Lessons Within Lessons

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Transcript

Lessons Within Lessons13

shaykh ibrahim ansari

I learned a lesson today that I thought I already knew, but this time I understood it more deeply.

It seems that we are given raw materials - specially designed for our special case -  and Allah steps back and waits to see what we do with it.  I know for me, most of the time I have whined or complained, gnashed my teeth or felt depressed and rejected. 

But this time, because I know that I am not in control and have much to learn, I accepted the outcome (which could have been construed as an outright disapproval). I embraced the other’s view, and saw it from their angle. I felt a lightening of my heart, and saw the path open where before I was obsessed with what I thought I wanted. My heart felt okay about it, and the possibilities of continuing with more confidence and even respect earned would go a long way to taking the next step with just a little more wisdom.

Then, as I looked back on my life, I could see how that has always been occurring, but I was usually too focused on the immediate outcome rather than the big picture - basically because I did not have enough information about what that big picture looked like - nor trusted Allah enough to allow for some reflection and patience.

The details of the specifics are not important. It just seems to be the case that we are given what we need. How we choose to work with these elements are the teachings. 

So, what have you been given? It may take some time, reflection and stepping back to get some perspective to identify what your specific collection of goodies is. Sufism provides specialized tools to help you learn what choices are available, and what the possible consequences might be.1