“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away”

It is permissible to take life’s blessings with both hands provided thou dost know thyself prepared in the opposite event to take them just as gladly. This applies to food and friends and kindred, to anything God gives and takes away.
  – Meister Eckhart

In order to live in freedom, we must learn to accept a temporary disappointment, if necessary, when it is for our permanent well-being. Sometimes, when we want to eat something that appeals to us, or when we want to eat a little more than is necessary, we can’t help feeling disappointment as we push away from the table. We cannot help thinking that we could as well have stayed on for five more minutes of pleasure, forgetting that it would probably be followed by five hours of stomachache at night. The right time to get up from the meal is when we want just a little more. This is real artistry, real gourmet judgment: when we find that everything is so good that we would like to have one more helping, we get up and walk away.

Sri Easwaran uses the analogy of food moderation many times. I am continually challenged by my weight. Interesting how the Spirit gently nudges and whispers, and most of the time we are able to ignore what she is saying…how many of us are able to remain calm and consistent when we receive bad news, or good news? The analogy hits home on many levels. Especially as it refers to the walk we have with Christ.

One of the sternest challenges of The Work is not being overly excited when good happens, and not overly upset when something is taken from us.

I am summoned to pray: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, and help me carry all the burdens of walking in yoke with you, in accordance with your promise:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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