The sun is setting on another year. After a whole year of looking, I finally found a home I wanted to purchase. I moved at the end of October and am getting settled as a “first time” home owner in Northern California. I almost waited too long to make this move.
It’s certain that the New Year (2017) will bring change. Many people in my beloved state of California were shocked by the election results. California is known as a “blue” state. Many people around me are fearful, angry, and despairing. Having lived through a few major political changes in our country has taught me to not get too attached to any particular result. Many of us have lived long enough to know change is inevitable, but we forget. We are drawn to certainty. We feel safe when we know what the future holds.
However, I grow spiritually when I face uncertainty. In the midst of change I can expand to learn more tolerance, patience and kindness toward people who have different ideas and values…
I also abide by a deep faith in the benevolence of the universe. I called that benevolence “God”. It has been clear to me so many times that in the long run, there is something good about change.
So many of my spiritual books discuss the value of “living with uncertainty”. The minute I think I know something for sure, I’m often shown that what I think I know is just not so. It makes for a life of flexibility, tolerance and a deepening of respect for the process of how long it takes for human beings to grow and change and the difficulties we must face to adopt new ways of being.
As the teachings of Abraham and the 12 Step Recovery programs have taught me, we came here (into this earth existence) to expand and along this journey of expansion, we take many steps, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly but in each step, we are looking for expansion.
My favorite prayer these days is “God, help me set aside everything I think I know for an open mind and a new experience.” It gets me through a lot of days with more joy and less fear.
Blessings to you for continued growth, expansion and opportunities to practice patience, tolerance, kindness and love toward all beings. There will be changes in 2017 and my belief is that we will all grow as a result of the changes. I must believe “All is well”.
