On awakening, we think about the 24 hours ahead.
Before we begin, we ask God “to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.”
Before considering the day, we clear the decks with this three-part prayer.
The first part of the prayer, divorce our thinking from self-pity; this makes sense. A feeling of self-pity is rarely helpful and never flattering. To have a sense of self-pity in our thinking is a bad start to the day. If we premise our thinking on feeling poorly and put upon, our first reaction to anything is likely to be either tears or rage. Neither is conducive to breakfast conversation.
The second part of the prayer consists of two divorces, dishonesty and self-seeking – motives.
Wow, hold on here, not dishonesty and self-seeking actions. Instead, dishonest and self-seeking motives. What is going on? Why not dishonest and self-seeking actions and behaviours? Why focus on motives?
I reflected on this and saw the wisdom in focusing on motives rather than actions. Motives are sneaky and twisted; I need all the help I can get.
I thought about the times I had publicly lectured someone, with the apparent motive of correcting them and setting an example, realizing only later that the true motive was avoiding responsibility and shame in front of everyone. I remembered charitable donations with a public motive of altruism and a private motive of praise and honour for my generosity. I thought of the times I had been asked to make public presentations, displaying a motive of service but, in my heart, relishing the praise and adoration.
Acts, both good and bad, were based on dishonest motives. Dishonest because the public and presented motives did not correspond to my secret and authentic purposes. Skillfully and unconsciously, I dishonestly covered my unattractive motives with sophisticated saleable motives.
As I said, sneaky and twisted.
This sneaky and twisted phenomenon is beyond my ability to change or manage. I need help from a Higher Power, so I must start every day by praying, “please direct my thinking and divorce it from self-seeking and dishonest motives, especially the sneaky and twisted motive cover-ups.”
If I do this, at least I begin the day right. It may go to hell later, but at least I start in the right direction.
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Hi Andy,
I once had a really wacky sponsor who told me something great that ties into your message.
She told me not just to look at my motives but to look at the motive under the motive.
That has helped to keep me more honest.
Wishing you all the very best for 2023 and good health to enjoy it.
Thanks for all that you do.
Lyla
Lyla, it is so good to hear from you. I trust and pray that you are well and content and continuing, as you always have, to grow in the sunlight of the spirit.
With deep love, Andy
Wow! Powerful Andy!
John
John, my most faithful reader and critic, as always, great to hear from you. You are a true servant in the cause.
God bless you and God bless Simon House.
Andy
Good and thoughtful essay this day.
I am thinking can I have both altruistic and egotistic motives at the same time or must one or the other be dishonest?
Just thinking
Al the best
D
Thanks for your comment D, great to hear from you.
Andy