I am a believer. I believe in what many call God, but I have trouble with narrow definitions of this Higher Power. Mortals make it terribly complex, but I understand because it IS complex. I choose simplicity because I believe that what I feel to be God is greater than I or any other human can explain. Spirituality is very personal to me, and I do my best to stay away from discussions with others who believe or understand God differently. I find great comfort in the Unity publication Daily Word. It eloquently puts complex concepts into simple language and feels like the warm embrace I need in trying times.

The following is today’s thought from the Daily Word Website: http://www.dailyword.com/dailyword/grace-thursday-august-23-2012

Grace

I AM RENEWED, VITALIZED AND UPLIFTED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
One of the heaviest burdens we put on ourselves is self-condemnation: blaming ourselves for our real or perceived wrongdoings. As long as we permit ourselves to carry this burden, our spiritual growth is impaired.

We can acknowledge our errors and short-comings, and where possible, correct them—but once we have done this, it is time to forgive ourselves and, with a humble heart, let God’s grace heal any guilt or blame that remains.

The law of grace is: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Only when we forgive ourselves do we open the way for God’s grace to renew, vitalize and uplift us.

See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up.—Isaiah 52:13

I’m always amazed that the topic, summary and verse are just what I need to hear. Today was no different.

Today was hard. I sense deep inside of me that I’m ready to make some big and much-needed changes, but I’m terribly afraid. I blame myself for not being able to fix my marriage. I have wanted our situation to be different for a very long time now. In wanting it so much and in wanting my partner to want it as much as I do, I’ve been hurtful. The more I pushed the more he pulled away. I blame him for so many of our problems, but I blame myself more, and I have to let this go. From today forward, I will forgive myself. I must turn this problem over to the One that is so much bigger than myself.

Thank you to the people at Daily Word.