Men are creatures of extremes. There were moments in my life when endeavors to live as a Christian became a pursue of virtues. There I fell more than often to pride of considering self good, or to vanity to what I would have others think of me. But then there were moments of another extreme when I got so tired and disappointed with world and its imperfections, also weariness with own self, when I decided to consider the world, relationships between human beings, the affairs and cares of it, as futile and not to be of my concern. Will I always swing like a pendulum?

There lies almost an anomaly within the character and life of a true saint. It is the rare combination of a grounded being and the transcendent soul. This comes from the awareness of the small details and nitty-gritty in the here and now, and the larger more eternal view. Only when one has this proper balance that he/she can be intimate with God as well as respectful to others, both perceptive and sensible, strong yet vulnerable, contemplative yet down-to-earth, one who honors what is right and speaks of truth, yet merciful and gracious at the same time. May I, as a dear friend commended, learn to keep my outer countenance, as I have my inner peace. A prayerful life, with the practical one of loving expression to all.

~

Meanwhile, last count of Jogja victims was 5000+
God is giving man's possessions wings, even their lives. He is shaking their habitations. Taking away all visible defenses, proclaiming the instability and the uncertainty of all things here below. Will this not humble us more, that nothing on earth can give us rest and peace?

posted by Graciana@Home at 11:16 am

Is it my imagination or these natural disasters seem to increase in Indonesia both in frequency and in intensity? Aceh’s tsunami, and now quakes in Klaten, Jogja. Both proved to be herculean in death and wreckage they left behind. P’s families, relatives, friends reside there practically under the shadow of Merapi, I earnestly cannot imagine and share his worries. And also unrest in Timor Timur.

Indonesia, the violence, disasters. God knows, God allows. I know HE is there.

posted by Graciana@Home at 5:07 pm