February 20 Daily Feast, Elder's Meditation, THINK on THESE THING

February 20 - Daily Feast

We are tempted at every turn to give in to things that are not good for us. Numerous tangible things and acts run through our minds to delight and lure us away from our good intentions, but none as powerful as that first thought, that subtle invitation to give in. It is always the first step, the first word, the first taste that leads us like the pipes of Pan. We innocently muse that we have been really good lately, keeping our schedules, doing what we think is important. Isn't it time we reward ourselves? Why not indulge a little - just this once? These are the first of a series of questions. Later comes the sad question - what did I do to deserve this? This is the place to stop saying how stupid we are, get back in the boat, and start paddling as fast as we can - even if it is upstream.

~ Youth is impulsive. When our young men grow angry at some real or imaginary wrong....it denotes their hearts are black... ~

SEATTLE

'A Cherokee Feast of Days', by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 20

"When a community does something together, that community is very happy, jovial, connected and unified."

Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA

The Indian People have always been able to adapt. If the hunting changed, we found new hunting grounds. If the earth changed, we moved to a better place. If the river changed course, we followed the river. But with every change, we kept our Indian ness and spirituality. Our culture and spirituality have always been our strength. Our culture and spirituality taught us to live in harmony. We must change with the times, but we must maintain our culture and spirituality, always living in harmony.

Great Spirit, You have taught us to survive. Let me always maintain my Indianness.

'THINK on THESE THINGS'
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

It is easy to have faith in God and love everyone on days when the world is all in order.

There are other days that seem to require more effort than any normal person can possibly muster. Each step seems to be an obstacle to overcome. Every hurt and thought of resentment presents itself in a clamorous roar.

Weariness of body, soul, and spirit will nag the strongest beings into dark moods unless they can find a time away from all that plagues them. That time may be hard to come by, but even a few moments can bring a problem to light.

Twinges of jealousy, feelings of anxiety, all scatter in that light. When the attention is turned from those things that make life all too ordinary they immediately, like a procession, march toward the God-self.

To spend only a few moments counting our blessings will tell us that life is well worth living....the satisfaction of a job well done, the companionship of good friends with whom we share the lighter side and the ones who understand our darkest moods are all blessings.

Donadagahv’i
Uwetsidvhi Waya Uwasv
( Son of Lone Wolf )

May The Creator walk with you.