Life’s Enduring Journey – Part 1

We are all blessed with the presence of spirit.  In many cultures and traditions, Spirit derives from the same root as the word for breathing and inspiration.  On the day we draw our first breath we become a part of the living breathing universe and partake of a common spiritual energy which enfolds all of us and derives its own power from earth, sun, sea and air.  In the Desiderata we find these words;

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

And from the day we draw our first breath, we begin an exciting journey of discovery which helps us to grow and meet the challenge of a spiritual being developing the human condition known as life.

From the very beginning of our journey we are offered many chances to learn. Each step along the way builds on the previous.  Each step provides a building block which allows us to take the leap of faith and move forward.

The eyes of a newborn see the world from the arms of a mother’s love.  We feel safe and secure in the physical comfort and strength of those arms which hold us firmly.  From there we learn to take those first steps into the larger environment of family and friends.  Early childhood is such an important time.  Differences, change and challenge all become a constant as we evolve from infancy to childhood.  We need those changes to ensure that we don’t become stuck in ideas and rigid thoughts which hamper our growth.  Adults should encourage children to actively seek challenges which teach them how to grow in strength and purpose.  One day, all too soon, we are young adults ready to face the larger world.

How will we step out there into the wide world?  How do we know that we can maintain a willingness to explore the diversity of humanity?  How can we do all this with a eagerness of spirit and an respectful awareness of our fellow travelers?

During those young adult years we must use the world of education and peer support to engage our senses and determine our destiny.  Will we lead or follow?  Will we make a change or fall into the comfort of routine accepting the status quo?  Questions will arise which should enable us to find the most meaningful path.  Sometimes we need to serve our own needs and sometimes the needs of others.  Our goal must be to know that in choosing a path we satisfy the soul’s yearning for a faith which sustains us, hope which fulfills us and a love which keeps us focused on the journey.

Many times in life we are confronted with a flash of insight. The crossroads of past present and future intersect. For the traveler it is a moment like no other.  We sense a wake up call to service or to serve.  We are asked to make a commitment to the integrity of our determined purpose or a cause beyond what we could even imagine.  The self awareness of that defining moment in our lives must resonate deeply within us.  And, we must answer the call.

Our life’s journey, may come early or it may come later.  It may be a product of the history we bring from our ancestors or it may be a result of the incident from childhood which drives us forward.  Sometimes tragedy is the cause and for others it may be an injustice which opens the door to a realization.  That moment of recognition is the culmination of one journey and the beginning of another.