Jules P Richards

#earworm
If paradise is half as nice as heaven that you take me to… Who needs paradise I’d rather have you.

Amen Corner – If Paradise Is Half As Nice 

It’s pretty much agreed that it benefits one to have a certain structure, routine and discipline to our habits and attitudes.  Even creatively, a certain method in your madness can be constructive.  In the past this might have taken the form of a religious practice.  Indeed ‘religiously’ also means: extremely scrupulously, conscientiously, exactly, faithfully.

A appreciate and acknowledge that results can often be greater than the sum of the individual parts.  I thank the various forms of faithful disciples that routinely put others first.  I rejoice that one plus one can often make three.

However I do struggle with the tradition and language of established religious institutions:

From the Methodist’s Prayer Handbook

‘Prayer’ in time of floods

O Lord of the waters of creation
   we are awed by the power and majesty
   of the oceans, seas and rivers.
We give thanks to you for the water we have to drink;
   for the skills we have been given by you
   to channel the power of the wind and the waves.
We remember before you those affected by flood, cyclone and hurricane.
We ask you to remind us, as we drink, of what we can do
   for those for whom water is less friendly.
AMEN 

My flawed adaptation:

‘Hope’ in time of floods

Think of the wonder of the waters of creation
   we are often awed by the power and majesty
   of the oceans, seas and rivers.
We are thankful for the water we have to drink;
   for the skills we have been given
   to channel the power of the wind and the waves.
We humbly remember those affected by flood, cyclone and hurricane.
We pause and consider, as we drink, of what we can do
   for those for whom water is less friendly.
May we learn from reconsideration.

OK, it’s still a maudlin meditation but it’s good to reflect occasionally – however action needs to follow Images Assumptions and Motives.

Only looking to improve.

#earworm
If paradise is half as nice as heaven that you take me to… Who needs paradise I’d rather have you.

Lucio Battisti – Il paradiso della vita.