The following is a hilarious excerpt from the book Eat Pray Love which I'm currently reading.
Richard found himself praying all the time. His prayer was always the same. He kept begging God, "Please, please, please open my heart." That was all he wanted- an open heart. And he would always finish the prayer for an open heart by asking God, "And please send me a sign when the event has occurred." Now he says, recollecting that time, "Be careful what you pray for Groceries, cus you might just get it." After a few months of praying constantly for an open heart, what do you think Richard got? Thats right- emergency open-heart surgery. His chest was literally cracked open, his ribs cleaved away from each other to allow some daylight to finally reach into his heart, as though God were saying, "Hows that for a sign?" So now Richard is always cautious with his prayers, he tells me. "Whenever I pray for anything these days, I always wrap it up by saying, "Oh, and God? Please be gentle with me, Ok?"
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I have been wanting to read that book for awhile now...do you like it so far?
ReplyDeleteThat's a funny excerpt..very true.
-Karla =)
Thanks for the much appreciated comments. I love this book so much that I even brought it along on my trip. On our flight to Rome, I went back to the chapter on Italy to get some pointers.To be honest, this book has made me reflect heaps.I find it thought-provoking.Karla, you should get the book.Its fun!!!SW, yeah its a great book.I'm not one to highlight phrases in books but for some reason, Ive started that habit with this one.Its so addictive.
ReplyDeletereading your blogs, wow you have really travelled - I am terrified of airplanes, I'd rather eat glass than fly in a metal tube. But your pictures on your other blog look wonderful, couldn't find anywhere to comment there , so I'm doing it here and yes the Eat Pray Love book certainly sounds wonderful, better read it myself me thinks......
ReplyDeleteHello :-)
ReplyDeleteyou have a very intersting blog!
thanks for passing by mine...
I was interested to know about this book actually, you encouraged me to look for it!
you also seem to be a very interesting person, I was really touched reading your blog header "A wandering kindred soul trying to find her niche in the world of challenges and adversities. Her blog embraces souls from all walks of life with arms wide open. A very warm welcome to her realm!"
glad to be your virtual friend!
regards,
Christa
Gentlearts- I did not call myself a wandering soul for nothing ;). I love seeing the world through the eyes of different cultures. And yes, you should go and grab eat pray love :).You wouldnt regret it! I wonder if Elizabeth Gilbert would cut me some commission for highly recommending her book.
ReplyDeleteChrista- Thank you once again :)
I was interested in this book too - it's sitting in my bookshelf now so I will have to get it out and give it a try now..thank you for your comment..the vatican jogger gave me a giggle :)
ReplyDeleteHe tickled me to the core. I had to control my laughter since I was in such a serious atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteHe should have finished each prayer with, "not literally, of course."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the witty input Ruby :).
ReplyDeleteI do believe that this may be one of the most profound books ever written -- i have read it 4 times now. My favorite quote is.... "There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under my jurisdiction. There are certain lottery tickets I can buy, thereby increasing my odds of finding contentment. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I eat and read and study. I can choose how I am going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life - whether I will see them as curses or opportunities (and on the occasions when I can't rise to the most optimistic viewpoint, because I'm feeling too damn sorry for myself, I can choose to keep trying to change my outlook). I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts!!!!" This one quote changed my life forever. Take CARE!!
ReplyDeleteThats profound indeed. Thank you for sharing your enlightening experience with me :)
ReplyDelete