Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

“Our life depends on the kind of thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our attention is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility.”

In 2009, Ryassaphore-monk Adrian ended the forward of the book “ ‘Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives.’ May this book bring relief to all those burdened by the sorrows and uncertainties of our times, that they may turn their gaze to the One Who Is, our eternal Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.”

The sorrows and uncertainties of our times are perpetual, and seem to have started with Adam and Eve. Yet, many times we tend to think of the days of our short time here on earth as unique and somehow particularly difficult. Monumental in fact. Elder Thaddeus reminds us that we have more control over this world than we think.

We can live in peace and tranquility no matter what the current events are. We need only manage our thoughts, which can be done if we start with prayer.

St. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 to also meditate on truth. The truth is that God’s Will is always what we want done, and His methods are beyond our understanding.  So we can be free to let go and focus on the beautiful… for there is always beauty. Let us make a point today to find the beauty. It is in the gratitude for it that peace resides. Let’s also tap into our love for others and how we can show that love today. Let God do what only He can do, and commit to do what we can to be a vessel of His love, and all that is good today.