Correct View
“Get
correct views of life and learn to see the world in its true light.
It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned
away, to leave without regret.”
Robert E.
Lee
I ponder exactly what
General Lee included in correct views of life and seeing the world in
its true light. He didn't spell it out for us, just suggested we work
on it. I wonder what you might consider “correct views,” and how
you see the truth of the world. I'll bet your version would be
different from mine—but maybe not.
I would have a column
headed “do,” and a column headed “don't.” In my don't column,
first and foremost would be, “don't hold grudges.” Holding
grudges is poisonous for only one person. Grudges held over past
events, over someone else's world view, politics, religion, or
lifestyle is like having a slow drip of arsenic into your IV fluid.
It may not kill you fast, but it will make you sick for a very long
time. It's not worth it.
Another would be “don't
harbor regrets.” If you've made a mistake, if you've been hateful,
if you've wronged somebody, make your amends and let it go. There are
no do-overs in life. Sometimes we get second chances, but most of the
time we just have to suck it up and say, “I'm sorry. I was an
idiot,” and go on. Then it's on them to forgive, or not.
On my “do” list would
be “do your best.” You don't have to be a superstar at anything;
you don't have to The Best, or Mr. Perfect. Just do your best in
every situation, and that will be sufficient. You'll come away with
an open heart and a clear conscience. I would also include, whenever
possible, “do be kind.” I say whenever possible, because
sometimes I just can't pull it off. That's one of my short-comings.
Sometimes there may be reason to be unkind, but always try to be
unkind in the nicest possible way. That's the Southern woman's
anthem, I'm pretty sure. We learn how to be unkind in the nicest
possible way at our mother's breast.
When you think about it,
the list is not very long as to what constitutes a correct view of
life. I think the book of Micah (6:8) said it best: “...do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” If you do that, you
will live pleasantly, and leave this place without regret.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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