Deep thoughts for the day
by Shelly Brown
(I wish this was funny like Jack Handy but alas there is not a single joke in this post)
In researching for one of my stories I came
across this quote by Ghandi:
Earth
has enough to provide
for
everyone’s need,
but
not for everyone’s greed.
I love this quote on so many levels.
* It ropes in my own desires. It lessens my
need for consumption. It makes me content with what I have for truly I have
enough for my needs.
* It makes me remember that I am responsible
for my earth and my fellow man. If I am greedy then I will hurt not only this
earth but those around me. I have thought many a time that if I can go without
extras/my greed (new shirt, a movie when I could rent instead of buy, a new
couch when my old couch could last a few years longer) I could give the money
that I would have spent, to help feed and dress those in this world who go
without their needs.
* It also makes me not want to waste food. I
try to keep my family’s food budget tight so that we can be free to give our
money to others who don’t have food. We don’t suffer in anyway because of our
budget. We totally still eat but it is in place to keep us from becoming
frivolous in our purchases and tossing too many perishables.
I’m not perfect at any of these things. But I
love them. Because I would love to see a world where we make sure that
everyone’s needs are provided for.
So, what inspires you?
I love that quote! And it's one I haven't hear before from Ghandi. Lately in my writing (and just in life) I get inspiration from great books. A beautifully written book really gets me excited about writing and often inspires me in other areas as well like being a better mom, etc. I recently read a memoir called Heaven Is Here by Stephenie Nielsen about how she and her husband survived a plane crash, burns on their bodies, etc. and I have been thinking about that book ever since! Definitely inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI love Nie Nie! I didn't know she wrote a book. I'm gonna have to check it out :)
DeleteWhat inspires me? People who take what life sends their way, without complaint, and make the best of it. As in: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that always amazing? I react way more often than I should and am teaching my children to do the same on accident. I am always impressed with people who can control their own emotions and act with such control and respect for others and themselves. Bravo!
DeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of things that inspire me but people who can take what life has to offer and roll with the punches and still be happy and uncomplaining. Those people amaze me because I totally feel out of control and unable to deal.
Me too *blushes* I appreciate that these people set a good example to me. People like Gandhi. Talk about a man who had a reason to be mad.
Deleteexcellent quote! and so true!
ReplyDeleteunfortunately my house is split where i conserve, my hub splurges...can be frustrating! i feel like a nag...
Marital peace is uber-important. You can't control him anyways. It's amazing what a quiet example teaches over time. You just do your part and then love him at wherever he's at :) (This sounds like Shelly's Therapy Hour but way nicer)
DeleteAwesome quote + Awesome thought + Awesome Ghandi with goat pic. Believe it or not, that is the first time I've ever written that comment on a blog.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe it.
DeleteI had all those same thoughts. Perfect poignant post. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's why we're friends :)
DeleteSo true. That's exactly why I like to get involved with organizations like World Vision. :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love World Vision. They have my full endorsement (and quite a bit of my cash *rim shot*)
DeleteOkay, Angel Girl! I'm definitely more on the greedy end of the spectrum, especially when it comes to my grocery budget :)
ReplyDeleteUm, I'm going to have to go ahead and say you inspire me...
I'm sure that I responded to this earlier but blogger ate my response!
DeleteKim, you inspire me as well. That makes us equal opportunity inspirational friends.
Great quote! Nature inspires me. I try to have a nature moment every day. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, amen to that! There is something in bucket filling about clean air, beautiful flowers, and a rock to sit on.
DeleteLove the quote. People who make hard decisions but still "man up" and do it.
ReplyDeleteI think this might be the message of my next book.
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