Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  –Christianity (as drawn from the Hebrew scriptures)

What is hateful to you do not do to your neighbor. That is the entire Torah. The rest is commentary. Go and learn.–Judaism

No one is a believer until you desire for another that which you desire for yourself.–Islam

Blessed are those who prefer others before themselves.–Baha’i

Human nature is good only when it does not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self.–Zoroastrianism

Be not estranged from one another, for God dwells in every heart.–Sikhism

In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, regard all creatures as you would your own self.–Jainism

Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.–Buddhism

Inspired by this poster at Ministry of the Arts, a lovely source of inspirational gifts. 

photo credit: flickrohit

The little wooden house sits on our kitchen table, typically unnoticed.  My son brought it home from Sunday’s Cool a few weeks ago (yes, that’s what we call it.  Totally different from that old stodgy Sunday school, you know).  It has little disks with velcro on the back, so the peacemaker of the moment can be honored in the central spot.  The kids created these for a lesson on Joseph, the favored son with eleven brothers:  a story of sibling rivalry gone very bad (and eventually good, but that’s much later in the story). 

For some reason I treasure this little house (and really, it’s not like me to treasure every craft project my kids bring home).  I have to admit, I haven’t swapped the disks yet.  I think the kids might compete about who goes into the peacemaker spot, which would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?  Or maybe that’s a good thing– to try to be the best peacemaker in the house.   That might be helpful.  I might try it.  But must everything be a competition?   

Perhaps, at this age, it does.  Did you notice the little devil horns on one of the disks?  It’s typical of the adolescent banter around here.  To be honest, it makes me giggle.  I’m not too worried, because I know he didn’t really mean it, and his brother does too.   

Yes, I grow weary of the incessant put-downs and bickering in my home.  I do what I can to quell it.  I try often to create a house of peace.  Sometimes, I’m the one who wrecks it. 

But we are imperfect, and I guess that’s why I love this symbolic little house.  We have our scribbles and blots and our moments of devilishness.  But I know down deep, there is love, and sometimes peace, in our humble house.

These words from a recent message keep echoing through my mind:

The past is not ours to change. 

The future is not ours to see.

There is only one call that God extends.

It is here.

And it is now.

–Rev. J. Douglas Paterson

Makes me wonder, regardless of our faith tradition:

Are we too caught up in the past, future, or self to notice what’s happening here and now?   

What are we doing here and now to make the world a better place?

How do I discern what I should be doing, here and now?

Listening for that still small voice in the cacophony (or symphony?) of the world. . .

I’ve been thinking about a prayer in today’s church bulletin all afternoon.  I thought you might find it interesting too:

Gracious and Loving God,

Your Son calls us friends and commands us to love one another.  So often we fail. 

We confuse loving one another with liking one another.  When we cannot like one another, we give up on loving.  We smile falsely and speak ill of others.  We grieve you with our weak love. 

Choose us yet again.  Secure us in your love, help us to love one another.  Give us the love that will enable us to bring good to those around us. 

Amen. 

I hope and pray that I can learn to love, even when it isn’t always easy to like. 

What do you think?  Do we too often confuse loving and liking?

A favorite line from a lovely book I just read:   

      

When someone asks us where we want to be in our lives,

the last thing that occurs to us is to look down at our feet and say,

“Here, I guess, since this is where I am.”

 

–from An Altar in the World:  A Geography of Faith

by Barbara Brown Taylor

 

Now, a question for you: 

How do we make right here the place we want to be today?

photo credit: demi-brooke

—1—

Billy Coffey from What I Learned Today  shares a story of simple words, different interpretations:  Please Take One

—2—

A movement to create peace through music:  Playing for Change

 —3—

The United Methodist Church considers church as a verb: 

What do you think?  Do they move you too?

At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared.  They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they wallked in.  But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus.

They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this.  Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there.  The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship.  The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery?  He is not here, but raised up.  Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?”  Then they remembered Jesus’ words.

–Luke 24:1-8, from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase The Message:  The Bible in Contemporary Language

May we all remember to look for the Living One not in the darkness, but where the Light shines.

Happy Easter, one and all.  He is risen indeed. 

photo credit: dtcchc

*****(1)*****

Today Christians commemorate Good Friday in preparation for Easter Sunday.  I must admit, I’ve always wrestled with the concept of calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion “good”.  Yes, the heart of Christianity rests on the death and resurrection of Christ, so I know the ultimate sacrifice on this day is inherently “good”.  I’ve studied many theological explanations of what happened on that cross.  Still, even though I have faith, it’s still hard for my wee little brain to grasp or explain. 

Tony Jones, however, explains it in a way that resonates with me.   It generated quite a debate in his comments (I’m drawn to those controversial theologians, I guess).  If you’re curious, check out Tony’s Good Friday post over here .

*****(2)*****

I have hope–dare I say it?–that spring is on its way in Michigan.  We had a snow day last Monday, but it melted away quickly and life is just beginning to peek its way through the crud.  It’s a long wait in these parts, but it inspires a huge celebration of spring–people pour out onto the sidewalks, spirits lifted, and really appreciate the sun on their faces. 

Kinda like Easter after Good Friday.

*****(3)*****

As spring arrives, we’re more likely to put on a happy face, so I thought I’d sneak in a picture of my son singing “Put on a Happy Face” at the Tappan Middle School production of Bye Bye Birdie last weekend (thanks for the photos, Lichee!):

He’s on the far left peeking under the brim of his too-big hat.  We’re still basking in the glow of this amazing community production showcasing the talents of just 180 middle schoolers. 

*****(4)*****

Did I mention that Minnie Driver, who happens to be filming a movie in our town, visited the Bye Bye Birdie cast and offered insights on starting her acting career in middle school?   Is it okay that I felt somewhat jealous, especially when my son had no idea who she is?

*****(5)*****

Speaking of community productions, I’ve been thinking about how people build community:  why is there so much community support and participation in some circles, and less in others?  What makes it “click”?  I welcome any insights.  More to come on that topic.

*****(6)*****

Last night, I noticed my middle son’s shoulders were a little broader, his voice a little stronger, and his demeanor a little. . . tween-er?    And oh yes, the type of underwear I buy is suddenly very important.  It sort of snuck up on me, but I think boy #2 is growing up too.    Thank goodness I still have my little girl.  But she wants to be a teenager so badly that she’s not acting so little any more either. 

You know what, though?  It’s a really fun ride.

*****(7)*****

Speaking of growing up, we’re approaching the weeks when TWO of my kids have “health” courses (code for sex ed) coming up at the same time.  In the heat of spring.  That’s gonna be. . . a fun ride.

On that note, I wish you all the blessings of spring, with all the beautiful celebrations and traditions, including Passover and Easter this week.

I have some clutter issues.  You can tell this by looking at my fridge (that’s not my fridge, but mine’s almost as messy).   Buried among the magnets, artwork, appointment reminders, photos and other stuff are scraps of inspiration taped on the fridge in desperate moments.  Some have been there for years (I know, I have issues) and some are brand new. 

I glanced up the other day, noticed some patterns in the pieces, and thought I’d share them with you:

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;

so DROP THE MATTER before a dispute breaks out.

–Proverbs 17:14 (emphasis mine)

Let us consider how we may spur one another on

toward love and good deeds.

–Hebrews 10:24

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience

. . .above all, clothe yourselves with love

–Collosians 3:12-17

And finally, this nugget from a thought-provoking post by Robin at Pensieve:

People withhold from others
the very thing they need themselves.

–author unknown

Hmm. . . I think I’m hearing a familiar refrain.  Perhaps I need to take care of myself and show more compassion for others. 

Sometimes just collecting the pieces and finding the patterns works for me. 

What does your refrigerator say about you?

photo credit: Sean94110

AND

 What could be better than that?

If you’re visiting from 5 minutes for Mom, thanks so much for stopping by!  Please click here to learn a bit more about me and my site.  I’m a somewhat scatterbrained woman who like to explore issues around parenting, faith, and that oh-so-hard to find work/life balance.  I believe motherhood is a great calling, but also that women are called to do all kinds of things.  And I spend my time trying to figure out just what that is.  Welcome!  Please stop in and say hello.

Now, on to my Friday tradition of seven random, quick takes before the weekend:

***1***

If you’re in or around Michigan on March 28, go here to save your seat for the Six Best Parenting Strategies Ever with Thomas Haller.  It’s going to be fun! 

***2***

I’ve enjoyed twitter-ing a bit.  It takes awhile to get used to, but I kinda like it. . . perhaps because it feeds my easily distracted, multitasking, short-attention span, feedback-craving, time wasting personality?  I had fun showing my hubby some very powerful connections that support his job through twitter.  Makes me feel justified.   Yep, in my own way, I’m supporting the family.  Uh huh.  So hey, if you want to, follow me on twitter.

***3***

I’m excited to read a book that just released this week:  Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.: How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadaneira.  That’s all I’ll say for now.

***4***

I need some advice from dear friends who read my feed via email.  I wrestled with a post this week, but I wasn’t sure was appropriate for my readers.  Then I accidentally published it (doh!) and immediately deleted it (whew!).   Then today, it showed up in my reader (ack!)  So. . . if you received it (it’s called remembering the good, bad, and ugly), shoot me an email at pam@beyondjustmom.com and let me know if you think I should post it for real (in this weird virtual world).   Thanks!

***5***

I’m sending my eldest off to a Soul Full retreat this weekend with dozens of other teens.  It’s his confirmation year and I’m hoping he is moved by the experience, or at least has a good time.  He’s mostly sad to miss a friend’s Bar Mitzvah.  Love the choices in our community!  

Two posts swimming in my brain: 

***6***

Our moral compass:  my middle son.  It’s great to have a moral compass.  It takes a delicate balance to be everyone’s moral compass. 

***7***

Second grade:  Junior high of the new millenium?

Stay tuned.  Input welcome.

Make it a great weekend!