In the Heart of the World by Mother Teresa

In the heart of the World by Mother Teresa is a small little book I checked out from our church library. I have wanted to learn more of Mother Teresa for a while and enjoyed reading, in her own words, some of her heart. There is another book of her's in the library I will be getting next. 

This book has 3 sections: Thoughts, stories, and prayers. The stories stick in your brain, but are very short and I was left wanting more. The prayers are like heartfelt poems. The thoughts are like devotionals. Following are some quotes from the Thoughts section of the book. 

Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at at all. Do it for peace. 

I still think that the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.  

Do not be surprised at or become preoccupied with each other's failure: rather see and find the good in each other, for each one of us is created in the image of God. 

Be kind on your actions. Do not think that you are the only one who can do efficient work, work worth showing. This makes you harsh in your judgment of others who may not have the same talents. Do your best and trust that others do their best. And be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. 

Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things you cannot hear the voice of God. But when you have listened to the voice of God in the stillness of your heart, then your heart is filled with God. 

In silence, we will find new energy and true unity. Silence gives us a new outlook on everything. 

A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. Joy is not simply a matter of temperament, it is always hard to remain joyful-- all the more reason why we should try to acquire it and make it grow in our hearts. Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love. She gives most to who gives with joy.

Listening when no one else volunteers to listen, is no doubt a very noble thing.  

Holiness grows fast where there is kindness. 

The world is lost for want of sweetness and kindness.