Mind Over Matters

Stepping Through the Open Door

Recently I perceived that a friend/colleague really let me down - promising to support me in a project and then literally dumping me to do another project with someone else I had recently introduced them to.  I have know this person for about 15 years, had supported them through a divorce, their own ups and downs in their careers, and recently spent countless hours helping them on a publishing project of their own. They had called me several months ago to see how we could "work together" on some  projects of mine we had discussed a year or so ago that I have been needing to get off the ground for quite some time.  

I was so grateful - thinking that finally God had answered my prayers.  And God had - only not in the way I had expected.

There are two ways I feel we can respond to events in our lives - one from a personality level and one from a Soul level.  

• The personality is all about me - what's in it for me, what expectations I have...me mee meeeee.  
• From the Soul perspective we look at the world view - how can I serve, what's in it for them and having NO expectations.
  

When I first found out how this person had let me down, (my perception remember) my little child personality threw a tantrum - I cried, I hurt, got angry and shook my fists at the Universe... I wrote several missives...and then thankfully deleted them therefore preventing myself from committing suicide by email...

After wallowing in the emotions and the feelings of betrayal I had against this person and God - I got quiet and went into meditation. This was not an instantaneous process - it took several long days of trying to meditate only to come out of it with tears running down my face, my heart beating with anger and self-pity.  But I kept at it - knowing that if I didn't resolve this I would get sick or worse - blow up at someone that didn't deserve it. But damn it my heart hurt...

As I worked through it, I finally remembered one of the many lessons I studied in seminary - and  still trying to implement in my life:  the fact that those that offer us the biggest challenges are those who, at a Soul level, love us the most.  They have agreed to have a sacred contract with us to support us in our spiritual progress by testing us and helping us to hone that hard-to-grasp concept of unconditional love.  Much like Judas loved and served Jesus - without the betrayal, there would have been no sacrifice, and thus no redemption for all of humanity. 

Tough love indeed! 

Finally, this morning I woke up in gratitude for the spiritual lessons this person has afforded me. Remembering that we are all connected and there is an opportunity for growth in every challenge that is sent our way. Its our response to the challenge that determines our growth. And Unconditional Love is loving people no matter what.  

When one door slams in your face - look for the open door - but don't walk through it with old baggage.

 "Forgive and you will be forgiven....For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."   Luke 6:37-38

As long as we hold a modicum of unforgiveness in our hearts, we are holding ourselves back from realizing our fullest potential and allowing God to provide for us in ways we are not always privy to. Forgive, let go and walk forward with eager anticipation to the next step that God has waiting.

* stepping through the open door now - with two open palms -one with which to give and one with which to receive.

Thank you my friend, for loving me so much.

May Love prevail on earth.  And So It Is