Message #9

Today I am grateful for my years of study in theological and spiritual affairs. The education as
well as personal experience has given me confidence that I have access to a spiritual space in
my mind. Otherwise I would be swimming in fear and worry in the material section of my mind. I
know from others that my mind gets triggered by influences around me and forms a perception
of fear. Or it forms a perception of faith. The mind is twofold (Martin Buber, I and Thou). Think of
this human process as clicking to “the world” mode or the “spiritual” mode. Perhaps there is a
blended mode. In any case I get to choose which mode. The point of this note is to
acknowledge that the “faith” mode takes mental energy because reflection is work. By contrast,
a constant barrage of fearful threats can go unchecked, as in “inaction.” Vigilance and reflection
take time, energy, and faith in a Sovereign (unseen) you can trust.

Living by the law of one day at a time (never mentioned in my 18 years of formal education), I
will take the faithful route today and see what I can do to advance the power of faith over fear.
So far today I have discussed the financing of my grandson’s acceptance to U of Charleston,
where he lives. I have also celebrated with my son 25 years of his tradition of having “guys” at
his winter camp. And, looking around my home’s interior, I can be grateful for 42 years of
architectural beauty, glorious design, and old and reliable materials. Last, I will make another
trip to my local store for shredding 25 pounds of “over and done with” papers and files. The
home’s interior is heated with a 25 year old geothermal energy, no petroleum involved… a good
example of faithful living in a sustainable way despite the naysayers. And for those who are
asking, I will take my 17-year old labradoodle for a walk. She is recovered and magnificent!
So, I note that I am surrounded by glory and beauty and that I can help with my part in
contributing to a better world in which both material and spiritual are nicely blended.

Let’s toast to the beauty of this world and our strength to maintain it in our own small way! Our
many minds might change what needs to be changed in the world.

Thank you.