Contemplation, yet again....

Miriam Webster defines contemplation in one of three ways:

1. A concentration on spiritual things as a private form of devotion; state of mystical awareness of God's being.
2. An act of considering with attention or
3. The act of regarding steadily.

I was raised learning the first definition, and have spent much of the last 2 years really trying to define what that means for myself, for my family.

Today I am using definition #2 & #3. Considering with much attention what it will mean for me if I just fell short of the goal I needed to pass my class, that had me working towards a goal that I have wanted for so long. Also I am steadily regarding or regarding steadily if you choose , how, should I pass what I will take forward. How I will keep the rest of this experience from being this constant battle to survive... I am trying very hard not to second guess every mistake or wrong answer put to paper. That I know HE taught in recent years. Picking apart every moment isnt going to change the outcome.

And yet even as I put the words on "paper" I realize that its not really possible to ever move forward without contemplation. Not if you intend on living a life of purpose, with meaning.

So tonight eleven days before Christmas we are decorating our tree and I am contemplating.

Considering with Attention that no matter what I tried, and while I consider the mystical awareness of God's being I know it will be ok.

And I'm wishing you all a Christmas that you can consider with attention all of those that you hold dear.