This I Believe: Triangles Can Help Explain
A triangle can be a helpful symbol for understanding a variety of abstract concepts. As a child, I learned that the Christian belief of the Holy Trinity, Father-Son-Holy Ghost, could fit nicely on the shape of a triangle and it helped me see them as one unified idea. As a university student, I learned that the Threefold of Social Order domains of culture, economy, and government fit clearly in a triangle to represent society. And now, in my mid-fifties, a triangle is a useful symbol to convey what I believe.
At the base of my beliefs is a Higher Power. I believe that a life force greater than all other life forms has brought us into being and that there is a grand design for our existence. When I am quiet and listen, I can sense my Higher Power guiding me.
The second side of my beliefs can be labeled Work Ethic. There is a design for my life, and life itself is a wonderful gift to create something far reaching and meaningful. I believe I have a responsibility to work and to use everything I have within me to make the most of what I have been given. I want to work until the day I die at learning and doing something productive. I want to work to be self-responsible. I want to help others learn so that they can also have the fullest life possible. When I die, I want to feel in my very bones and being that I have worked hard to do my best to meet the challenges and lessons that each moment of life had to offer.
I have learned through experience that I must stop and have Gratitude for life, all of its opportunities and challenges. From time-to-time I have to remind myself to stop and say a prayer of thanks for all I have. There have been times in my life when I did not realize all the many things I was fortunate to have. I worried about and bemoaned my life for all the things I did not have instead of realizing God’s abundant gifts to me. Precious things have been taken from me, and this has taught me to take the time to count my blessings. By doing so, I have been able to realize even more blessings.
At the heart and center of my belief triangle resides Love. The word love is overused and yet, ironically, difficult to define. The symbol of a triangle represents how all of these things I believe come together as love. A higher power, a responsible work ethic, and gratitude surely produce love beyond measure, this I believe.