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Today's
Meditation:
Many people don't seem to give much thought to the
character that they display to the world. They think
much more about image-- the clothes that they wear, the way
their hair is cut, the witty things that they say.
They're much more concerned about what other people think
about them than they are about who and what they are as
human beings. But how will we ever grow to be better
humans if we don't pay attention to just who we are right
now?
Many of us live in societies in which image seems to be
everything, so it's quite easy to get caught up in the
struggle to create and maintain image as a strategy to
"get ahead" in the world. Our cultures
also tell us that it's important to possess things, so
much of what we do is done in order to be able to get more
and better things. But what if life is really about
developing our selves so that we can be stronger, wiser,
smarter people who are able to contribute in positive ways
to the lives of others? If that's the case, image
and possessions mean very little if not accompanied by
character.
Whom do people see when they look at your character?
Do they see someone who is focused on gain and impression,
or someone who is willing to work harder just to make sure
a job is done well? Do they see someone who is
willing to put down others to make themselves look better,
or do they see someone who is compassionate and
understanding? Do they see someone they can trust
unconditionally with anything, or do they see someone who
makes them feel uncomfortable and untrusting?
I don't believe that we're on this planet to win
popularity contests. As a teacher, I would rather my
students dislike me, but learn a lot, than to be the most
popular teacher ever while my students aren't learning
what they need to learn. As a parent I'd rather pass
on life lessons that are lasting than to be my children's
best buddy. Who I truly am in my depths is
completely up to me, and I hope to build my character in
positive ways that will allow me to be a positive
influence on others who just may need such an influence.
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