Serve with integrity. Care about those you serve. Share the love in your heart & soul.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

#435 Here is a Test - Messiah's Handbook

Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished:

If you're alive, it isn't.

Recently I have become more aware of the transitory nature of being human. My mother, a dear friend, the friends of others have passed on. There has been sadness and tears at the time of their passing. There is a tendency to dwell on the loss. Such loss is particularly difficult when death comes to a young person.

Many years ago, when I first read Illusions, I was quite struck by the wisdom written in that portion of the book that was entitled, The Messiah's Handbook, Reminders for the Advanced Soul. At that time, it made a lot of sense. (It still does.) It crystallized many thoughts of why, that I had asked myself. It was a way to make sense of this life. It was not the only influence. There were many other books that helped direct my thinking about this question.

Each of us usually gives this question of "Why am I here?", some thought. Some of us more than others. Regardless of our answer it still boils down to a couple of answers - choice and mission accomplishment. Determining our mission(s) is a choice. Whether we consciously know what the mission(s) is or not we will be working to fulfill it. That is the destiny we have chosen for ourselves.

There are many guidelines to help us on our journey. We can choose to follow them or not. It might be helpful to consider why:
  • "bad" things are happening to us.
  • "bad" things are happening to others.
  • "I can never get a break", etc.
A simple answer might be, this is my life's mission. I must learn the lessons that come with these events. It all seems to boil down to choice.

The last entry in the Messiah's Handbook was this one:

Everything in this book may be wrong.

Thanks to Richard Bach, Illusions, Delacorte Press, 1977.

#435

5 comments:

Fred said...

I'm a spiritual infant and have been seeking the answer to this post with my pastor. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I think the teaching gig points me in some direction.

Polly said...

Just because a question is asked doesn't mean it is relevant or necessary. The question 'Why are we here' is not important at all.It is an arrogant and self serving question.
Take the question away and you have a more peaceful world.

Jack K. said...

Fred, you might want to read the book Illusions. It just might give you some insights. And, as the last sentence states, everything in the book may be wrong. I just love such "mysteries".

Polly, you gave a response that I expected. You don't have to believe any of it. You are a wonderful person who has her own set of beliefs. They make sense to you and I applaud you in your certainty.

Continue to serve with integrity, care about those you serve and share the love in your heart.

bronxbt said...

being someone of little to no actual spiritual belief, only the basic understandings of many religions and a general follower of the "golden rule," i LOVE your entry.

especially the ending, where yeah, it ALL could be wrong! but who's to say. what drives me nuts is how some people who spend their lives looking for a higher power, but forget to live...

what i like so much and respect about you and a scant few others is that you have your beliefs, your morals, your set of guidelines and yet you don't push. you educate, you share and you redeem yourself in your own blatant honesty by simply existing and supporting those around you and afar by being a good person!

you've never called me up or emailed me and told me i'm bent on a path to hell for not recognizing a god! no... you called me one time, a guy you've never actually seen in person, as you were passing thru seattle to see if i was "okay."

wow. that's moving, and trust me, it was to me at that point in my life.

basically, you rule. i love ya, and i truly DO hope someday to shake your hands and look into the eyes of a man i've grown to think of as surrogate family and a friend.

(and hopefully i'll have on the socks yer daughter still has yet to knit me!)

*hugz*
b

Jack K. said...

b-, thanks for your very kind feelings and words. Now I have a lot to live up to. I'll do the best I can.

Who knows? We may just be able to share some time. We are planning to be in Portland over Thanksgiving. No guarantees on getting together then. Perhaps you will have some socks knit for you by then. snicker.