“It Is Up to You”

         Sometimes we like to hold others accountable for the circumstances in our lives, saying things like, “Someone else is making my life miserable; that person is causing me to act this way; I have no power over my own life.” But the truth is we may not have control over everything. We may not be able to curb someone else’s bad behavior; but we always have the choice of how we let things get to us, how we react to others. We always have the power, in the words of Moses, to choose life or choose death.

         One of my favorite stories (from a source I no longer know) goes like this:

         A young man who had just completed his spiritual training and was eagerly intent on becoming a teacher, moved to a new town. He tried to teach but no one came. The only spiritual interest in the town came from the many followers of a wise and well-known rabbi. Frustrated at the rabbi’s following, the young teacher devised a plan to embarrass the old master and gain students for himself. He captured a small bird and one day went to where the master was seated surrounded by many disciples.

         Holding the small bird in his hand he spoke directly to the master. “If you are so wise, tell me now, is this bird in my hand alive or is it dead?” His plan was this: If the master said the bird was dead he would open his hand and the bird would fly away. The master would be wrong and students would come to him. If the master said the bird was alive, he would quickly crush the bird in his hand and open it and say, “See the bird is dead.” Again, the master would be wrong and the young teacher would gain students.

         He sat poised in front of the master demanding an answer. “Tell me, if you are so wise, is this bird in my hand, alive or is it dead?” The master looked back at him with great compassion and answered quite simply, “Really, my friend, it is up to you.”

         How you respond to the actions of others, how you let others control your emotions, how you choose to live your life, might be influenced by circumstances and those in your life, but really, it is and always has been completely up to you.

You are the light of the world!

Warmly,

Lynne