Gifts
My spiritual intention yesterday was to be open to the gifts of the day even if could not immediately see them as gifts.
As I know is true for many other people, I often have an agenda which I marry to the delusion that I have some control over what people and situations I will encounter on any given day. Of course, as we all know, life shows up on its own terms. I have known that, at some level, for over seven decades. I all too frequently, continue to expect other people and, in fact, the universe. to check my agenda before it makes decisions. For some reason the universe did not get the memo stating I and my agenda are to be given priority over all other people and even mother nature. When this does not happen I am often upset, angry, worried, anxious and disappointed. Even when what arrives is the unexpected visit of a dear friend whom I have not seen for some time I may experience the visit as an inconvenience because it has interrupted my agenda.
Wise mem and women such as my grandma Fannie have often reminded me that “All things work together for good.” Grandma Fannie was quoting Roman 8:28. Paul goes on to say, “To them who love God.” Grandma Fannie had a definitive concept of god as did the author of Romans, but many other wise people have understood god to mean the whole of what is. In fact, in the Old Testament the concept of God is described as “I am”. Wise men and women, throughout the ages. have known that in some seemingly magical way every event which happens is necessary for us to experience the blessings of this moment.
Earlier in the week I joined a new friend for a visit over lunch. I met this man following the tragic death of his son in an automobile accident. While I certainly do not see the death of this young man who was this bright, sweet, young man - himself such a gift - as anything other than tragic, the presence of his father in my life is a gift. I may never have met this man had not his son died. Embracing all that happens as an opportunity is not a goal for the those of who like neat, well wrapped little packages. Yes, each event is, for me, an opportunity to grow, to meet new teachers and sources of strength and wisdom, and to be present in love.
A friend reminded me this morning that we only have today. If I cannot experience today as an opportunity to grow emotionally, intellectually and spiritually my tomorrow will be less rich.
Deaths, disappointments, failures, missed opportunities, loving friendships, joyful play and great sorrow have brought me to this moment. Even if I had the power to make one fewer mistake or have one less regret I would hesitate to use that power. Today I enjoy the richness of mother nature, loving friends, and the excitement of looking forward to a new chapter in my life. Just one change of the past would make the present very different.
Just for today my goal is to embrace all that is in this moment as a gift while not denying grief and other very valid human emotions. Just for today I will be intentional about not backing away from any event but embracing what is even if that is the opportunity to share sadness or other pain.
Written October 15, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
My spiritual intention yesterday was to be open to the gifts of the day even if could not immediately see them as gifts.
As I know is true for many other people, I often have an agenda which I marry to the delusion that I have some control over what people and situations I will encounter on any given day. Of course, as we all know, life shows up on its own terms. I have known that, at some level, for over seven decades. I all too frequently, continue to expect other people and, in fact, the universe. to check my agenda before it makes decisions. For some reason the universe did not get the memo stating I and my agenda are to be given priority over all other people and even mother nature. When this does not happen I am often upset, angry, worried, anxious and disappointed. Even when what arrives is the unexpected visit of a dear friend whom I have not seen for some time I may experience the visit as an inconvenience because it has interrupted my agenda.
Wise mem and women such as my grandma Fannie have often reminded me that “All things work together for good.” Grandma Fannie was quoting Roman 8:28. Paul goes on to say, “To them who love God.” Grandma Fannie had a definitive concept of god as did the author of Romans, but many other wise people have understood god to mean the whole of what is. In fact, in the Old Testament the concept of God is described as “I am”. Wise men and women, throughout the ages. have known that in some seemingly magical way every event which happens is necessary for us to experience the blessings of this moment.
Earlier in the week I joined a new friend for a visit over lunch. I met this man following the tragic death of his son in an automobile accident. While I certainly do not see the death of this young man who was this bright, sweet, young man - himself such a gift - as anything other than tragic, the presence of his father in my life is a gift. I may never have met this man had not his son died. Embracing all that happens as an opportunity is not a goal for the those of who like neat, well wrapped little packages. Yes, each event is, for me, an opportunity to grow, to meet new teachers and sources of strength and wisdom, and to be present in love.
A friend reminded me this morning that we only have today. If I cannot experience today as an opportunity to grow emotionally, intellectually and spiritually my tomorrow will be less rich.
Deaths, disappointments, failures, missed opportunities, loving friendships, joyful play and great sorrow have brought me to this moment. Even if I had the power to make one fewer mistake or have one less regret I would hesitate to use that power. Today I enjoy the richness of mother nature, loving friends, and the excitement of looking forward to a new chapter in my life. Just one change of the past would make the present very different.
Just for today my goal is to embrace all that is in this moment as a gift while not denying grief and other very valid human emotions. Just for today I will be intentional about not backing away from any event but embracing what is even if that is the opportunity to share sadness or other pain.
Written October 15, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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