Often these trials and tests which all Bahá’í communities inevitably pass through seem terrible, at the moment, but in retrospect we understand that they were due to the frailty of human nature, to misunderstandings, and to the growing pains which every Bahá’í community must experience. (From a letter dated 25 November 1956 written on his behalf to an individual believer, in Living the Life, p. 49)
Sometimes when our Bahá’í community goes through periods of tests, it’s easy to think that we’re the only community in this situation, so it’s comforting to know that it’s just something every community must go through. I’ve often thought that when an Assembly is formed, they ought to be given a list of everything that could possibly go wrong, so that they could anticipate it and cross it off the list when it happens. This list of reasons is also a helpful reminder, so that I don’t have to take anything personally. The causes are:
- the frailty of human nature
- misunderstandings
- growing pains
When I know the causes, I can find the spiritual solutions. For the frailty of the people involved perhaps forgiveness, compassion and understanding are required. Where there are misunderstandings, better communication is needed, perhaps involving a mediator if this would be helpful. For growing pains, an understanding of crisis and victory as well as patience could help.
Knowing there are spiritual solutions for every problem, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read through 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 Fear into Faith: Overcoming Anxiety
thanks you for these insightful comments! I love reading your articles
Thanks Josee, I love knowing my meditations touch other people!
I always need the meditation you share from the quote you share. Thank you for sharing with us your take.
My pleasure, Pat!
Thank you for bringing my focus back to what I can do, which things are actually under my control.
Yes, Jackie. I too find it helpful to ask myself what I can control, every day, so I don’t get caught up in my powerlessness.
I love reading your posts. They are short and insightful so only takes a few minutes to bring me back to what is really important <3 Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement, Azarnoush. Writing them helps me too!