In this post, Gifford Volunteer Chaplain Kathy Rohloff shares her belief system and talks about the importance of having a belief system, however that may look for us individually, as we search for meaning in our lives. Kathy and all of our volunteer chaplains offer a nonsectarian presence. If you need someone to listen, and hear you with compassion, you can reach them by calling the Rev. Tim Eberhardt at 802-728-2107.
By Kathy Rohloff
We all have a belief system. It may have been formed by our parents, life experiences, and possibly through trial and error.
We respond to others, spend money, exercise and diet, and order our lives based on our beliefs.
Everyone does.
Some live their beliefs out deliberately; others react and respond with no thought as to why.
There is a basic human need to believe in something greater than ourselves to make sense of life. How can we agree that injustice and hatred and murder are wrong unless there is a standard for right? Why does beauty wherever it is found gladden every heart? Universally we acknowledge that to love and be loved is one of the most important things in life. Where does that source of love begin?
However we answer these questions, we reveal our belief system.
And if we do not know the answers, perhaps it is time to begin to search so that our lives can be more meaningful.
Here are a few gathered along life’s journey.
- Do not judge.
- Go the extra mile.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
- Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.
- A life not lived for others is not a life.
- People will forget what you did, people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
- Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.
- The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.
- If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
- Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.
- Don’t repay evil with evil.
- Overcome evil with good.
There is a great wealth of teaching here, but it is merely words if not applied to our lives.
Today, take the time to examine the beliefs you hold. Answer the big questions. Why are you here? What is your purpose in life? How can you positively affect the lives of those with whom you come in contact?
We all have worth and a purpose to fulfill.
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