*DISCERN/*DISCERNMENT - also see +*3
By prayer we bring God into our discernment process via the "mystery of faith" and by a "leap of faith."
You will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil (Gen 3:5)
To have an open heart is not placing emphasis and value on your interpretations of what is good or what is bad. [Gen 3:5] Remain without judgment. Emotions will influence your openness. It is surrendering and remaining neutral to circumstances. It is through this form of obedience that I can fill you completely w/ My graces & goodness.(IAM, p37)
Eyes to see and ears to hear" (Matt 13:13) to mediate in the present of the humble things, not feeling guilty of past or worrying about future. We need to live in the moment - slow down. Be grateful/savor/enjoy the simple and understand that they are gifts. Be still and know I am your God ( ). Deal with suffering as a challenge that it is a blessing for learning. Deal with a negative attitude by coming down to their reality first. For example, an AIDS patient who's angry with God and priest saying he also has problems with God too! (Spiritually in Ordinary Experiences, SRC, Dr. Terry O'Brien)
Red is grey, yellow is white, but we decide what is right and what is an illusion. (The Day Begins by the Moody Blues - Days of Future Passed)
As long as we clog our minds with ideas based on sense perception, it is difficult to discern the transcendent element of life. (Hist, p251)
God gave us a mind to know him better. Study the doctrines
that put steel into the cement of your faith. God gave us a will
to obey him. Make decisions that honor Him and please Him. God
gave us emotions. Don't be afraid of them. Let them out. Allow
your heart to show through. If we refuse to open up, to allow the
full prism of His love and truth to shine through our lives, we
will miss much of the color life has to offer. (Flying, p173)
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)
Can't see the forest from the trees.
You need to know when to hold and when to fold.