LESSON OF THE DAY 1275

Ayahs of the Day:

We have given you abundance, so pray to your Lord and sacrifice. As for the one who hates you, he'll be the one without issue. [108: 1,2,3]

Hadith of the Day:

The one who loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the sake of Allah has completed his faith. [Abu Dawud]

Wise Quote of the Day:

The serene place belongs to the one occupied with the correction of his own self, who struggles against it in every state. [Shaykh Muhammad ibn al-Habib]

Guidance of the Day:

Treat your family members (and those you love most) as if this were the last time you were going to see them. How often do we run out the door without saying good-bye -- or to say something less than kind or something critical under our breath as a parting shot as we go our separate ways? How often do we take for granted those we love and count on the most, assuming we will always be together? Most of us seem to operate under the assumption that we can always be kind later, that there's always tomorrow. But is that the wise way to live?

Our daily lives can be precious. A powerful exercise to practice on a regular basis is to imagine that this is your final good-bye. Imagine that, for one reason or another you won't see your family member again after this meeting. If this were true (and it's always a possibility), would you like to act in the same way? Would you remind your parent, child, sibling, spouse, or other loved one of yet another shortcoming, flaw, or imperfection in his or her behavior or personality? Would your last words be complaints or pessimistic comments that suggest that you wish your life were different than it is? Probably not.

Perhaps, if you thought there was always possibility that this were the last time your were going to see someone you love, you'd take an extra minute to give a loving hug and say good-bye. Or may be you'd say something kind and gentle, an affirmation of your love, instead of your business-as-usual "See you later." If you thought this were the last time you were going to see your teenager, sister,parent, in-law, or spouse, you might treat that person differently, with more kindness, and more compassionately. Rather than rushing away, you'd probably smile and tell the person how much you care. Your heart would be open.

I make this suggestion not to create a fearful environment but to encourage you to remember how precious your family is and how much you'd miss them if they (or you) weren't around to share your life with. The implementation of this strategy into my life has added additional perspective to what's most important. I believe it can help you to become more patient and loving -- and perhaps most of all, to remember to not sweat the small stuff with your family. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Make love, not war! Have you declared war against friends and family members and devoted yourself to changing their bad habits through criticism and conflict? Well, if you want peace of mind and happiness in your life and in the world, declare love and devote yourself to other people's well-being than trying to change them. What will you declare, love ore war?