Poppy: In Victorian times, one of the meanings of the Poppy flower was “consolation.” Artists should console themselves that their work is acceptable.
According to a Facebook page “test,” my aura is Red. That is based on my answers to questions that demonstrate that I work hard, have a tendency toward perfectionism, and strive very diligently to improve my knowledge, as a daily routine. In fact, it would not take a mental giant to figure that out, after taking a look at my website writings and other creative work.
When are we ever good enough? Is it when a master’s degree has been obtained, or a doctorate? Is it when we have been “vetted” by our peers? (I’ve come to hate that stupid word, “vetted”). Are we good enough when our writings have been published overseas? (Mine have been). Or, do we have to be on television, preferably a show of popular standing, like “Oprah?”
Are we good enough when we are seen praying, publicly? Or, are we good enough when we are invited to be listed in “Who’s Who?” (Yes, it would only cost about $90. or more to have one’s name listed, along with thousands of others). No, thanks.
Are we good enough when we have money in the bank, or the “right” kind of car, that looks up and coming? Are we good enough as a result of wearing designer clothes, instead of Goodwill cast-offs?
Who is to say when any of us are “good enough?” Today, it seems that people judge other people based on nonsense. Their thoughts consider only the peripherals, the exterior wrappings, that are non-essential components of an individual.
In my opinion, there is no college degree, no set of clothes, no Cadillac in the driveway, that can make a person “good enough.” The essence of goodness is but a reflection of God’s love, the source of life itself. Goodness is a model from which we all fall short due to our selfish yearnings. My Catholic upbringing tells me that I shall never, ever, be good enough.
So, I spend my days on the treadmill of Life, like a mouse on a wheel, in a never ending circle of motion, trying on the one hand for approval of my efforts, while on the other hand, waiting for the time when I can jump off the wheel.
I can tell you one thing, anyone’s opinion of me will never matter. Doggone it, I tell myself, I am good enough, and I wouldn’t trade my rich life experiences, good or bad, for all the tea in China!
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After posting this blog entry, I received this letter:
Hi Pat,
Loved your musings! Are we ever good enough? I find the more I have to surrender to the aging process and various illnesses and become accepting of what I can and can no longer do, I have a healthy respect for all that I have been able to do. I am grateful that in my own my mind and by my own desires to accomplish things that seemed important to me, I feel that in my small way I have made a difference.
I hope for all beings that they can reflect and feel that in their own small way they have made a difference.
My prayer today on this D-Day Anniversary is that Obama will be able to make a difference in this world of ours and help to bring about dialog, understanding, and the way to peace among all nations and all beings.
Keep on blogging. Take care. Louise
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Thanks, Louise!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: Add new tag, Good Enough, Musings, Poppy
