Brian’s Reflection: Monday, January 14, 32006


By respect for life we become religious in a
way that is elementary, profound and alive.

Impart as much as you can of your spiritual
being to those who are on the road with you,
and accept as something precious what comes
back to you from them.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire
goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter
with another human being. We should all be thankful
for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

- Albert Schweitzer, born on this day, 1875


Well, a few quotes from Dr. Schweitzer on this his 133rd birthday. (Irrelevantly, my maternal grandmother celebrates her 133rd earthly birthday this year – though she is ….. elsewhere!)

“Religious” means to be bound to something, something hopefully positively nurturing towards humanity, ours and others’. “Respect for Life” is a good start. The point to remember here is that it all has to be balanced. Abortion, for example. Abortion is a very sad thing in the human community. Everyone wants (I think) to respect the developing life of a fetus. But the problem around abortion is not, I think, going to be solved until respect for the life and rights of women is also addressed with some of the same passion.

We think that we can’t “give away” ourselves to others, especially strangers. The history of “spiritual” life shows that “imparting as much of your spiritual being” only helps the giver grow.

And thank God for all those wonderful people, friends and strangers, who come often unexpected into our lives and give us new life.

I’ve had a life that has allowed me to walk these paths. I’m grateful.

May today be filled with respect for life, outpouring of yourself, and kindling spirits!

Brian+