Some things I’m thinking about

I’m having one of those weeks when it seems like an understanding is coming, growth is on the way, if I can just sort out the thoughts in my head.  These are some of the lampposts lighting my way:

“Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character.”   From this amazing talk by Elder Bednar

“Your brightness is my darkness. I know nothing of you and, by myself, cannot even imagine how to go about knowing you.  If I imagine you, I am mistaken. If I understand you, I am deluded. If I am conscious and certain I know you, I am crazy. The darkness is enough.”  -Thomas Merton, a Catholic monk.  I originally read this as being about an inability to really know other people, and typing it now I realize it’s actually probably about an inability to comprehend God, but it’s opened up some interesting thoughts with my interpretation.

I thought I had more, but I don’t. That’s it for now.

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