Every Timely Utterance

Thought of the Day:

“Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.”

-Baha’u’llah

I love this quotation and wanted to share with you. It has helped me on several occasions to find balance and moderation in what I say and what I do.

5 Comments

    Anna August 1, 2008Reply

    Yes, and it is a wonderful quote to share with Christians because Jesus said,and I am paraphrasing, There are many more things to tell you but you can not bear them now. When the Spirit of Truth comes these things will be revealed to you. (I especially can’t remember the second part of that.) Imagine that He had so much to share and could not. Even Baha’u’llah had to wait ten years to share His news. We’re such an instant society and have trouble waiting to share things. It takes so much self-discipline.
    I also think about the uniqueness of Baha’u’llah’s revelation. It is the foundation for the next 100,000 years and there are so many depths to His message. We do not want to get spiritual indigestion. Morning and evening is a wonderful guideline.
    I go through phases in my life when I’m like a sponge and absorb so much and then I seem to plateau. I think I’m trying to learn how to live out all that I’ve learned.
    As a preacher’s daughter I wanted to get out from under my father’s congregation’s scrutiny and so I went to a small church that needed guitarists to help lead their folk mass. This was 1969-1972. We used to say that when we sang, it was like praying twice. Chanting and singing the Word of God penetrates so deep and can lift the veils so quickly, I find. I’ve been struggling with returning to the US after living in China for a year. It’s been hard and my job stressful. I was so looking forward to the road trip we are on now because I can sing along with all my favorite singers in the privacy of my own chamber (my car) driving through the deserts, forests and plains. Traveling helps re-awaken my spirit.
    Sorry, I didn’t know I had so much to share.

    Elika August 2, 2008Reply

    Anna – thank you for sharing all your thoughts! It is so wonderful to hear how this quote has affected you and I appreciate your insights. I especially identify with what you wrote about singing and how you feel that it is like praying twice! It is so enriching to sing prayers and Writings as it does penetrate deeper. It brings to mind this lovely quotation by Baha’u’llah about music, ‘Music is a ladder by which souls may ascend to the realm on high.”
    I’m so glad you’re enjoying your travels and I know how singing in the car can be very exhilarating especially when you’re on your own!

    jaleh August 2, 2008Reply

    i too LOVE this quote and need to learn it by heart as it is a constant reminder of how we need to behave everyday of our lives. Elly i gain such inspiration from your Fire and Gold CD. It is what gives me energy in times of lassitude, strength in times of need and joy in times of sadness and rejuvenates me throughout the day. Thankyou again. Looking forwrd to the next album. Hurry!!

    Your lil sis August 4, 2008Reply

    Elly sweets, just wanted to say how proud I am of you for keeping up with your blog and posting such beautiful thoughts for us to read. I’ve been subscribed for a while now 😉

    Elika August 4, 2008Reply

    Thanks Jalehjoonam and Leil love – so kind of you both to be so supportive with your comments. Lovely to hear from you too. 🙂

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