Pebbled paths

As I enter yet another phase of spiritual development, an istiqamah , learning consistency and commitment to a series of devotions; I find the pebbled road again.

The path to HIM, is almost always pebbled, testing our endurance, strength, tenacity, stamina etc. Not unlike a young Shaolin monk, being given tests by his teacher.Learning humility and forgiveness, is also an agenda, which needs upgrading. The pebbled road, slowly and with a set pace, we remove the stones and reveal the path.

I have come across many pebbled paths, streets and roads in my life; each with it’s own dangers, risks and difficulties. Keeping focused on the journey, the end result, has made the endeavour a learning curve and being tested till I overcame each level, was tedious but worth while. Imagine playing a Nintendo or Play station game, in where to achieve we have to go past each level and if we failed, we have to re-try. Press the “X” button and it’s all over, press the “O” button, like a circle of life, we begin and keep at it, till we succeed.

When we compare real life to a these virtual games, we get the BIG picture!

“ اعْلَمُواأَنَّمَا الْحَيَوةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِى الاٌّمْوَلِ وَالاٌّوْلْـدِ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا وَفِى الاٌّخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَنٌ وَمَا الْحَيَوةُ الدُّنْيَآ إِلاَّ مَتَـعُ الْغُرُورِ

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment“. [57:20]

وَإِذَا رَأَوْاْ تِجَـرَةً أَوْ لَهْواً انفَضُّواْ إِلَيْهَا وَتَرَكُوكَ قَآئِماً

“Yet [it does happen that] when people become aware of [an occasion for] worldly gain or a passing delight, they rush headlong towards it, and leave you (O Muhammad) standing [and preaching]“. [62:11]”

Many times, we share our experiences, for those who will accept we discover happiness and gratitude, and for those who still have no connection to our words, we feel so destitute.

I often remind myself, that I can only try, as I myself am on the path of pebbles, as we all are, sometimes our paths may cross and we can help each other in clearing debris, sometimes we need to do it by ourselves. Although, at times we may be alone, we need to remember, we have the help of all the elements and energy of positivity to steer us, knowing , we will meet help and sustenance through faith towards the Divine source of all LOVE and LIGHT, where we head is an abode of PEACE!

Our commitment in devotions are personal towards the ONE. Who is our ultimate sustenance, guide and giver for everything we need to proceed on the pebbled paths towards our home, into loving arms, that will accept and comfort us, as we endured with patience only for HIS sake.

May we all be filled with riches in our hearts to completely live our lives to the best we can, and the fullest happiness be bestowed on us, for what we have received and for what we shall receive, at the end of all our pebbled paths.

Peace, Love & Light

~Lorraine Nur~