We are all gifted

If you don't know anything about the theory of "multiple intelligences," you might want to google it to find out more. Basically what it says is that there are many different ways to be intelligent (or gifted) and these ways might not necessarily be the ways that are identified in traditional education.

I offer two quotes worth pondering in this respect.

The first is from Albert Einstein (whom people thought was unintelligent because he didn't start speaking at a young age).  "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life by believing that it is stupid."

The second quote is from a student writing her teacher after she became aware of the theory of mulitiple intellences and how it helped her appreciate her boyfriend in a new way:

The gist of the note (I'm quoting from a source I've since forgotten) stated that she was in a relationship with a young man whom her friends and family constantly demeaned because they perceived him as beneath her intellectual level and as "just a dumb jock." The message went on further to say that as a result of learning about Multiple Intelligence Theory she had begun to look into her boyfriend's strengths in new ways.

Due to my exposure to the multiple intelligences, I have found out that he is very smart in many ways that I am not. He's quiet and knows how to really listen to people, is especially good at working with kids, and often sees beyond people's obvious exteriors. He can fix anything! Obviously, he's good at sports, but he also knows who is, what he's good at, and what he wants to do with his life. He also has lots of common sense! My family and friends are wrong! Thanks for helping me see that he is intelligent in many ways.

MYSTERY

From the writings of Charles Dickens:

"A wonderful fact to reflecct upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other." 

It's too bad so many of us (and probably all of us sometimes) forget that and fail to pay honor and reverence to the mystery of each other. And there are always some who think they have others "all figured out." What a travesty.

The quote, by the way, comes from "A Tale of Two Cities."

Peace of mind (and of soul)

From Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence (DeCaussade):

Why are we so skillful in tormenting ourselves beforehand with what will possibly never happen? Sufficient for the day be the evil thereof! Anxious forethought does us much harm; why then do we indulge in it so readily?

We are the enemies of our own peace of mind.

teaching = facilitating

in most cases:

"I'm not a teacher, but an awakener." Robert Frost

The same thing could also be said of preachers. And perhaps there are others that you can add to the list.

Reflection on the Cross

Today is the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Here are some reflections:

Jesus is lifted up and we are lifted up with him as well. Crucified is excruciating, however, so how might we look at it in a way that opens the way for us to love the cross?

                Well, when lifted up above the world, we are lifted above its lures and enticements, above its woes and miseries, knowing that somehow this rising up will bring an ultimate end to all misery.

                In prayer, it could mean being raised up beyond distraction, beyond the things that run through our minds deterring our mission, which is to rest in God’s love and to allow our souls to commune with him in silence and in peace.

                In sickness, it can serve to remind us that while on the cross, that very agony is what leads directly to the Kingdom of Heaven. The end of the pain is eternal bliss. The end of the pain is the unfathomable comfort which will never end. There will be no more pain of any kind, at any time.

                The cross is also humiliation leading to glory. There are so many humiliations in our lives: the humiliation of our state in life, perhaps, or the humiliation of knowing that once again we have failed, the humiliation of living with the things that drag us down, the “thorn in the side” that throws us to the ground, the humiliation and scorn of those who hate us or simply do not appreciate or scorn us. At times like these, we might remember that Christ calls it “being glorified” and that “blessed are you who are persecuted for my sake, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Inspirational quote of the day

Our place is not in the auditorium but the stage—or, as the case may be, the field, the workshop, study, laboratory—because we ourselves form part of the creative apparatus of God, or at least are meant to form part of the creative apparatus of God. He made us in order to use us, and use us in the most profitable way; for His purpose, not ours. To live a spiritual life means subordinating all other interests to that single fact. Sometime our position seems to be that of tools; taken up when wanted, used in ways which we had not expected for an object on which our opinion was not asked, and then laid down.    Evelyn Underwood

Illusions and Reality

"Illusions diminish the quality of our life because they prevent us from responding appropriately to reality." Abbot Martin Werken, O.S.B.