March 20, 2020
Good morning, faithful friends. I write this morning following my personal Practice time, hoping to lift your spirits and share some insights. I happened upon a quote from Mother Theresa in my morning ‘travels’: “Prayer in action is Love. Love in action is Service.” It is in the spirit of Love and of Service that I take action, that I write this message to you. It is interesting that today’s reading from Feasting and Fasting 2020 is “I Fast from Limitation”, and this on a day when California has been given a Stay at Home Order by the state governor. And so how can I read this combination of messages? I begin by realizing that nothing in the outside world can limit me. I can choose to limit myself by my own thinking, speaking, and acting…OR, I can choose to see the opportunities for growth and expansion in today’s condition of physical distancing.
What are the opportunities inherent in having less interaction with the outside world? The first and foremost that comes to mind is the time and space to travel inward, into the world of prayer, meditation, contemplation, and study…the newfound experience of spending a good long time talking to God…and listening for what is mine to hear. Also, in this state-wide permission slip to simply be, I find time to interact with family members and friends…those who live with me and those who do not. I can take the time to make a phone call, to write an email, or maybe even a hand-written card or letter. Another gift of this day is the time and space to appreciate and care for my home. In the business of living, I sometimes leave things undone that would better support me if taken care of. I may even decide to take a walk in the park, to dig in the soil, plant some seeds, enjoy the dawning of this beautiful springtime. In short, I can breathe…become more mindful of the many blessings and opportunities inherent in every moment.
There is something else I can take time for today…the Practice of Gratitude. Howard Thurman said, “All around us there are these surprises of kindly interference, manifesting the Grace of Life, the tenderness and mercy of God. Thus our hearts are wooed into thanksgiving and praise for what has been given to us.” As I read these inspiring words, I smile. Last night’s order is one of God’s surprises of kindly interference, manifesting the Grace of Life, the tenderness and mercy of God. This is a beautiful filter through which to see my day.
In 40 Day Mind Fast Soul Feast, Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith says this: “When you consciously choose to express thanksgiving, causation is set into motion to manifest your destiny of Wholeness.” What a great opportunity we have today to be mindful of our many gifts, to give thanks for every moment throughout the day without labeling it good or bad, to really appreciate life and all that it brings. The word appreciate means to recognize the full value of something…to set a price. How good it is to take the time to recognize how much we value our lives! With Rev. Beckwith, I practice the following affirmation: “Today I fling open wide the door of my gratitude in humble recognition of the Divine Presence that holds me in the eternal embrace of its self-givingness.”
Finally, in reading from Charles Fillmore’s Keeping a True Lent, I am directed to explore Matthew 9:14-38. These verses tell of some of the many miracles of healing brought forth by the Master Teacher Yeshua. The real message for us on this 24th day of Lent is that the power of our Word is mighty. Science of Mind founder Ernest Holmes tells us to “Drop all negative thoughts from the mind. Do not dwell on adversity but think plenty into everything, for there is power in the word.” When we consciously place our faith in our inherent Power and use our Word (thoughts, intentions, words, and actions) for health and Wholeness, for clean living, we create healthy bodies, minds, and spirits from the inside out. Yeshua the Christ (one who demonstrated Christ Consciousness) taught that it is our faith that makes us whole…that he was merely a living example of what we, too, can accomplish. What I know is that where there is faith, fear cannot live And in the absence of fear, my Word will create Beauty, Joy, Abundance, and Freedom from all limitation.
In order to practice real faith, we must let go of, even abolish, our self-doubt. In the book of Mark, Yeshua tells his disciples, “Don’t’ be afraid; just believe.” And so moving into this beautiful Spring day, I let go of any fear or doubt and affirm: I feel the Love of God fully in my body and mind as I breathe more deeply and feel radiating waves of Peace. As qualities of God, mine by Divine Birthright, Freedom, Abundance, Peace and Power are within me…they show forth in every area of my life; and for this, I Am supremely grateful. I have Absolute Faith that all is unfolding for my Highest Good and yours, for the Good of the Whole, for we are One.
May you all be well…stay in touch…know our Unity…and thrive! And may you know the Absolute Beauty and Wonder of this Grace-filled, once-in-a lifetime day . . .
