+== Being Critical==+

On Being Satisfied

Elizabeth O'Connor

I had never thought before that being critical of myself was being critical of God who made me and even now pronounces me satisfactory as is. If God is the creator, it is not appropriate to rebel against one of his creations, even if that creation is myself. That would be expressing dissatisfaction with God. This does not mean relinquishing my goals for growth, but rejoicing in what is while I reach for what can be. I can give praise for myself as faulted as I am, and then take the next step. In this response, God is not only the One who goes before me, but is God with me.

In giving praise for ourselves we become more aware of how many strains of self-hatred weave through our self-love. We are misguided when we worry about the people who think too well of themselves. Our wars with each other are grounded in self-hatred, not self-love....

+==family==+

I love them most of the time...

But I hate that my family doesn't understand me.

Will they ever learn?

Maybe I don't want them to...