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Start of the Day: Welcome December 2011

Start of the Day, I couldn't imagine that it is almost the end of a year. It's hard to believe that it is already December 2011. Seems like yesterday or maybe a few months ago that the year 2011 had been welcomed. How time 'flies - that was my first thought when the realization struck me. And you know what, I can't wait for this year to end.


Yes, like many of you, I too love December for a variety of reasons. The festive spirit of Christmas, the scent of home made wine, raisin and plum cakes, the decorating of Christmas tree, the choir singing, the joy of waiting for a new year to unfold - its a heady season indeed. It's also the best time to contemplate on the year that was.


For me, personally, 2011 has been a most difficult year to sail through, the tests and tribulations were unexpected, painful and difficult. But I think its made me a stronger person spiritually. 


I've read somewhere in Sri Paramahansa Yogananda's writings as follows, "You are spiritually tested where it is likely to hurt the most. If you handle it by surrendering to God to guide you to deal with it and without any negativity, anger or malice, you win the test and it makes you stronger spiritually. If you react by blaming God, comparing others happy lives with yours and constantly making others unhappy for your situation, then you have failed the test. The same test will come into your life over and over in higher degrees till you learn to deal with it and grow spiritually."


In that sense, I think I scraped through and managed a decent, just-pass because I entrusted my pain to God. Simply put, this year brought me tremendous changes that I couldn't possibly have dreamt of, especially in terms of spiritual growth and spiritual abundance. Unbelievable as it may sound, but every thought, word and deed that has guided me this year has been truly divine and a reflection of my Higher Self.  

Recently some one on Facebook asked me, "What do you do?"


I said, sincerely, "I make others happy about their lives by being there and listening." 


I really meant it. There are hundreds of things that I do. But what really makes me 'me' is when I make others happy about themselves. Being the reason of others' happiness - that is God's work. What can be more beautiful or humbling than that? Everything else ...well, does it even matter? Thank you, God.


To all my friends, thank you!  

Comments

KParthasarathi said…
Very enriching post.
Everyone has trials and tests accompanied by pain in varying degrees according to his/her poorva karma.It is only in such times our minds turn to God and prayer.It is for this specific reason that Kunti,mother of Pandavas,requested God to burden her always with hardship.
it is pleasing to know that after the trials you could make some spiritual progress.A quote would be apt here."A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials."
December 3, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Pramoda Meduri said…
Hi Swapna,

@For me, personally, 2011 has been a most difficult year to sail through, the tests and tribulations were unexpected, painful and difficult. But I think its made me a stronger person spiritually.

That's so bold. often we build our strength by facing the odds.. im not so spiritual but i understand what u said here..

lets welcome the new eve..

wishes
Prams
December 7, 2011 at 1:41 AM
Vinita Santhosh said…
"I make others happy about their lives by being there and listening." - that is exactly what you do :) I can say that clearly cos I have experienced it myself :) Hope and pray that you'll be there like that always :)
December 8, 2011 at 6:27 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@KP Parthasarathi - Yes, thank you sir. That story you mentioned, my father always tells me whenever we used to face difficulties in life. And that beautiful quote you've added just makes it more complete, thank you!

@Pramoda: Thank you for understanding. That means a lot to me.
December 9, 2011 at 12:10 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Vinita Santosh: Thanks so much for those kind, loving words. I trust that God will guide me to do that always as long as I live, that is my prayer to the Almighty. I may fail but I still would have at least given it a best try. Thanks Vinita!
December 9, 2011 at 12:14 AM
R. Ramesh said…
absolutely enlightening post yar..and i am so happy to know u...KP's comment is also gr8...hey...on the whole..nice to be here yar...
December 9, 2011 at 1:18 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Thank you RameshJi but let me tell you one thing - no one can brighten up one's day like your cheery posts do!
December 10, 2011 at 1:59 PM
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