I've been thinking about magnets lately... (In my next post I'll tell you why!)
Via Wikipedia:
A magnet (from Greek μαγνήτις λίθος magnḗtis líthos, "Magnesian stone") is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, and attracts or repels other magnets.
A magnet, as the preceding definition technically states, has a notable effect on other materials: it extends a subtle force that draws the material toward it or pushes it away. The direction of this force is as much reliant upon the nature of the material as it is upon the principal magnet, and it requires a shared interaction between them both in order for them to draw together.
This reminds me of my daily interactions with others, and the choices I make in each meeting.
Every person I encounter is one whom I can draw toward and interact with if I exert a compassionate, well-intentioned force in our relationship; any barrier can be overcome by loving consideration toward others. This force should proceed from the heart, and in its activity, it brings about communion between persons.
I may also exert a force that betrays a lack of compassion and willingness to love, one that in its worst form conveys hostility and disregard. I often neglect to know and relate to others in the truest, most essential manner: to sympathize with their struggles, understand their needs, labor for their betterment, and show them mercy rather than anger when they disappoint or harm me.
I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian. In the Orthodox Church, we are preparing to enter Lent on Monday. Lent is a period of prayer, fasting, alms giving, and special church services, which prepares us to receive the great joy and salvation of Christ's Resurrection on Pascha (Easter), which will be celebrated on April 24th. Throughout the Lenten period (48 days in 2011), the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is prayed each day, morning and evening, by Orthodox Christians:
O Lord and Master of my life,
a spirit of idleness,
despondency, ambition, and idle talking,
give me not.
But rather a spirit of chastity,
humble-mindedness, patience, and love,
bestow upon me Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my own failings
and not condemn my brother,
for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
There is the true magnetic purpose of our lives: drawing our neighbor toward us and our souls toward God.
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