Dear Spiritual Family,
Just recently, Mary and I made the three-hour journey to my hometown of Greenwood, SC. There we experienced my Sixtieth High School Reunion over a two-day weekend.
Around one hundred of us gathered, the majority were old classmates, many with spouses present. I had known several of them as childhood friends who lived in our neighborhood, and we had a chance to relive some of those more memorable moments.
As with most such “seasoned” reunions, there were many who had made their transitions, some at very young ages. We also learned of the losses many of those present had experienced – siblings, spouses, and their own children. Many of those present were in poor health. There was a “Memorial Board” there with over one hundred and twenty names of classmates who had stepped through the veil to their next experience of life.
As the evening progressed, different ones shared lighter moments of those high school years with the group. I sat, somewhat patiently, waiting for a significant acknowledgement of those “departed” souls, some of whom were, no doubt looking in, but it didn’t come. So, prompted by my desire to address them and the hearts of those who had lost other loved ones, I approached the microphone and offered a prayer.
Essentially, I acknowledged God’s love and our love for those who had passed from our physical sight – our classmates, their spouses, children, siblings, and all who had been a part of our lives. And I spoke to “their” ongoing love for us in this earthly realm. In the hours after this, a number of folks shared with Mary and me how meaningful the prayer was for them.
As I reflected on the weekend, what became clear to me is how, for those of us on the spiritual path, we might take for granted the importance of the light that our respective spiritual understanding can bring.
From the Tao Te Ching: A wise person does not strive to shine, yet their presence brings light. They do not compete, yet they are never defeated. Flowing like water, they nourish all without seeking praise. They embrace humility, and so they are grounded. They trust the unfolding of life and act without force, knowing that true strength lies in gentleness.
The light you bring is a blessing to all you hold in consciousness and to those that you encounter, even briefly, day to day. We think it’s important for those of us on this path of spiritual deepening not to take for granted the light and love that naturally emanates from our individual and collective hearts.
We don’t have to be fully realized beings to make a significant difference to our fellow sisters and brothers. We can simply do our best to live with our hearts open and the Holy Spirit will surely do the rest.
Thank you for being on this path with us. We honor each of you and we love you and so appreciate the Light You bring,
Rev. Steve and Mary