Our friends provide us with the most amazing reflections of ourselves through their patient understanding and perspective. Often when things seem difficult in our lives, we pout, whine, get angry and ultimately wonder how life will ever be the same again. One quiet, sensible friend, will inevitably take a moment to remind you, that no matter how rough the waters may appear at the moment, someday soon, you'll laugh about the situation in retrospect. The gentle reminder that everything in life is temporary no matter how dire the circumstances or insurmountable the odds, brings us back to the present moment.

Financial
These days, a small majority of Americans find themselves unemployed. While some financial situations may appear desperate, they are a manifestation of our choices and a culmination of our attitudes towards prosperity, and should be recognized as a necessary lesson. For the most part, more money can always be earned, and there is enough for everyone. Your personal finances and the economy of our country, as history demonstrates repeatedly, is impermanent. It won't last forever and it will change. Hang in there - someday you'll refer to the tough times as "the good old days!"

Situations
Whether family matter or work situations keep you up each night with worry and doubt, know that these, too, will eventually go out with the tide. Waves of fear and anger over personal injustice, or the rough waters of struggle and the unknown leave all of us longing for the shores of contentment.

Take a moment to step back and realize that all that worries you today, will be tomorrow's history. The anxiety wanes, the cold sweat and panic subsides and whatever the outcome, you'll emerge more resolute than you thought possible. Time drags change right along with it. Whatever you stress over today will dissipate with tomorrow's sunrise - or at the very least, it will have changed enough for you to notice the illusion of the fear you held so closely.

Relationships
Louise Hay says that all relationships are temporary. People come in and out of your life exactly when they should, and they stay as long as they need to. She astutely tells us to love but understand that separation of any kind is inevitable.

In life, we attend births and funerals. We celebrate marriage and console one another through divorce. Friends and family move away, and new people come into our lives. A constant flow of love's energy moves through us, and if we embrace the person and the gifts they offer us by their presence in our lives, we accept the impermanence of the relationship. We bless others, and release them when its time to move on. We honor them by freely letting go, and acknowledge them by recognizing the mutual contributions made in one another's visit.

Love
Throughout our lives, we see many types and degrees of love. Some say love fades away or even dies, and others believe love is eternal. If love can be created and in some ethereal sense, become "matter," then it cannot be destroyed. While our relationships are temporary, the capacity to give and receive love endures beyond our physical appearance on Earth.

You may find yourself in or out of love, but love still endures in your heart. The object of your affection is temporary. The love lasts forever.

When we reflect on our day in our evening prayer or meditation, we thank our Creator for all the good in our life. Knowing everything exists only in the moment, thereby making everything we experience temporary, we also give thanks for things which don't last forever!

May you learn to separate your spirit from the situation, the relationship, the hardship and the love, and realize the only permanence you experience in life is who you are.

Marlene Buffa: "There I was, minding my own business, and God showed up!"
Taking a quiet sideways glance at life, Marlene offers us insight through her words and experiences. With degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Michigan, Marlene finds practical spirituality around every corner. A student of new-thought teachings she seeks wisdom through her observation of inter-relationships in our daily lives. Sometimes playful, sometimes poignant, always thought-provoking, her works inspire her readers in meaningful ways. You can visit her website at WordsofMind.com and write to her by email.

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