Self-Effort

Dear friends,

I wrote last week that we are much less in charge than we think we are. But while it is true that we need to rely on Spirit, that (unfortunately?) does not take us off the hook! Cooperating is essential for our lives to unfold in the best way, and in the way that is intended for us. A story I was recently reminded of makes this quite clear…

There was a devout Italian farmer who worked hard to support his family, but constantly struggled to provide for them. Every few days he would go to the Madonna statue in his Church and pray, “Please Mother, may I win the lottery. It is the only way I can see to make things work for those I love. Help me in this goal!” After many, many weeks of this intense prayer, the statue came to life before his eyes! Mother Mary said, “My dear son. This all might work better if you’d actually buy a ticket!”

The point is hopefully clear. One can think of fertilizing the soil. It’s as if Spirit gives each of us a blessed seed deep in our hearts. That seed is a gift of the Universe and we are no more able to create it than we can create a flower. But that seed can lie dormant for many years (or lifetimes) until we decide to do our part. We can make the choice to water it, fertilize it, and care for it, and if we do the result will be a blessed life. Not always easy, as even the saints can face turmoil and struggle. But we will be walking the path intended for us.Truly, that is what being blessed is.

Or we can become distracted with the things of this world: money, adventures, career, house, even family. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these things, unless they interfere with cultivating our garden. May we be fully present in every aspect of our lives but may we never forget or overlook the precious gift of that small sacred seed deep in our hearts.

Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West