No Short Cuts In Life

Culture today is characterised by a desire for instant gratification. The quick fix: fast food, cosmetic surgery, cramming, pornography, “lose 10 pounds in 30 days”, “ buy now pay later”, self help books that promise a solution to every imaginable family and personal problems. Any time spent in these activities results in benefits that are temporary and illusionary. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes in life.

For example, successful farming requires tilling, planting, watering, and cultivating. All these actions must be taken to ensure a bountiful harvest. In, “First Things First”, author Stephen Covey refers to this example as The Law of Farm and argues that the no short cut principle applies to all facets of life. Similarly, the Bible provides that, “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” The most important aspects in life are God and family. Are we taking shortcuts in developing a relationship with Jesus and with our family?

Notwithstanding our busy lives we must find time for Him: “Seek first the Kingdom of God”. Do this by; daily reading of the Bible, readings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, prayer – talk to God, attending church every Sunday. There are no shortcuts to climbing the ladder that leads to God.

We must find more time for our spouse and for our children. Time and the accompanying attention, is the most important gift we can provide our family: Material possessions or money have little meaning in creating lasting harmony. Our behaviour towards the family must be governed by patience, tenderness, selflessness and forgiveness. Demonstrate these virtues, endure all that comes your way, and over time healthy relationships will be harvested. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes.

My friends, sow your time wisely.

James
May 22, 2007
Toronto

My Special Wife

Facing hardship every day
Without asking why it came her way

Chronic illness is her cross
That she carries without fuss

She looks forward to tomorrow
Whether it will bring peace or sorrow

On a typical day she is at rest
Up and about she gives her best

A degree or career she has not
Yet her wisdom is often sought

The innocence in her eye
Tells she cannot lie

The cheerful smile on her face
Says that she has been touched by God’s grace

To our children she devotes her life
I love my beautiful special wife


James
Toronto
May 12, 2007

The Cycle

Again knowingly I trespass
And move away from the Light
Unable to see the way
I descend into the night

The fall only stops
When I acknowledge the sin
Forgive me Lord, I say
Beginning an ascent toward Him

Feeling the presence of Truth
Again I am at peace
Until a passionate thought invades
Causing the divine connection to cease

This cycle will continue
Till the end of my time
I hope to limit the repeats
By being of sound mind

A Letter to God on Good Friday

Dear Lord

Good Friday, April 6,2007

Thank you for enduring the Crucifixion: The nailing, verbal attacks, bodily blows, the spearing, the thorns, being spat upon, the thirst, the humiliation, and the betrayal. I cannot begin to imagine Your pain and suffering, or what went through your mind, as you faced Your world from atop the hill. What a paradox, us creatures doing this to You, the Creator. You allowed this to happen: An act of love by You, for me, and for the whole world. A love that I do not deserve. I am one of your assailants. Forgive me Lord! My sins, past present and to come, assaulted you on the Cross. Forgive me Lord! If I had been present in the praetorium, would I have joined the crowd and yelled “Crucify Him!” We know the answer. I continue the persecution, knowingly and unknowingly. Yet Your love for me remains unchanging. Forgive me Lord! Praise be to you my patient Friend and Lord.


JS April 6, 2007

Peace

Don’t be anxious about your life
It will turn out all right

There is no other like you
The Maker knew what to do

You are beautiful the way you are
Believe it and you will go far

When it does not go your way
Smile and say that’s okay

Although you are in daily pain
Forgive, don’t seek to blame

Let love fill your heart
To give joy a start

This is the road to inner peace
As laid out by the Prince of Peace

We shall take this journey together
For we are friends forever

New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year
Smile and cheer

Discard the ways of old
Go forward, be bold

To all things, give your best
Incessantly without any rest

Focus not on bodily pleasures
But on other more lasting treasures

Love, loyalty and respect
Honesty, sincerity to expect

If you wish, you can do it all
Be proud, stand tall

At next year end, you will be
Better and living happily

Faith

Faith is my armor
That I wear every day
For living with honor
Protection from harms way

Faith is my sword
To fight evil and fear
For I know the Good Lord
Is always near

Faith allows me to see
The goodness and beauty in all
To love unconditionally
The weak, strong, the small

Faith is my power
To smile and be carefree
For every second, every hour
Courageously and confidently

James, Toronto Ontario,
December 24,2000