Adjust the sail and sail on

Bismillah.

Boy, has it been windy. Stormy, rather. But, that's life. Anyhow, let's "carve a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment." says - Dr. Martin Luther King.

"Faith is moving forward even when things don't make sense, trusting in hindsight everything will soon become clear." - Unknown  

Known or unknown, some wise words worth learning and adopting:

1. "Wise leaders listen to others. They even change direction based on new information." - Steve Gutzler

I think this applies to all and not just leaders. That we should be willing to listen to others and be flexible enough to adjust the sail and sail on, that is alter our positions and correct our bearing based on new information, good advice and opinions. But we can only do this if our heart is not dead. Remember we have been cautioned about the days when all hearts would be dead save those who enliven the eves of Eid.

2. "Nothing is ever wrong. We learn from every step we take. Whatever you did today was the way it was meant to be. Be proud of you." - Women of History

Hmm...we walk and we fall and we get up and learn "Oh I should not walk that way next time."

3. "Be true in friendships and with family. It is a sign of true faith and good character." - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Oh yes! You know this space has been around for about four years now and I have come to know dozens of people who wrote in with some degree of lies, giving misleading information about themselves, their status, tricked this and that - God knows why. We all appreciate people who are truthful, don't we? Maybe I belong with those who are too trusting but I think if people lie, that's their problem. When a person lies, we can imagine a fowl smell comes out of their mouth. Whereas if one speaks true and good words, it will bear fruits to the heavens. May Allah guide us all and forgive our mistakes. 

Being true in friendships and with family means showing love and kindness for these two are universal qualities regardless of one's religion. Maybe it is a religion by itself - religion of love and kindness. Dalai Lama says: "My earnest request is that you practice love and kindness whether you believe in a religion or not."

4. "Try if you want to feel truly blessed, count 5 things in your life that money can't buy. Say Alhamdulillah"

Here's my list of five:

- my mother's love

- true friends

- good health

- unclouded mind

- beliefs and dreams of a better day tomorrow, God willing.

What's yours?

Still in the spirit of Eid: