Peace Over Presumption

In light of several things, I posted "Peace over presumption" the other day as my Gmail status. A good friend had this to say about it:
I've been thinking about "Peace over presumption". What a perfect phrase. It forces one to think about how we make up the false futures in our head that creates worry when, really, we don't need all that. Embrace it!

I couldn't have described it better--my friend hit the nail on the head. It's a concept that I rarely act upon, though it comes up in my conscience often enough. But, also, it reminds me to be objective, to understand that, just because all I can see is someone being inconsiderate, or mean, too reserved or even overly friendly, there is much more at work than what I see.

May we remember that we're only part--a significant part--of a gorgeous whole, & we are far from being at the center of it.
May we remember that, as the beloved Elizabeth Barrett Browning put it, "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." Besides, "the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Well, I just wanted to share some of these thoughts. The benediction from Brennan Manning (which I found in St Rich Mullins's biography) seems to fit well here, too:

May all your expectations be frustrated.
May all your plans be thwarted.
May all your desires be withered into nothingness, that you may experience the powerlessness and poverty of a child, and sing, dance, and trust in the love of God who is Father, Son, and Spirit. Amen.