Respect.

So I learned something new today. Even the gods want respect.

I was outside smoking and thinking to myself, and hoping the rain didn't get any harder. I said a small prayer to the rain, storm, and water gods asking for the rain to not get any harder. I ended the prayer with so mote it be, and then continued thinking to myself.

The thoughts were "Well, hopefully it doesn't get any harder. I actually hope it stops raining so I can smoke in peace. They'll do it, because I asked. ... no, wait. I they aren't obligated to do anything. I can express my hopes, dreams, fears and desires, but they are not obligated by any means to make them happen. No, they don't have to do anything that they don't want to."

And y'know what happened? I was rewarded for that small bit of respect.

The rain didn't stop, but it got a lot lighter. I could hear and smell the rain around me, but none of it was falling on me. I took off the hood of my coat and stuck my hand out to feel if there was any rain, even though I could hear and smell the rain around me, and not a single drop landed on me or my cigarette.

Even the gods want respect, and they showed it by thanking me for said respect.

Perhaps I am rambling a little too much because I am slightly inebreated, but my point still remains! If we all gave each other basic respect there would be no cause, nor any need, for hate or disrespect to be generated. Because that's what sparks all hate, other than adverse circumstances.

I love the fact that they responded... not only because it helped me, but because it shows me that my gods are indeed there, and they do indeed listen to me. If they do that for me out of respect for me, a goddess but a lesser one, then I can give that back to them as well. Easily.

Respect is earned, however each person should show at least a basic respect for all life. If you do not give respect first, then you will not receive respect. Everyone deserves at least a little, even if it is just recognizing the fact that this person or thing is alive and has needs and wants. Whatever respect, or lack thereof, is given after that is up to the person and circumstances involved.

Well, I'm going to go do something else, and hopefully edit out all the ranty/rambly bits out later.

Blessed Be,
SNT