If the friends and relatives are keeping themselves at a distance from thee, be thou not sad, for God is near to thee. Associate thou, as much as thou canst, with the relatives and strangers; display thou loving kindness; show thou forth the utmost patience and resignation. The more they oppose thee, shower thou upon them the greater justice and equity; the more they show hatred and opposition toward thee, challenge thou them with great truthfulness, friendship and reconciliation. Praise be to God, thou art near to the Kingdom of Abhá! Rest thou assured. With all my soul and spirit, I am thy companion at all moments. Know thou this of a certainty! (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 557-558)
I don’t know about you but I’m suffering COVID fatigue. I’m tired of being obedient to the government when all my friends, including Bahá’ís, are going about their business as usual. I’m tired of judging them and tired of judging myself for judging them. I hate that this pandemic has divided the world, at a time when we need to acknowledge our oneness more than ever. I hate that I’m engaging in the great divide and I hate the separation that’s growing between my friends and I because I choose to stay home and stay safe and keep everyone else safe around me. Am I a good Bahá’í or a screwed-up victim of trauma, needing obedience in order to stay safe? I think about these things and ask myself these questions a lot, especially as we head into a second lockdown.
So on Christmas day, despite of feeling sorry for myself, and with this quote in mind, I played secret Santa, putting candy canes at the doors of all the apartments in my building, and giving little presents to those who are least liked, so that everyone would get a little gift at a time when we all need gifts the most. I called people who were also alone on this day. I’m attempting to make peace with those whose choices differ from mine. It’s the best I can do today.
I’m truly blessed because I have the greatest gift of all, in my recognition of the Manifestation of God for this age, and as isolated, alone and lonely as I feel, I know of a certainty that God is with me and is my companion at all moments. Most of my neighbors don’t have that and are trying to get through the season without. Please God, help them feel your presence through my prayers and my puny efforts to be the person you want me to be. Please God, let me forgive my friends, and myself.
Knowing that God knows my limitations, loves me, forgives me and is patient with me, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Letting Go of Anger and Bitterness
Knowing that God is my companion and always near is its own reward just like love is its own reward.
There is this unconditionality in this way of living life that is exciting, hopeful, joyful, meaningful and many more.
Thank you Susan for the inspirational writings and reflections and many thanks to all the other lovely friends who have been sharing their personal stories and thoughts. Sending you all very best wishes for 2021.
Yes, I love hearing other people’s comments and shares too Ayshe! Let’s hope 2021 is filled with hope and peace for everyone.
What wonderfully contagious message today Susan!! Thank you. I need that reminder again and again – I think maybe we all do. It brings to mind a small snippet of a Hidden Word by Bahaullah that a few of us studied yesterday which was “pleasant is the realm of being, wert thou to attain thereto…” ‘Pleasant’ is almost always an option of the many spaces in our brain. Much love to you and gratitude Susan. ( nancy)
Thanks for the encouragement, Nancy. I agree – I definitely need this reminder. Thanks for adding to the discussion – I can choose to live in “pleasant” when I remember to call on God for help. One time I was really feeling sorry for myself and desperately in need of a hug and I said to God: “if you’re my best lover, you give me a hug!” The next thing I knew, it was morning and I’d had a really good night’s sleep, and my first thought was “Thanks for the hug, God!”.
“[…] and love for Thee is my companion”. what a beautiful reminder of how this pandemic has exposed the endemic separation in our society. I too, as the only Bahá’í in my family and friendship circle found myself having to celebrate Christmas Eve and Day at my home in order to support my youth ages 13, 15, and 17. This year, their father chose to travel to out of the country right before Christmas and then I had to uphold the CDC health guidelines by keeping the kids with me for 3 weeks in a row. Last night I just dropped them off at their Dad’s place and it was a rough transition. Sometimes I have to wonder if this is the “hardship” the Writings say I should expose them to.
I think you’re right Michelle – and just having your kids live through COVID, they’re getting lots of hardship!
I’ve learned that when I do something nice for someone I don’t like, they are nicer to me and easier for me to be around them. I also do nice things for people I like – so no one knows the difference!!!
I shared that quote with the rest of my local community. I’d not read it before. He also said it in Germany and the Baha’is kept those words close to them during the Forbidden Years.
Sometimes there can be physical proof that we’re not alone, but we can’t wait for them.
It’s true Duane, I think the essence of faith is to believe we’re not alone when there’s no physical proof. I love Ruhiyyih Khanum’s poem This is Faith, especially This is Faith. Have you heard it?
Yes. Decades ago. It is so true!!!
Yes. Long ago. It is so true!
Dearest Susan – your Hero Journey resonates deeply with me – after many years my dis-ease led me to be Hero rather than victim. Sure the – separation – initiation – reconnection has been like having the stings of a violin tuned – over and over again. Thank you for reminding me yet again that i have the choice to love or hate and that “God is near” and that Abdul Baha is “Thy (my) companion at all times.
I need to remind myself too, Dale! Thanks for accompanying me on my hero’s journey!
Thank you Susan. I’ve been struggling with this recently so your post is more than timely. xxx
I’m glad, Alison! Thanks for the encouragement.