“Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present.”
~ Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings, p. 230
Yes. Yes Evan. Without persistent effort one can not achieve anything in life. Secondly, devotion of time is necessary too, for taking steps towards achieving success.
I used to waste a lot of time on watching Television and getting addicted to the TV Serials, which are not worth your time. Then I would fall short of time to attend to other important jobs. Now I am better off not watching TV serials. Instead I listen to good music, (and yes we can listen to good hymns too) and simultaneously attend to important jobs. That also leaves time for prayer and study, silent communion with God.
Indecision as to what one should take up first, when a long list of “To do Items” is in front of you, also takes away time. Best thing to do at such times, is to seek God’s guidance; and we get an answer as to where to start. I have tried and it does help.
Thanks so much Evan. Your inspiration of today, also reminds me of the saying “Time and Tide wait for no man”. So yes, lets use our time wisely.
Thank you very much Evan; so true!
And thank you Nergish – nearly the same was the matter with me. Yes, and I also improved meanwhile – more listening for Gods`guidance.
The Present is our daily Gift
from The Giver of all Good.
Right Here, Right Now,
This Moment of being,
a perfect (unlimited) “package”
of all that we “need.”
The acknowledgement of this fact
“Manifests”
Proportionately.
Wonderful
Divine
“Law!!”
Spiritview fan, thank you . That is a lovely daily prayer.
Spiritviewfan…..thank you
Great post; great comments. Just what I need. Thanks all!
Thanks so much, Evan, and Commenters! I, too, have been noticing as of late how much time is wasted by listening to, watching, and reading the same “News” over and over again. Do we really need to hear the same “bad” news that many times? As Concerned Citizens of the World, as Christians and as Christian Scientists, we can devote our time instead to correcting the Lies about our Precious World, to expressing more Kindness and Love, and to Knowing Who is Really Governing! Time spent wisely is time spent Knowing the Truth and Praying for the Goodness of all People to be revealed!
I know how much better I feel when I have accomplished something of value.
Much of my day is wasted watching tv.
I always spend time reading my lesson and other spiritual literature. I love to have a project to complete. I need to learn how to do a better job of free style praying. That is a good goal.
Yeah, persistent and loving, harmonious action with integrity and uprightness is a good path for spiritual development and growth. Thanks Evan for this reminder. I enjoyed, learned from all the comments as well what a wonderful way to start my day.
Josef, I always appreciate your clear, simple and profound comments…Thank you
and keep up the good work as we are all becoming exemplary examples of our Science work which we give freely to the world as a gift of Gods Love and Goodness
As an artist and musician I learned years ago that I would have to design my life around my study and practice. Working full time made me feel I did not have enough time to ever fulfill my dream of becoming “accomplished” in these fields. So I challenged the feeling and discovered all kinds of pockets of time during my day to practice…..Yes, guitar in hand at 6:30am, with a music stand filled with studies and exercises and a cup of coffee became one of my favorite times. As a new Christian Science student I have applied the same to this study.
Our struggles almost seem humorous in light of the fact our priorities are for the most part “topsy turvy” I could watch tv news, or mortal mind illusion reporting on itself as I like to call it, or spend my time socializing in an attempt to satisfy some deep longing for recognition, or any of the other modes of activity we have been taught are “normal”
I can only speak for myself, but it seems to me Christian Science study will cause a very deep and fundamental shift in our idea of “reality”. So i am left challenging every aspect of life and this has helped redefine myself in light of the Truth and reveal my priorities in a different light
You sure are on the Right Path, Maximo!
Thanks for sharing this, and articulating it so clearly, for all to be inspired by.
:<))
Thanks, Maximo, for “mortal mind illusion reporting on itself” – Love It! We DO need to be alert, tho’, and not just “ignore” what’s happening in our World, but to be aware of it so that we can reverse it with our prayerful, healing thoughts of Truth! I think it’s called – “Being in the World, but not of it.”
I agree wholeheartedly Bevi…..In fact it is one of my favorite past times…
Thank God for being led to Christian Science because now I understand current events in a new context, seeing beneath the surface. Finally I can look out at the world and not be fearful irregardless of the “appearance” of what is presented.
This alone has enabled me to not take things so seriously, and a “lightness of Being” has resulted which has certainly helped me in study and practice of CS.
I asked a friend.. Do we need to know someone before we love them?…Prior to Christian Science study my answer would have been …Yes…However now my answer is no…I challenged myself to think of some people we hear about in the world news, who are presenting the most despicable behavior and asked myself how can I love this person…..of course I can only love them and see them as God loves and sees them. This has been difficult for me yet worth the effort.
How do we measure success in life? What is true success? I feel it’s not in material accomplishments, but in progress made in understanding God.
Thank you Evan. Nergish, I have done the same as you. After 45 years of working I enjoyed T.V. when I retired. that soon changed when I realized I was not as organized and accomplishing as much home and church duties as I did when working. I was thrilled when DVR became available so I can fast forward thru commercials of shows I do like, including some Seahawks, Mariners, U of W Huskies games. Watch the end of local news for weather and sports standings.. I like David Muir for his brief recap (non-repetitive) of world news and the feel good segment at the end of each show. Now study time and living the truth hourly is the priority, as it should be.
Should have also said my world news/information also comes from Monitor’s Daily Briefing and weekly monitor.
“What I say unto you, I say unto all, WATCH.” TV?
Innocent amusement?
AMUSE: [to stare stupidly, to fill with vain hopes, deceive] Pleasure.–American Heritage Dictionary
Self-respect comes from improving moments — perceiving needs of others, being open to new, ideas, working out solutions, holding to Truth. Bliss.
Amen Diane….Superlative comment