Discouragement
A remedy: wonder at the work of the divine
December 5th 2016
In moments of discouragement, artists have been known to destroy some of their works. It is normal to never be quite satisfied with one’s creations, but why go so far as to destroy them? Not only have those artists harmed themselves, but they have also deprived mankind of great treasures. The reason for such a gesture is that they remained too centred on themselves, on their difficulties, their anxieties, their torments. They were not able to go beyond the limits of their ego to get in touch with all that is good and beautiful in human beings and in nature. That is the only attitude that could have protected them, preventing them from taking out their dissatisfaction on their work.
Like artists, those on a spiritual path can go through periods of discouragement, for they are on a very difficult path, and they can be tempted to go back on their commitment. But if they can wonder at God’s works, wonder at God’s servants, that feeling will protect them from the sadness and despair that their own shortcomings can inspire in them.