So Much Sky to See

            To not settle for a life that is devoid of emotion is a tribute to our self-love.  I've come to realize something about the universe, and I think it important to share with you at this crossroad.  Often, we make proclamations that we want to change.  We desire to invest our efforts in improving the person we are.  Whether it's to give up a destructive habit, or to invest in our personal growth; (that being obtaining more education, expanding our spirituality, or just general all around 'self' house cleaning)

            Whatever the reason for this moment; sought or thrust upon us, such as life's events like death or relationship crises, all in all we come to the moment of proclamation that we desire change, and we address it as a plan to do better.  No sooner do we make this 'resolution' than it seems the universe test us.  For some, it is a reason to give up...that the world is just against them...but I'd submit, it’s the universe saying..." Really?"

            If earnest for change, what better way than to face those situations having wrought our complaint?  If its weight; the feast is offered upon our commitment to not over indulge.  If it's smoking; a poker party with your smoking friend is delivered.  The situations go on endlessly, but the amusing thing for me is to recognize that whatever the challenge, the universe is right there presenting opportunity to test our resolve.  To allow us to 'wear' our desire to be as we wish;  always as a test to our commitment to that change.  Certainly wisdom delivered in a gaily-colored box would be a delight.  As would be compassion,

    " Oh yes, another helping of that is always welcomed"

 but really, isn't that rather Pollyannaish to entertain that our growth is something that is effortless?  When did that fantasy become an embraced fact of life?  We all know that gains come from sacrifice of comfort; where work is necessary investment for bearing fruits of desires.  We do not become accomplished musicians over night, nor command the fluency of languages, or competencies in anything that we've mastered in our lives in a single deft stroke.  It took time and dedicated and determined effort.  Wisdom's kiss is strife embraced.  Compassion's cloak is woven from tears of suffering.  Why would we think, or feel, that our wishes were cheap?  Resist the tendency to believe that our obstacles are there to break our resolve.  They are opportunities for us to participate and so feel connected.

              Be determined and continue to seek fulfillment of heart, and not measure progress by obtaining results.  The investment of the heart is the journey, not the destination.  It is not the seeing the course, but the walking of the road of self-love.  And those are daily steps of self-appreciation.  I'll share with you this truth.  Love is an expression of self.  Not something that is attained from others.  Love is given, not taken. We've been deluded into accepting that our spirits and hearts are subject to the same promise of Burger King.... Having it your way.  Our challenge is to seek our joy, and recognize that they are independent of the actions of others.  Where desire to control the world, is our proclamation that we do not love.  Instead, that we embrace fear and will work to its end, that of consumption of our attention and efforts.  Love is release from our fear; to enjoy our hearts delights in being.  When we love, we give out of our gratitude.  We invest our compassion in lifting those that we have affections for, never concerned with what we get in return.  Because the truth of it is, when we love sincerely we receive the gift from within.  When we feel connected we extinguish the life dampening delusion of being alone.

            I embrace my fellow companions in this divine awakening.  Saluting their personal courage to explore a better way and take this walk.  When we are out of shape, sudden activity will make our muscles sore; but that's transitory.  If we refuse to allow the discomfort to dissuade our effort, soon we will be robust in our health and then can engage in joy of activities of all sorts.  So it is with the heart; if it languishes unused, then when it does suddenly fly up in expression of its nature, it too will experience the pain and hurts of being out of shape. 

Yet even as our spirits take flight; making for sore wings, we must have faith and keep flying

            There's still just so much sky to see.