A Spiritual Awakening, Part II. What It Looks Like, and Balcony People: We Need Them If We Want to Thrive ....................4/28/11

      How was your day? Today's topic, a Spiritual Awakening follows these gratitudes.
My Gratitudes for Thursday:

1. I'm thankful I was inspired to tackle unpleasant tasks Wednesday. I made twelve business-related  phone calls that were intense and emotionally draining.  I prefer tranquility and serenity. Afterwards, I was worn out. That night, I went to bed, early.  I'm glad I exercised perseverance; the actions I took yesterday met my need for support and effectiveness.

2. I'm grateful for books. I know that reading reduces the chance of getting dementia,
when I'm older. We fire the neurons and dendrites in our brain when we read. This doesn't happen much when we watch TV or DVDs-----they put our minds in a more passive mode---they do the imagining for us. Studying allows me to grow as a person.

3. I look forward to speaking tomorrow about  having a spiritual awakening. I'll share what it looks like, when we have it. Below are some of the things I'll mention. When I speak I'll use additional illustrations, humor, quotations, along with practical applications, not included in what I've written below.

Some Characteristics of a Spiritual Awakening:

     I.  Instead of obsession or constant crisis, we enjoy more inner peace.
     We realize the futility of trying to control others.The only person we have control over---and even here we are less than successful---is ourselves. My choices are the only thing I can control. It isn't my job to determine what is acceptable for others. Most importantly, we lay aside self-will and realize our need for a personal relationship with God.
     II.  We have less interest in judging others and ourselves.

"Condemning my imperfections has never enhanced my ap-
    preciation of life nor has it helped me to love myself more."

     III.  We act spontaneously instead of operating by fearful control.
     What a relief it is regain the playfulness God intends for us to enjoy. Even as adults it's critical to play, and have fun and celebrate life. For many, this is hard to do----abuse from the past leaves deeply rooted scars.  As children, some were four years old, going on forty. Alcohol, sexual, emotional, verbal or drug abuse in the family affects everyone. Abuse prevents a child from being a child.
     IV.  Moments of appreciation for little things happen more frequently.
     One of life's gifts is when we can stay in the moment and treasure the gifts God bestows upon us in a given day: the laughter of child, a smile from a stranger, experiencing an unexpected kind deed, seeing a flock of birds soaring in the sky, are little kisses from God that can be overlooked, if we allow our circumstances to overwhelm us. We won't have time or the mental space needed in order to luxuriate in them.
     V.  We find ourselves relaxing and going with the flow.

"Peace comes not from the absence of con-
flict, but from our ability to cope with it."

         It's easier to relax when we realize that there is only one God, and we are not Him.When I worry, I'm dwelling on the future and I have a problem with trust. When I have resentments and bitterness, I focusing on the past and have a problem with forgiveness. In each case I'm not where I am, in the present. All I have is now. When I rely upon God's strength I'm able to stay grounded. I'm able to maximize my use of today. I don't have thoughts weighing me down, hindering what I can accomplish today.

    VI. We Draw Strength from Spiritual Disciplines.
           We enjoy making time, daily, to pray, meditate, trying to increase our conscious contact with God,  We pray for knowledge of God's Will and the power to carry it out. For other spiritual disciplines, you might want to take a look at the post, "Getting Through the Day."

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Balcony People

      What a gift it has been, experiencing a larger, supportive family, as time has gone by. I not only have a flesh-and-blood family, but an expanded family due to others who've become a part of my life and are my Balcony People. These are dear ones who love and accept me unconditionally, they are in the grandstands of my life, cheering me on, as I run the marathon of life.

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     Most of you readers know the routine in this inn.  Would it be possible for you to please share three things which prompt gratitude?  I trust that those posted here remind us that there are many things that can stir us to express thankfulness. Hearing your gratitudes, I like. It provides fellowship. Celebrating your joys with you makes this guy a happy innkeeper.