It seems that barely a day passes without receiving word of somebody we know who has died or is close to making their earthly exit. It seems to be a season of memorial services. Amidst the sadness and the grief there have been lighter interpretations, with some suggesting there is a mass exit afoot, and we didn't get the memo.
The fragility of bodily life is painfully obvious these days. It is no more a reality than it's ever been, yet the frequent reminders heighten our awareness that life in this human form can change in an instant. Becoming more sensitive and conscious of the preciousness of life is a pearl of great value when we are struggling to find the good in the death of a loved one. Though it may feel that a part of us dies when we lose a dear one, there eventually comes the realization that we are here to live and to make the most of the years, days, minutes, or breaths that remain until our earth visa expires.
The element of death is as natural in the cycle of life on earth as buds of Spring yet most of us prefer the flowering phase. It's rare to find somebody who declares that winter is their favorite time of year, so I was surprised to hear that opinion from a woman I met recently. I asked her why winter was her favorite. Her response was, “Well it's winter right now. I want to love where I am." Her answer inspired me. I am eager to hear her declaration that Spring is her favorite time of year when that season is upon us as I expect that her preference will reflect whatever is at hand.
Death has always been an essential element of spiritual growth too. As St. Francis observed, it is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life. If we are to grow into a sense of life beyond the body; life beyond material measures, we must release those limiting self-images while we are in a body. The challenge for those of us who still live, move, and have our being on earth, is finding life before death.
Fortunately, the masters and mystics have left us clues for our search.
Characteristic of true spiritual quests, it is a journey without distance, as A Course in Miracles terms it. That is good news, meaning we can get there from here. The question is whether we can become present enough to find it. Eckhart Tolle puts it this way, "If somebody showed you to a door and told you that through that door, you would find God, pure peace, love, etc., would you go through that door? That door is the portal of the present moment."
You and I are here for a reason. The reason is, to Be here. Being here is the clarion call of infinite Presence calling us back to life, to wholeness, to peace and beauty. The present moment is the portal to the life we have been seeking over there, someday, and somewhere. That life has arrived. Now is the time for us to cease from seeking the good life in form and discover the fullness of the Divine life that is within us here and now. You have this precious moment. No more time guarantees are given. How will you live this precious moment? Wisdom suggests that we embrace life on life's terms, to acknowledge that what is appearing is what is at this moment. Arguing with reality will bring about suffering. Being with life with open-minded, open-heartedness creates the space for acceptance of what can't be changed and a ripe field of creativity where new possibilities can emerge.
Namaste,
Rev. Larry
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