Teresa of Avila tells us, "There is no evil greater than being ill at ease in your own house." We can take that literally, of course, and find plenty of meaning there, but I'm pretty sure she meant something more, something deeper: "There is no greater evil than being ill at ease within your own self, your own mind, your own spirit…"

I don't want to be resentful. I don't want to be petty. I don't want to be defensive. I don't want to need to be right. All of these create dis-ease.

I want to be humble, teachable, pliant, forgiving, generous, wise. I want to be loving in all interactions. I want to be Spirit-led, soft, supportive, cooperative, giving. I want to work together with others toward common goals. I want to be honest with an honesty that flows from love. All of these create peace, stillness, satisfaction, ease-iness.

I am unable to do this on my own, so I offer the simplest of prayers:

Help.

Text and image © 2010 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.