Blessings
Apr 28, 2003 Spirituality
When Brett and I were first talking about the adoption, we were really worried about money. We weren’t sure if we made enough to get approved and we weren’t sure if we could pay the fees and we weren’t sure if we had any business adopting a baby with such a tight budget. Brett said, “If it’s meant to happen, it will all fall into place.”
Lo and behold, some few months later everything is falling into place.
My mother-in-law believes that if you’re meant to do something, it will be easy to do. She thinks that if the way is hard, then it’s the wrong way. I personally don’t believe this. I think that working hard brings satisfaction and I believe that we are supposed to make hishtadlus (effort) toward bringing the things we want to us or “to create a vessel for God’s blessing, which we then supplement with bitachon (trust) and emuna (faith) that God will help us.” The trust and faith are hard to come by because I don’t know why God should help me when there are so many other people who suffer so much more. I don’t understand this.
I’m trying to be more grateful and less guilty for the things that I have. I hold on to guilt sometimes, as if feeling rotten is somehow more responsible than feeling grateful. I worry about getting too complacent in my own comfort.
I read this article about Courtney Cox once for some “luxury” issue of a celebrity magazine. She was talking about all of these ridiculous things she buys with her massive wealth, going on and on about clothes and personal servants and her gourmet kitchen with a professional chef to complete it. At the end the interviewer asked her if she feels guilty for having so much when there are many, many people struggling just to get by. She said something like, “Well, I’m rich and that’s because the universe had that in its plan for me and I don’t feel bad because I know the universe has a plan for everybody. If someone’s poor, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.” (I don’t remember the exact quote so take it with a grain of salt.)
Gross, eh? If I ever start spouting nonsense like that, kick me, would you?
April 28th, 2003 at 9:46 am
Yeah…because by Cox’s logic, anyone who does not have enough is somehow disliked by god? Or what? Not pious enough? “Hey, pal, the universe doesn’t like you - go dig in the dirt for a rotten potato.”
Best best best wishes to you on the continued process of adoption, mama. You have so much to give. Whatever child you are blessed with is certainly blessed in return.
April 28th, 2003 at 10:09 am
Ewww, that Cox quote is dispicable. No sense of connection to the real world displayed there.
I can’t wait to hear more about the adoption process. Good luck with everything.
April 28th, 2003 at 10:40 am
I never had much of an opinion one way or another on Courtney Cox before (other than that she’s freakishly thin), but now I will forever think she’s an ignorant, misanthropic little twit.
That aside…I wish you the best for your adoption!
April 28th, 2003 at 10:47 am
and that is why i hate celebrity.
p.s. good luck on the adoption. i worked in social services for awhile and saw many children who would have given anything to have a home. unfortunately, most of them were older kids who had little chances of that happening.
keep you mind open to the possibilities. god may have a plan for you, but i can pretty much guarantee that plan will give you more sensual and spiritual happiness than a personal chef, although after becoming a mom, you’ll wish for one on nightly basis.
April 29th, 2003 at 1:14 am
Wow, Dawn. Your line “lo and behold…” made my day! And I agree with you. I think we need to make our wishes very clear to the universe…
Your entry sounds so positive. Verrry exciting :)))
(I noticed there is another D who leaves comments for you–sorry, Dana! Hope I didn’t confuse things signing D before.)