Looking inward

In the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is set aside for the faithful to look inward. Our Islamic neighbors do so during their observance of Ramadan. For Christians, the season of Lent, the forty days immediately preceding Easter, reminds us of the temptation of Christ, and of our own struggles against evils. It is our time of looking inward.

Looking inward is a custom many faiths share. We discover, from our own lives and experiences, how we often fail to meet the expectations of our faith, or even the expectations we set for ourselves. We need to look inward, but in looking inward, we might not like what we see.

The week wasn’t going very well. The phone kept ringing with either somebody laying on another task or requirement, or one of those inane automated sales pitches. The copier broke. The computer went down, losing all the work I did. Two or three all-of-a sudden meetings, the ones that drag on for endless hours. But, in the midst of this, the regular “to-do” list continued to grow. When I’m finally on my way home, I notice the car needs brakes, or that I have evening plans already laid out for me.

You’ve had one of these weeks before? Maybe they’re the rule for you. To me, they occur far too often. And the truth is simply this: I really don’t have much control over these kind of weeks, or what happens to me. The only thing I can control is how I react. I cannot control others and their demands. I can only control myself.

This is when looking inward becomes important.

When I look inward, I can clearly discern the things of greatest value. While I enjoy my service to our Nation and the Army, family and relationships are more important.

Looking inward, I realize that the things I do support those I love. That, in itself, makes my week worthwhile.

When I look inward, I realize, painfully, sometimes, that how I react can bring me down. I see my weaknesses, my frailties, and understand that many of my frustrations are self-imposed. Slowing down, looking for good, enjoying life, are more to be preferred than doing just things.

Looking inward, I realize that my reactions to others, and to situations, can either help me or bring me down, and I really do have choices.

Looking inward, I realize that my spiritual health is my greatest asset. Precisely during the times of great crisis or challenge, my greatest strength is at the center of my being.

My faith helps me to realize that I work in the midst of a larger plan, my life is valued by my creator, and my relationships are divinely created. I learn, simply put, that whatever happens now, or next week, or next year, is a part of a plan that will bring good to me. I need not worry about today, or what I leave at the office. The God who gives me life, gives me the strength to do whatever lies before me.

Dear friends, there is always more to do than we can accomplish. There are always more needs than we can meet. There is always more to handle than we can manage. But looking inward, looking to the essence of our faith, we come to realize that we are not alone. We are strengthened by our Families, by our spirits, and by our God.

Look inward. Discover your strength today.