day nine

“How long shall we drift on the wings of passion and vain desire; how long shall we spend our days like barbarians in the depths of ignorance and abomination? God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living. He has given us ears, that we may hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it. Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good; so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labor at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

amy: I cannot adjust to having a weekend in the middle of everyone else’s week. I find myself fidgety, feeling that I must be productive since it’s monday and it is not acceptable to spend all day reading a book, or walking around the neighborhood. I must at the very least do the dishes. and make dinner. and take pictures of my cat, while she sits there resenting my lens.

leila: just as i’m learning the responsibility of creating my own life, without comparison with others, so too do i realize how i love my family. it is absolutely unique, like no one else; and no one else is like my family. simply for this, it is precious.