Sun warms souls, and promises are renewed.

Young people believe that they can do anything. They are impetuous, vibrant. That they will make revolutions in the world, and will fix all mistakes. They bring the soul warmed by enthusiasm. 

Your strong impulses can also be fleeting... like summer storms.

But life moves quickly.

And one day – what a surprise – the strength of Summer is gone.

Then Fall arrives. A look in the mirror shows us wrinkles, our hair begins to turn gray. But that is also a sign that the mind achieved maturity, the achievement of a more complete vision of existence.

During this season, the word is plenitude.

Autumn refers to a time of reflection and profound beauty. Its inspiring landscapes – with golden leaves and skies of incredible colors – perfectly reflect this moment in our lives. In the Autumn of existence there is no longer childish naivety or the uncontained impetus of youth, but there is accumulated wisdom, experience and a lot of willingness to live each moment, enjoying every second.

But, one day, Winter comes.

The most unsettling of seasons. Many fear winter, as they fear old age. But how can they forget the mysterious beauty of snow-covered landscapes?

Time to slow down? Partly.

But Winter is also the time to share experiences. Who said old age is sad? It can be warm and happy, like a winter night in front of the fireplace, in the company of loved ones.

Old age can also be hot chocolate, kind smiles, peaceful reading, generosity with children and grandchildren. Just don't let the cold chill your soul.

If we learn to enjoy the beauty of each season, we will always be happy. From Spring we carry spontaneity and joy throughout our lives. From Summer, lightness and willpower. From Autumn, reflection. From Winter, the experience that is shared with loved ones.

Final Thoughts

The message of the seasons in our lives goes further.

If you think about old age with sadness, dismiss that idea immediately. Remember that after winter spring comes again.

As everything starts again, we too will start over. Our trajectory does not end at the end of winter. There are other lives, with new seasons. And again, we will all begin in the spring of age. After death, we will resurface on other planes of life. And we will be full, we will be beautiful. That's enough to love.

Love a lot.

Love people, flowers, animals, the worlds that revolve serenely. Love, finally, Divine Creation. Love so much that life becomes an eternal spring.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, available on CD Momento Espírita, v.13, ed. FEP.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Prohibitions

Why are certain things prohibited? Why impose restrictions? Could a prohibition be a sign of Love?

Photo by Marcial Bollinger on Unsplash

When we are children, we use to hear the word no a lot. For example:

• Do not put your finger in the socket.
• Don't bite your brother.
• Do not take cold.
• Don't go there because it's dangerous.
• Do not do it.
• Do not do that.

Parents use a list of prohibitions to save and protect their children from the evils that could befall them as a result of certain actions.

The younger the child, the less able to understand the extent to which certain attitudes can generate. The parents, then, do not negotiate. They impose prohibitions to preserve themselves from dangers and suffering, both to themselves and to those around them.

As the child matures, the ability to understand grows. The more mature, the greater the sense of the relationship between cause and effect.

Not putting the finger in the socket makes sense because the shock will cause pain. Not biting the brother is understandable because, in addition to causing pain in the other, there may be retaliation. Not taking cold protects you from getting sick and bedridden.

In summary, that list of prohibitions has the character of preserving pain and evil, a sign that parents care and love their children.

A balanced life

When Humanity was in its infancy, out of barbarism, God, Father of infinite love, sent, through Moses, a list of rules for a more balanced life and a harmonious coexistence on Earth.

This list contains the Ten Commandments and, among them, several prohibitions:

1. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
2. You will not kill.
3. You will not commit adultery.
4. You will not steal.
5. You will not say false testimony against your neighbor.
6. You will not want the next man's wife.
7. You shall not covet your neighbor's house, nor his servant, nor his handmaid, nor his ox, nor his donkey, or anything else that belongs to him.

At that time, Humanity was unable to understand the scope of these rules.

It was not aware that these commandments brought the essence of the Divine Laws, the only knowledge necessary for happiness. God has put these laws in our own consciences to guide us towards good. With discernment, we know what we must or not do and are guided to happiness when we follow them, or to unhappinness whenever we violate them.

In the same way that some children defy their parents and violate the rules suffering later, many of us also refuse to follow the Divine Laws. Our immaturity and rebellion against these laws is what causes sufferings for ourselves and for others around us.

Final Thoughts

The only way to live a peaceful and happy life is to not see these prohibitions as authoritarian, but as proof of love.

Those who don't fight with God and its Laws, know that doing so will only make them suffer. They understand that God is a loving Father, waiting for His children (us) to mature and to love and understand these Laws that rule the Earth and the whole Universe.

And God knows that when that happens, no prohibition will be necessary as human beings will act with conscience always aiming for the good of everything and everyone.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on April 19, 2016

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

When I won my Parents

It doesn't matter if we were planned or not. Our parents had us but we won them.

Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash

That seemed to be more of a simple school task for an eight-year-old girl. The handout had problems to be solved and several questions on different subjects.

However, on the last page there was this task: "Make a drawing that represents a remarkable fact of your life."

The young girl drew a woman with a baby in her arms and, beside her, a man, both smiling. Above the scene written in a neat handwriting was: "When I won my parents."

How to contain the tears before such a simple declaration of love?

The girl remembered, with affection, that she had arrived at that loving home, just over eight years ago, through the blessed way of adoption. It was one of the first moments when the little heart thanked God for the opportunity to have a loving family on Earth.

Other children remembered trips, Christmas gifts and trips. Nothing close to how she thanked her parents:

When I won my parents, I also gained the certainty of being loved

When I won my parents, I was flooded with willpower, the desire to get it right and to love too.

When I won my parents, I decided to give love one more chance, and then another, and then another ...

When I won my parents, that's when I really felt protected ...

Be Grateful

Do you remember when you won your parents?

Yes, they are the greatest gift we receive when we are born. We may not yet understand this well, but time and memories will help us understand how everything makes sense.

We all won our parents. And they are not just any parents chosen by the force of randomness, they are the parents we needed, when we needed them.

Let us be grateful for having parents, for our life, for our family, for the love that was given to us, for living a respectful life, for learning so much from their examples. Gratitude is good for everyone. It is good for those who carry it in their hearts. It is good for those who receive it as unexpected fragrant flowers that fall on their hands and make life happier. 

Final Thoughts

Why wait to say thanks? Why wait for that special occasion to acknowledge and express our gratitude to our parents? Why are we so embarrassed to say: "you are important to me, I love you very much!" 

Why be ashamed to love and to say thank you?

Thank your parents while there is time. Thank them still today.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on August 13, 2016.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Unfinished Projects

For how long have you procrastinated on that project? For how long will you still procrastinate?

Photo by Craig Cameron on Unsplash

It is part of human nature to dream and idealize the most varied achievements.

A very common habit is the list we make at the beginning of each year, the famous New Year's proposals. We usually list habits to be abandoned, courses to be started and virtues to be acquired. Reasonable proposals and, in most cases, necessary for our development.

However, even before the first week of the year is over, the list is abandoned in the drawer, along with the sincere willingness to change that inspired it. Once again, all the the changes we promised to ourselves go into oblivion.

Whom do we hope to deceive?

But whom do we hope to deceive?

These abandoned projects can be anything: unconfessed loves, unfulfilled promises, abandoned dreams, songs never performed, flowers that have not bloomed, children who were not born, boats that never reached the sea, texts without period, work that never left the drawing board.

The days go by fast so remember that while we spend our days postponing projects, delaying starts and canceling changes, what could happen voluntarily ends up becoming mandatory.

One day, life will charge us for things we were supposed to achieve that we never carried out. What achievements will these be? Great achievements? Resounding achievements? Probably not.

Which project to complete?

Everyone has an unfinished project, so which one should we complete first?

In theory, each of us knows what is the urgent and most feasible at this time. However, it's important to remember that the most significant changes we can make is taming our own imperfections.

We argue that it's so hard to beat old habits, however, it's even more difficult to live with unhappy habits that bitter our lives and that of those around us. It is time to abandon the excuses that have served us on crutches for so long.

Final Thoughts

May today be a significant mark in the timeline of our lives.

It doesn't matter what day of the week it is or what month of the year we are in. There is no reason to wait for another opportunity.

Chances are like breezes that come and go quickly. Let us not remain stationary while life calls us to do good. Courage and willingness will be the inspiration we lacked.

Not tomorrow, but today. Not later, but from now on.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on June 10, 2016.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Test of Time

Do you consider yourself happy? Would your happiness stand the test of time?

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In the 6th century BC lived Croesus, king of Lydia, the richest man in the world. He ruled with wisdom and arrogance.

In the splendor of his glory, he once hosted Solon, one of the seven sages of Greece in his palace and in order to honor the sage and demonstrate all his power and wealth, the king had a splendid feast prepared. He then invited Solon to visit his treasures: pearls, emeralds, diamonds of all carats, rubies and all sorts of golden statues.

Strangely, Croesus observed that his guest was walking through that immense wealth, with total indifference. And, in the face of the statement which he claimed to be the happiest man in the world for being the richest, the wise sentenced:

My king, no one can ever be considered happy before passing the test of time.

Time is the only component we need to determine if  we are happy or not. After all, it always surprises us with the unexpected.

Life is a succession of events, which completely change our destinies.

Do not forget that happiness is above all that you have.

Croesus did not give any importance to the advice kept increasing his wealth and power.

After some time, however, Cyrus, king of the Persians, marched with his army against Lydia and the king watched, appalled, as the enemy troops entered the palace, killing his best soldiers.

Trapped with his family, he was driven to irons in the capital, now in rubble. Humiliated, he was taken to the central square, tied to a post, on pieces of wood.

When he was about to be burned alive, he recalled as in a flash, the sentence of Solon: No one in the world is happy unless they pass the test of time.

Yes, time had brought him much sadness. His first son - and heir to his throne - had died in a hunting accident, at eighteen. Time had also brought the younger son's deafness and muteness. And now, there he was defeated and humiliated with his wife, his son and the whole court.

What was left of his wealth, which had been savagely plundered by the conquerors? What had been done of his palace, burned by the destroying fate of the winners?

At that moment, he understood that happiness is not having. Happiness is something else.

Happiness is not having

The things of the world are ephemeral.

Assets, from one moment to the next, can be taken away by robbers or carried away by the fury of nature.

If we are now smiling, soon we can be immersed in the sea of ​​tears because an accident robbed us a loved one. Or because Nature rebelled and destroyed our heritage. Or because a terrible disease embraced us and robbed us of the energies of youth, the smile of joy. 

Final Thoughts

Happy is not who has it. Happy is the one who loves because love sings a spring inside the heart.

Naturally, we need money and assets because without a little of everything, we become unbalanced. However, it takes the wisdom to be able to differentiate when you possess thing from whey you are possessed by them. We own money, never the money should own us.

This is a wise posture that gives us tranquility, harmony in living, over time.

Let us think about it and invest in achieving peace and being happy.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on May 08, 2018.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

The Spring of Feelings

Every year when Spring comes, we're euphoric with the colors and the heat but quickly our happiness fades away. Why?

Photo by Arno Smit on Unsplash

Spring is a season that usually cheers and inspires a large number of people.

Few are indifferent to it. It is remembered as the season of flowers, as they tend to be exuberant at that time, brightening our eyes with a spectacle of colors.

The air is filled with the aroma of flowers and provokes feelings of well-being, often bringing us good memories of other springs, as the sense of smell has a strong connection with memory.

Birds begin their mating season and, singing, invite a partner to continue their species, perpetuating life.

In the air, pollen from flowers looks for similar specimens so that the visual spectacle continues. Without a doubt it is a season in which there is a real explosion of life in nature!

And we human beings are infected with such exuberance. The higher temperatures invite you to go outside, unlike the frequent winter self-absorption. We take care of our gardens, we prune our trees so that their branches are stronger. 

Back to routine

But after the first weeks, the colors of nature no longer attract our attention because they are no longer new. We go back to the routine. A new winter must make us wish for spring again.

Unfortunately, we behave similarly in our affective relationships. When we meet someone who awakens love in us, we initially feel immense joy, and we start to behave differently.

Just like in the spring, our feelings feel like flowers opening up. Our attitudes towards the loved one are delicate. Our voice has a tone of tenderness like that of a bird.

However, we often let time transform that feeling into routine. We forget to fertilize and water it, as it is no longer a novelty. We allow the heat of discussions and, after them, the cooling of distance and inattention.

So, just as with seasons, we wait for a new spring although we do not strive for it forgetting that we are fully responsible for our feelings.

True love is solid. It gives shelter and security like a leafy tree under which we take shelter. The tree that once was a seed that germinated in fertile soil, which was watered by rain, which gradually took root until it became solid and beautiful and no longer bends to the wind.

Final Thoughts

When we love, we emit thoughts that change our physiognomy, putting a constant smile on our face.

By emitting good thoughts, we modify the energy around us. The energy in which our body is immersed. No wonder that science has shown that those who love maintain their health, delay the aging of their cells and live longer.

Let us always remember that love, as a flower, deserves care, attention and affection. If we love but do not express these feelings in a balanced and constant way, someday it may be gone.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on September 03, 2019.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

The next big revolution

The next big revolution is already here, in our homes. Would you like to be part of it?

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

In silence, the grandmother watched the behavior of her three and four-year-old grandchildren, in front of their father's notebook.

From where she was, she could see the little hands acting on the keys.

She noticed, surprised, the calm way in which the boy taught the little girl to find, on the Internet, the cartoon she wanted to watch.

As a good teacher, he indicated what she should do, letting her press the keys while searching of what she wanted, leaving her little fingers until she succeeded.

Then she turned to her brother and said: Thank you! It's easy. I've already figured out how to do it. You can leave that with me now. I can do it alone...

Checking the speed of learning and the resourcefulness of the little girl, the grandmother started to think about her own limitations with some of the current technologies. She recalled the difficulties in finding the right keys, memorizing the actions, answering an email, sending a message.

Impressive, she concluded, how easy it is for the little ones to absorb the news, adapt and interact with technology. She rested her eyes on the magazine and returned to her article.

The next big revolution

The next big revolution will not be technological. Instead, It will be moral, and led by evolving humans who are currently in our homes, in our laps!

This generation of humans is very different. They are very fast in their cognition. Deeper in their way of translating the world and feelings. And his notion of ethics and morals is more refined than ours.

In fact, today we often see scenes of great respect and, spontaneously, among children. The affection shown with animals, plants, sick and poor leaves us in awe.

And these awake-minded little ones, who learn everything around them will take real advantage of science and technology. They are souls who bring in themselves the elements for transformation, for the true revolution that will take place on Earth, for the benefit of all.

Moral revolution, in which the ethics they bring vigorously will spread, nullifying the current human hypocrisy.

Final Thoughts

We need to ask ourselves what kind of parents we are. How we are educating those souls who come into our arms, for the goodness of Heavenly Father.

May we be able to give the necessary support and much love to this generation because we will be responsible for the tone and gift that they will use in this revolution!

Fathers and mothers, may we value the trust of the Heavenly Creator, who gave us his children, possibly able to transform the Earth's scenery.

For this very reason, from the cradle, we need to offer them examples of the good, of love, of respect, so that you do not deviate from the planned route. We need to lead them to school, offer them precious instruction, let them express themselves in art, in science and sport.

However, above all, let us not forget to teach them to pronounce the name of God with anointing. Teach them to elevate their thoughts in prayer so they can learn how to dialogue with the Father and Creator by themselves.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on April 23, 2016.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

When we get old

Unless an unpredictable event happens, you are getting old. Are you ready for it?

Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash

Living on Earth is a great challenge. Every change that occurs to us in life, needs adaptation.

But nothing compares to the clash of watching the drama of some of our loves getting older. Especially those who saw us being born, growing up, who taught us so much.

One day, they need help for everything. They can no longer bring food to their mouths. Steps become difficult, indecisive. Yet, even more challenging is accepting this new reality. Accepting that they now need support. Accepting that they can no longer be totally alone.

Yesterday, they ran their own lives. They decided when to get up or go to bed. They could go for a walk alone or with friends. They could go shopping, to the church, to the club or to the park.

But now, all steps are monitored. They can no longer go where they want, whenever they want. No talking with friends or taking the dog for a walk. Rules are now dictated to them. They need to wake up when they want to sleep and sleep when they'd like to stay up a little longer. The food is not what they want but what's prescribed to them.

Life became a real drama.

A real drama

To better understand an elderly person, let's put ourselves in their places. Let's imagine how difficult it would be if we faced of so many difficulties including losses of so many loved ones.

Remember that their souls remain active and willful, although the physical machine is failing in some places. Knowing how to take advantage of this wisdom of the years lived is healthy for us and for them.

Asking them about past events, the history of the country, the world they lived in, will encourage them to remember. Remember them how important they still are to us, to our children, to the generations that are coming. After all, they are living history.

Final Thoughts

Let us honor our elders, whether they be parents, relatives or simply those we live with. Much more important than being placed to take the morning sun, it will be to enjoy, every day, the beneficial rays of affection.

Keep in mind that our children watch us and will learn from us how to treat those who have accumulated wrinkles in the effort for the good of the family, for the progress of the country.

One day we will be there. And we will want to be accepted, understood, respected, loved and met in our needs. And only the Father knows if we will be healthy, lucid or if we will need, intensely, the cares of others.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on October 20, 2018.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Vibrating Bridge

How do you deal with the challenges and stresses of the modern life?

Photo by Andre Xavier on Unsplash

She returned from school, where she worked for many years. She was discouraged by the routine situation. The violence in the children's actions and words left her actionless, after so many attempts to resolve them.

Every day she worked hard doing her best. She guided and corrected their attitudes so that the children would become kinder to each other, so that they felt like family.  However, she saw that none of her efforts was effective.

Discouraged, she sat on the bench in the garden and cried. Her father, seeing her there, came over and stroked her hair in silence. With her beloved presence, she allowed herself to give more freedom to emotions. She hugged him and let the tears flow.

When she calmed down a little, he spoke calmly: "I don't know what your problem is, but we can establish a vibrating bridge to the sky, from where you will come calm and tranquility to solve what ails you." Remember what we have been taught: "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will get it and what you will grant will be what you ask for."

She smiled slightly and, because she still felt a little tormented, she asked him to formulate the prayer for her, for her work and for the children at school. Right there, among the flowers, he prayed. She, following her words mentally, felt her heart calm and hope to be reborn.

Later, they went into the house, had tea and continued to talk. She found that she was now calmer and more confident, envisioning other possible solutions.

The mechanism of prayer

It is important to know the mechanism of prayer. Jesus, the sweet Rabbi of Galilee, used to walk away from the crowd in order to pray to the Father in silence.

An enlightened creature wrote: prayer is the emanation of well-directed thinking and rich in vibratory content, establishing the creature's exchange with the Creator. Therefore, thoughts driven by love and charged with positive energies can perform real miracles.

Prayer not only dilutes negative energies, it renews the moral forces of being, saturating it with higher vibrations that alter mental, emotional and organic landscapes.

The act of praying is an expression of humility towards life and an awakening of the conscience to understand the goals to which one must give oneself.

Jesus sought prayer as an effective resource to be linked to the Father, maintaining the exchange for the inspiration and courage that he was always clothed with. Through the constant practice of prayer, He left us an example that we must not abandon.

Final Thoughts

Through sincere prayer, we are in tune with the spheres of light, from which we draw the energies that provide emotional balance and inner peace, which allows us to better reason and act.

A sincere prayer opens the windows of the soul and expands our possibilities of inspiration.

Allow ourselves the exercise of prayer, in all situations of our life. Pray and let yourself be guided by the Celeste Pastor who will send you superior support in any circumstance through this vibrating bridge, called prayer.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on May 06, 2016.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Planting in the Desert

Is it possible to transform an arid, desertic hearts in oasis of virtues?

Photo by Giorgio Parravicini on Unsplash

Is it possible to transform arid lands into productive regions?

Yacouba Sawadogo, living in the African country of Burkina Faso, was tired of seeing his plantations run out because of bad land. Even ridiculed by his neighbors in the 1980s, he decided to put into practice an old teaching, known as Zai.

Performing the opposite of the common sense, he began to prepare the ground during the drought period.

The technique consisted of opening small holes in the ground, next to each other, filling them with fertilizers and animal feces. These openings have the ability to retain rainwater and maintain a kind of reserve so that seeds of trees planted there, grow normally.

The fact is that, twenty years later, Sawadogo's land was productive and he had a thirty-hectare forest with more than sixty species of trees.

In solidarity, when realizing that his strategy was working, the African farmer started to organize lectures on his lands, in order to teach the technique to anyone interested. After the practice was disseminated, Sawadogo started receiving donations from all over the world to invest in his research and to foster the use of his techniques.

Sawadogo's quest was so impressed that inspired filmmaker Mark Dodd to create a documentary called The man who stopped the desert.

Our hears are like deserts

Like the desert lands, many hearts are dry in feelings. Emotions there do not flourish.

But still, they respond quite well to the African soil therapy. They just need to be made some holes and introduced the fertilizer of mercy and some seeds of love. And, without having to wait for decades, they could transform into a welcoming forest, with different species of trees:

• the tree of compassion: to look at those around us as brothers and sisters, reaching out to lift them from material and moral misery;
• the tree of sincerity: to stop creating intrigues and spreading slanders, denigrating people and institutions that do good;
• the tree of humility: to realize that they do not know (or can know) everything. That they are simply human beings and, like every human being, they have limitations and need help from others;
• the tree of generosity: as opposed to its greed, starting to sharing what they know, what we have with those who have less;
• the tree of patience: to walk less quickly and allow those around us to walk beside us, following our steps.
• And who knows, also help growing bushes of good will, gratitude, kindness, compassion, etc.

Final Thoughts

With time and patience, it's possible to transform a desertic heart into an oasis of blessings, full of virtues such as love, compassion, humility, patience and many other for the greater good.

Think about it.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on October 13, 2014.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Jesus' Christmas

Every time Christmas returns, His figure is remembered with greater vigor.

Photo by Jasmin Ne on Unsplash

Every time Christmas returns, His figure is remembered with greater vigor.

Some remain in an attempt to deny His existence, claiming that everything is the result of legend. Others, who believe in His existence, get lost in dates and numbers, trying to find out when He was truly born.

What is known is that until the 4th century, the Christians of the world celebrated His Christmas in different months and days, which is why the Church chose to determine the date of December 24th, so that all His followers would unite for the same event, as a single heart.

Some think that everything that refers to the human figure of Christ is so obscure. It is not known exactly when and where he was born, almost nothing is known about His childhood and adolescence.

Even after His death, He left us only an empty tomb. His body having disappeared, buried in a place unknown perhaps. Precisely because, from the first day among us, He, Jesus, insisted that the message is more important than man.

However, there is something no one disagrees. He bequeathed to Humanity the most beautiful treasure of all time: His lesson of love. From His birth in the dead of night to His infamous death on the cross, His was the life of those who love in full.

That is why we do not have the news of Jesus in the bosom of His family, living with His own. His family was the whole humanity - ourselves.

He loved the crowd and served them. He spoke of profound things, using figures and language accessible to the people, who wanted a message unlike any he had heard before.

His voice had a special intonation and when he began to recite the poetry of Heaven, he entranced souls. The simple followed Him, the eager to learn and those who longed for the comfort of their moral wounds listened to Him attentively.

His message was addressed to all beings, in different evolutionary stages, for different ages. He went to the child, invited the boys to follow Him, gathered men and women in full maturity, encouraged old age.

His life was a continuous service. Nobody before Him and nobody after that carried out such a revolution in the field of ideas, sowing in the land of hearts, in such a short time, less than three years.

His message, impregnated with the fragrance of His presence, continues in the world, gathering souls.

Defining himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life, He is also the comfort of the afflicted, the light for those who walk in dense darkness, the protection of those who feel discouraged and alone.

His name is Jesus. His message is that of perennial love. His sayings and deeds constitute the Gospels.

The celebration of His Christmas to all motivates us to love, give and forgive. And there is only Christmas because He came to His brothers, to us and bequeathed to us the Divine message that speaks of peace, harmony and spiritual beauty.

Final Thoughts

Let us take advantage of the Christmas days we are living to meditate on Jesus' teachings.

Let's get more out of it: put at least some of them into practice. And among the gifts and treats that we will distribute in His name, let us not forget to place a portion of our heart.

Let's not forget: it's Christmas.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on January 09, 2014.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

Poverty and Wealth

Why are successful people unhappy? And why are they leaving their social positions to live a modest, humble life?

Photo by Charl Folscher on Unsplash

By the middle of the 20th century, a film The man who knew too much by Alfred Hitchcock was a huge success. The film popularized a song performed by Doris Day, who recorded more than six hundred songs throughout her career. The chorus said:

What will be, will be.
Whatever it is, it will be.
The future is not ours to see.
That will be, will be.

The concern about the future difficulties we face in life has always troubled us. From an early age we hear from our parents - study if you don't want to have a bad job - as if happiness were totally tied to a good job, to the possession of money and material goods.

We observe today though a reality that has never been considered. Successful people who feel unhappy, leave social positions to live modestly, but in a gratifying way. Those who have always lived in large cities, move to smaller towns in search of a simpler life. Others hang their diplomas and abandon outstanding careers to dedicate their time to philanthropy.

How many of us wouldn't find peace close to nature, planting, harvesting and living a simpler life?

Cultivate inner peace

Cultivating inner peace, a pleasure in life, love for nature, peace in the family, and spreading our wealth to those in need can indeed provide us with what we deeply desire.

Poverty and wealth are invaluable invitations to personal growth. In both situations, we will be able to achieve the real objective of our journey on Earth.

In poverty, we have the sacred opportunity to learn to serve, to exercise patience and resignation.

In wealth, we have the opportunity to experience charity and self-sacrifice.

We will know that we are facing poverty properly when we adapt to the simplicity of life and accept the renunciations that we need to carry out. Likewise, in the face of wealth, it is important to be sensible in the use of goods and facilities to which we have access.

Final Thoughts

We all have been exposed to poverty and wealth one way or another.

Poverty, wealth, lack and fortune challenge us for growth and the sublimation effort. Both are opportunities that we are offered so that we learn to manage our condition of material poverty, enriching ourselves with spiritual blessings.

It's up to us use our wisdom, our time and our assets to help those around us. If we do so, we will realize that through these actions we will gain a deeper understanding of live. Cultivating light and peace, regardless of financial situation, will make us feel valuable and happy.

Knowing and respecting the Divine Laws will allow us to direct the steps towards the greater good, will make us truly poor of folly and authentic rich of solidarity and love.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on March 10, 2018.

See Also

• The Power of Love
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

We can count on our loved ones

Can someone feel our emotions without us saying a single word?

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

It had been a very difficult week for him. As a dedicated and responsible businessman, he faced multiple complications in the small organization which already had more than two decades of existence.

After another sleepless night, one of those we stay awake all night trying to find solutions to our problems, he took his youngest daughter - five at the time - to school. The girl's joy made him forget, for a few moments, all the battles that awaited him. A brief rest for that warrior soul.

They stopped the car and and as always he took her to the entrance of the educational institution. They were going to say goodbye when she suddenly burst into tears and hugged him tightly.

She never complains about going to school, he thought. What happened?

After a few moments, unable to speak, she said to him: Daddy, I want to go to work with you! - And continued to embrace him still in tears. He understood the reason for weeping, and he was also moved. Even without him saying what was going on inside her, she had realized that her beloved father's heart was sad.

Not knowing how to express her desire to help, to make him happy again, to comfort him, she proposes to go to work with him.

What a beautiful and simple expression of love. That type of love which wants to see those around us well, happy and in peace.

And what could be more pure than a child's expression, saying to his father: I'm here, I want to help, don't be like this.

Invisible vibrations

We radiate everything that goes into our soul without even realizing. We may try to hide behind the silence but we emit invisible vibrations constantly and those sensitive enough can capture it. Those who love us, who care about us, are attentive, and willing to help will certainly do.

And yet, on many occasions, the Divine Providence makes use of those around us to send us advices, friendly words and issues of affection.

Yes, the Creator speaks to us in the most different ways possible. It is up to us to know how to hear Him.

In the daughter's proposal mentioned earlier, perhaps it was God's embrace saying: I know that the battles are many, and that sometimes you feel weak, helpless. But know that you are not alone. Those who love you, in My name, are at your side.

There is no victory without a battle. There is no conquest without fights. The warrior who deserves rest and triumph is one who stands firm, and who follows through.

Final Thoughts

At the same time that we are surrounded by challenges and struggles, we are supported by the love of Divine Laws. We are never abandoned, although we often think that our struggle is lonely. We can count on the safe haven of the family, on the true friendships, and have the confidence that everything will end well.

Let us try to always tune in to the highest spiritual planes, through positive thoughts and sincere prayer, so that we can more easily receive the necessary assistance.  Let us observe life around us. Do not allow ourselves to close in the lonely caves of distress, anxiety, and self-terrorism.

The many fights will be worth it. Be sure of that.

And for those who think that life is made up of uncertainties and easily despair, here's another comforting certainty - we can always count on our loves.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on April 02, 2018.

See Also

• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem
• Poverty and Wealth

The Power of Love

How would you handle the challenges of an unsuccessful surgery?

Photo by Kim Ui Jin on Unsplash

It had been ten days since the cardiac surgery and Rachel's father was still very quiet. The long incision was healing, he was already able to eat and walk down the hall but he wouldn't speak. He was tired, the nurses said.

For Rachel to see her father speechless was unusual. He had already been born talking. He had an opinion on everything. Therefore, his silence began to disturb her.

The days passed and there was no improvement. One afternoon, Rachel was sitting next to him barely holding back her tears. She looked at his father - his body was there, walking, eating, healing - but he was somewhere else.

Anguished, Rachel took a bottle of hand lotion, went to the front of the bed, discovered her father's feet and started massaging them. He remained motionless. Without the strength to see him in that state, Rachel fixed her eyes on her own feet and after a while, started talking to her father.

She reminded him what they did together when she was very young. How he spent hours pushing the swing in the park. The first day he took her to school and stood on the stairs, waving, smiling and taking pictures.

Rachel remembered the day when she broke her arm and he ran out to take her to the doctor. She remembered the lullabies with which he rocked her and the many times she fell asleep in his strong, protective arms.

She remembered the many hours he had spent doing her homework. From the night when, wearing a rented tuxedo, he drove her and her date to the high school prom.

She reminded him about the long trip to the University. How they had both cried when he left and about the many encouragement calls he had given her until she got over it.

She remembered when she hugged him, right after graduation from medical school and he said: "Daughter, now you are a big girl".

Finally, Rachel recalled the conversation they had had the week before the surgery, in which he had given her numerous pages of instructions on what to do if he did not return alive from the operating room. But you didn't die, Dad. Rachel stressed. You survived it.

Then, one of the feet moved. She looked up and saw her father looking at her intently. The expression of paralysis, of freezing, was gone. Suddenly, he threw his head back and laughed. And spoke. He spoke after that eternity of those days: 

I am an old bone, hard to crack. But I think I'm a good father. What would you do without me?

Others need us

Sometimes our lives are strengthened by the discovery that others need us.

Sometimes our lives are strengthened when we discover that our love is important to someone in a way we could not imagine. 

Sometimes our lives are strengthened just by knowing that someone loves us exactly as we are.

Final Thoughts

Never stop touching those you love. Touch with your hands, your heart and your soul. Show them that you love, that you care.

Just like the flower that needs crystal water in the precious jug in order to stay alive, love needs fuel. And the fuel of love is called affection, tenderness, devotion.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on March 13, 2014.

See Also

• Poverty and Wealth
• Weighted observation
• The most important bridge
• Bridge of Life
• A Thinking Power
• Divine Poem

A Transformative Power

How far can your work, your thoughts and your habits take you?

Photo by Wikipedia

In the region of Puglia, in Italy, there is a charming province called Alberobello. The name derives from Sylva Arboris Belli, which means jungle of war trees. Well located geographically, between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, on top of a hill, since ancient times, it deserved the greed of conquerors of different origins.

The trulli houses (which means dome) are noteworthy. They are white, cylindrical and are built by overlapping stones. The ceiling is formed by a dome, also made of stone, where symbols are often painted.

Trulli exist only in this region, north of Puglia, but nowhere else is the concentration greater than in Alberobello. For this reason, they have been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996.

The province has a rich history of glories and sacrifices, and is currently a major producer of olive oil. Its calcareous soil gives life to twelve million olive trees, some of which are considered the oldest in the world.

In the past, this region was the bottom of the sea, with the soil covered in limestone, thanks to the natural changes that occurred on the planet. Devastated by audacious conquerors, their farmers kept breaking up the earth's crust until they found suitable soil for planting and life.

This gigantic work, which required great effort and persistence, resulted in this abundant production of olive oil almost enough to feed the entire country and still sell abroad.

What are capable of?

This region attracts thousands tourists every year interested in seeing what human beings are capable of doing. Our transforming power conquers the soil and overcomes the rock seeking fertile land for abundant production.

In these difficult days it's up to each of us to use our own extraordinary powers.

Faced with the stones of the difficulties, we can overcome our challenges if we want to. And by working together we become a stronger force for progress, converting deserts into gardens.

Our verb, our attitudes can encourage those around us who are indifferent and tormented to change their attitudes. Our actions serve as important examples to those around us who, stimulated by them, become an important support to solve serious problems that distress many.

Conclusion

With continuous effort, we will find the blessed soil of love for the planting of happiness and peace.

Aware of ourselves, we can make our life worthy, acting in a positive way. The unhappy land, still useless and covered with stones will receive the beneficial action of our actions.

Together we are able to eradicate ignorance, alleviate hunger and warm up those who suffer around us. Let us put our hands into action and use hearts and brains for good.

Adapted from Momento Espírita, originally published on September 09, 2017.

See Also

• The poetry of life
  
• Weighted observation
• Suicide: a global calamity
• A Thinking Power
• Poverty and Wealth
• Divine Poem