God is Not My Spiritual Bell Boy 11/14/11

This image does not
reflect God. I'm sor-
ry if you were mista-

 ken.

        Good evening everyone,

Recently, I was schooled in a lesson while la-boring on a project, lugging a suitcase of tasks related to it, up the steep stairs of unseeable results.  This undertaking was foreign to me, but I was confident in seeing this task completed.

       Others told me to give up.  Nope.  No can do.  

       Success often requires faith, and faith goes beyond the dictates of reason and circumstances.  While pushing ahead, if we---as a result of our insecurities---need all the outcomes figured out, where's the faith?

       Faith involves doing what takes faith.(Read  here, for more about this idea.)

       I'm not prone to throwing in the towel, when circumstances aren't going well.  There's something to be said for per-severance.

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins–not through strength but by perseverance.”                                  – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

       By phone, I determinedly approached others regarding this chal-lenge; I engaged contacts face-to-face.  All efforts appeared for naught.  A lack of results didn't rattle me.

       What I do or don't achieve does not define me.  I'm thankful for the freedom found in leaving my best efforts in God's hands, trusting Him for the results.  I believe in the Power of Persistence.

      However, I find it best knowing endurance born of prayer and medi-tation---connecting with the God of my understanding.  Seeking God's will----not relying solely upon my muscle or cognitive abilities----remains the preferred option.  I am not the end all and be all of any endeavor.  

       Seeking God's help, relying upon His resources, works well.  As with everything I write, please take what you like and leave the rest.

      God will never be our spiritual bell boy.  He doesn't wear a goofy uniform, His role does not include being our lackey.  You're know these guys, they work at hotels, and tote your luggage to your room, hoping for a tip when they've dropped it off.

      We don't boss God around; snap-ping our fingers, saying, "God, I want to do__ ____ (you name it).  Now, bless my efforts and give me what I want!"  Instead, we want to ask for His guidance. 

       When we commit our ways to Him, God establishes our plans.  I like the light Paths To Recovery shines on this subject:

Remember that asking our Higher Power for help does not mean asking for specific results---that is asking God to execute [perform---not kill---as one person I know once interpreted] our will!  Turning our will and our lives over to God means that we put the outcome in God's hands.   Paths to Recovery, Al-Anon's Steps, Traditions,  and Concepts, Virginia Beach, VA: (1997). 29, Print.

           Well, today it happened.  The results regarding this endeavor arrived.  It was lovely and its route was unexpected.  

          I basked in seeing the vision regarding this matter fulfilled.  God's humor was displayed.  The payoff for my efforts was rewarding, the route to this conclusion, unexpected. 

          Figures. Seeing things work out better when I "do the next right thing" and get out of the way, was lovely.  One of the persons who prompted me to quit----when I was struggling----was with me tonight when the outcome was unveiled; she was speechless. 

          Having little faith, produces small results. "According to your faith be it unto you," a spiritual leader, from long ago once said.  Operating from God's point of view, broadens life's possibilities.  

          Big faith allows God to work, unfettered by our negativity, fear, puny faith and limited perspective.  Exercising faith enabled Him to unleash His divine power.  It humbles us, remembering that reality is not limited to our senses, capabilities or logic.  

         Thank God for that.

         It's emotionally satisfying knowing, at the cellular level----not just cognitively----there's only one God and we are not Him.  God and us can make a powerful team.  Such a partnership enables us to do our best, unshackled by our limited resources.  Confusion and apprehen-sion are placed in God's hands; it's our best option.

        Worry avails little.  Yes, it can provide a pseudo sense of control.  But it remains fake. 

        Even if we think we are in charge, we aren't.  Growth transpires when we realize we are powerless over all the nouns and pronouns in our life: people, places and things. (Paths, p 13)  Knowing this fact allows us to sleep better and worry less; we become easier for others to relate with. 

        It right-sizes us, reminding us of our dependence upon God.  It also promotes an Attitude of Gratitude, for we've found relief: no longer need we live life relying upon our power alone.  The heavy lug-gage carried up the stairs of our concerns no longer rests upon our shoulders, but His.

How About You? 
What connection do you have with God?  Where would you like it to be?  How do you define the God of your understanding?

     Writing and reading, due to the Internet and blogs like this one, has become a social act.  Let me hear your response and comments on this subject. I'd love hearing what you have to say, even if you read this months after this was written.  Your opinion is important to me.