“On not accepting fear – When you are afraid of anything, you are acknowledging its power to hurt you. Remember that where your heart is, there is treasure also. You believe in what you value. If you are afraid, you are valuing wrongly.” – Meditations From A Course In Miracles
I had the distinct pleasure of spending time with my husband and a couple of friends this summer. We had delicious vegetarian meals and chatted around the campfire. We witnessed two shooting stars, a ship floating along a sunset beam on Lake Huron, two rainbows at the same time, and fireworks accompanied by folk music. Despite the torrential rains, thunderstorms, and flooding of my friend’s basement, God’s miracles were in abundance. We just needed to be in the moment to witness it all.
We came together to drop the burden of our week at the doorstep, embracing compassion and love for one another. We briefly shared our burdens, regaled stories of other family and friends, shared humorous antidotes, and relaxed in each other’s company.
I felt the weekend’s most beautiful part was the last song Mustard’s Retreat sang on Saturday; (Ours is a) Simple Faith. This song spoke volumes to me about my beliefs. How simple it is just to love. God created many forms of love so we can express it to everyone on this earth.
We create our own hell out of jealousy, fear, hatred, and judgment, which has no place in a heart full of faith, love, and compassion. If we could put away our petty differences and believe in what we value, which is love and compassion, we would appreciate and honor it more. Others would see our example and learn from us.
Imagine the beautiful world we would create if we could learn compassion and love. It all starts with me. I drop my fears and anxieties at the door. They no longer exist for me because they do not define me. Instead, I will love every being and show compassion. As hard as I believe this might be, I’m sure a gentle nudge from my subconscious will help to remind me of compassion daily.
Stacy N. Elliott 