Anna and I see seeing the flowering Lilies in our garden feel surprised by their flowering habit at different times of the year at least expected times. This might be the pre-summer blossoms.
I confess that these Lilies at the edge of the garden do not receive as much attention as other plants. Yet, they blossom !
There are paradoxes in nature!
One paradox is how some plants thrive even when unattended!
The character of each plant is in its genetics.
Yesterday, I was listening to one skilled worker, who laments about his alcohol dependence. He remains dry in between but slips into the habit under the influence of his companions at work.
While listening to him, it occurred to me that human behaviour is conditioned by relationships. It is not always within us to overcome circumstances. The company we keep provides the setting and conditions us. The will to do good is inherent within us, but woeful need nurture.
This is the paradox in human behaviour. The good we want to do, we are not able to do but end up doing what we would have liked to avoid.
The writer of the book of the Romans in the New Testament of the Bible in his confession, makes an alarming statement, 'Oh, wretched man that I am' because of this paradox that he discovered in his life that he is unable to do the good that he aspires to do.
The Lillies flower according to its own rhythm. To do good is always within us. To live and conduct our lives well is within us.
The enabler is God of our lives.
In the monastric traditions of St Benedict, this will to do good is reinforced by the habit of living by prayer, meditation and service.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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