I have found that through prayer, meditation, repentance, purification, forgiveness, and being nonjudgmental, our minds become peaceful and calm. These practices help us to muffle the noise of the outside world that can distract us from God’s presence, which lives in all of us. Not being distracted helps us to focus on that which serves our highest purpose, which God intends for us. When we follow God’s guidance, our actions bring joy, not only to ourselves, but to the rest of the world.
When we show compassion and understanding, we exemplify God’s justice, which is intended for everyone. Each of us has love inside us that is deeper than anything imaginable, and when we become aware of it, it flourishes. We don’t need to focus on the days that are gone, no matter how well they served us; tomorrow can only be imagined as brighter and full of joy. By living in the present and always displaying love and joy, we fulfill the promise of an even greater tomorrow. That’s because we are no longer drowning in our losses of any kind, but are instead carried upward by the word of God. And the word of God is good: it is Love. I believe our greatest dreams for ourselves are also His greatest dreams for us. We keep God’s gift of love as long as we give it away; for giving of ourselves to others is the key to how Grace lives through us.