If following the rules is the answer, what is the question?

My last post, ‘Discovering your life’s purpose,’ closed with a teaser that promised to reveal the solution to my dilemma: What’s my purpose? First, let me clarify that this isn’t a blog about religion, although it includes a spiritual bent. I make no secret that I believe in a higher power. I hope this is evident in how I conduct myself within a framework of faith, hope and love, and not in my own strength. Moving on: A recent devotional talks about how ‘following the rules’ opens the door to answered petitions. But, when we step outside of what’s best for us, we deviate from the path to our individual destinies. This might be why the door seems to slam shut, at times, to the realized dreams and sated desires of our hearts. However, when we maintain alignment within the construct of our belief system, we create space for abundant blessings to flow in and through us. And to realize our purpose.

What’s your take on rule following?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Never say never

[Image credit: graur razvan ionut]

Never say never is something I’ve been known to say on occasion.  And I’ve learned that whether I say it or not does not dictate if I repeat something I said I’d never say or do something I said I’d never do or eat or participate in or whatever it is.  Whenever my mom heard me say this phrase she’d say, never is a long time, Christine.  I suppose there are some principles we know in our heart of hearts that we would never compromise.  But to say “never” also limits possibilities for growth and expansion of our horizons.  As for me, I am going to make a sincere effort never to say never again.  Although if I do that, then I’m already failing at this edict.  So, instead, I’ll try to leave it open-ended and open-minded.  Because we never know what life circumstances we’ll face one day that may blow our lofty statements right out of the water.

Do you regularly say never or not so much?