The Conflict Within

The Conflict Within

I am writing about our personal conflicts — when we are at war within ourselves, that is, our own inner feelings and desires

We may have conflicts ‘without’, that is, in the realm of relationships, the environment and society. It is not always easy to hold fast to ideals, or Christian values and principles, whether at work, within society, or the home. In this realm we may face a struggle for significance and to have control over our circumstances. This we can cope with if we are whole within. But how many people are that blessed, especially in today’s society which, to some extent, lacks family values and community adhesion?

We are all born with certain needs — food, love, self-esteem, security. Often greed takes over because we lack discipline or through failure to have our basic needs supplied. Self-indulgence — the result of the environment in which we are nurtured? And blessed indeed are those who do not have the need to be forever seeking sexual-fulfilment but rather find contentment with a lifetime partner. Especially in a society of ‘must have’ ‘will have’ never mind the consequences.

Many people are ready to blame the Devil, whatever that means to each of us.
A dimension in life that appears hidden of which we seem to have little or no control? A power that is anti-love, anti-life, anti-Christ. — EVIL?

I would suggest that the devil has become a scapegoat for much of the evil that originates in man — an entail of evil — that which Jesus said came out of the heart of man and which defile him — wicked thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. It is easier to deny that which is within ourselves and project it on to others, or on to a devil. It is not easy to confront and deal with our own failings. What we really speak of is that which struggles against what we know to be good, true and holy. This is the darker part of the shadow side of our personality, and of the human race. A side which shows itself repeatedly in history, dark deeds often done in the name of God or for the ‘better good’ of mankind.

How easy it is to refuse to face our shadow and to point a finger at others or blame a devil for man’s failings.

Christians believe that their Lord came to earth as an ordinary man. He had the same temptations as all men. He was born as a child with the same desires, feelings, conflicts common to humanity. And this surely was his purpose — to redeem the shadow within man and to let in God’s light. To set free inspiration and creativity and the love, peace and joy of a life lived in relationship with God and his fellow man. Whatever faith we live by (or none at all), there is value in examining ourselves — our motives — and determine to live for others as well as ourselves. As many people have found — it is in giving that we receive.

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Wrinkly Writers
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My Space Gladys Writes,
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Morning Bliss

For me there is something spiritual about November skies as the sun rises and streams of golden light touch the earth. Shades of blue from turquoise to slate blue-grey, and soft billowing clouds touched with golden beige. I was so much in awe that it had to be captured by my camera.
The scene is quite different looking SW. As we sit in our bay window with my hubby reading to me, I am free to soak in the subtle beauty of both sky and garden. A side window opposite where I sit, reflects the sun's rays bursting through the trees behind me like a many faceted diamond. But the sunbeam soon goes behind trees. Even so, there is much to gaze at with an inner eye. All this and being read to as well!
A few years ago, I used to take our dog (no longer with us) for a walk up Hoad Hill. I would take a break at Little Hoad and sit on the seat to take in the sea and sky. What magic when clouds split open to release a beam of light on to the dark sea. Gold, silver, precious jewels? They are free for all with eyes to see.

Welcome to my English garden in August - flowers, bees and butterflies!

We may have had far too much rain but the garden is still a joy! After today's rain I took some photos. I managed to click on butterflies and bees exploring the flowers on more than one shrub. Bees were buzzing around too. Quite a number of them on our glorious eucryphia with its simple four petal flowers and magnificent stamens. The hydrangeas have been slow to come into flower but their blooms are huge and colourful. Buddlea and a sprinkling of azalea blooms, plus a number of flowers we have planted and which have grown from seed. The raindrops sparkle in the sunshine and the birds are happy picking early berries as well as helping themselves to seeds and nuts. Squirrels make us smile too. We don't have to water the garden as nature is doing that for us. True, we are losing some roses but those that are smiling in the sun and glistening with raindrops are a joy to behold. The trees are in their full summer foliage with the silver birches waving in the breeze like triumphant cricket supporters. Holiday makers can keep their hot beaches - they are nothing compared with the peace and tranquility of an English country garden!