August 30, 2005
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“Do not suffer yourself to get excited by what is said about you. Let the world talk. Do you strive to do the will of God; as for that of men, you would never succeed in doing it to their satisfaction, and it is not worth the pains.
Let the water flow beneath the bridge. Let men be men; that is to say, weak, vain, inconsistent, unjust, false, and presumptuous. Let the world be the world still; you can not prevent it. Let every one follow his own inclination and habits: you can not recast them, and the best course is to let them be as they are and bear with them. Do not think it strange when you witness unreasonableness and injustice; rest in peace in the bosom of God: He sees it all more clearly than you do, and yet permits it. Be content to do quietly and gently what it becomes you to do, and let everything else be to you as though it were not.
Do not be vexed at what people say. Let them speak while you endeavor to do the will of God. A little silence, peace, and communion with God will compensate you for all the injustice of men. We must love our fellow-beings without depending on their friendship. They leave us, they return, and they go from us again. Let them go or come; it is the feather blown about by the wind. Fix your attention upon God alone in your connection with them. It is He alone who, through them, consoles or afflicts you. Do not suffer yourself to get excited by what is said about you. Let the world talk. Do you strive to do the will of God; as for that of men, you would never succeed in doing it to their satisfaction, and it is not worth the pains.
Do not be vexed at what people say. Let them speak while you endeavor to do the will of God. A little silence, peace, and communion with God will compensate you for all the injustice of men. We must love our fellow-beings without depending on their friendship. They leave us, they return, and they go from us again. Let them go or come; it is the feather blown about by the wind. Fix your attention upon God alone in your connection with them. It is He alone who, through them, consoles or afflicts you.”
FENELON, FRANCOIS DE SALIGNAC DE LA MOTHE (1651-1715), Abp. of Cambrai
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I was doing some reading from the archives of “le Penseur reflechit“, when I encountered reference to Francois Fenelon. A cursory reading about him revealed an unusual, sincere man who sought to follow God.The above was among his writings, and I found it very moving. Hoping it will enrich you as well.
Be God’s…Jim
Comments (9)
Wise words, indeed. Thank you for sharing.
~ april
I will be reading that a few more times, much rang of truth to me.
That is beautiful.
Ah yes, the mystic with a mouthful of a name.
Indeed, God’s friends come in all shapes and sizes and we do well to listen to them.
Yeah. Wise words. Thanks for sharing.
I also really like Israel K’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Nice medly with Wonderful World. Thanks for that, too.
Peace2u –
Despite the fact that i’m aethist i have an overwealming desire to say amen. Ah, I said it! Aah!
This message has been brought to you by the Christian within.
Hafa Adai: Nice post……………Blessing……….Anita
Nicodemus, Breath…To all who enjoyed this: I’m glad to hear this special man blessed all of you in these thoughts as he did me …Thanks to fishtree for the lead on Fenelon..
secureintruth: I have been doing the same; re-reading it, that is. It’s full of little kernels which are loaded with wisdom, and I find its language rich.
luckyfreecoin: chuckle,chuckle….I’m smiling.
alittle2blue/Psalm_40: a remote Hola, Ni Hao and Hafa Adai from here to China and Guam.
”Rest in peace in the bosom of God”…Jim
Chuckle is such a nice word.