#525 Choice, Joy and Friends

The following is part of a Michael Chat. It resonates with me. It helps me to understand this world I am currently experiencing. It makes sense. However, it is only a part of the chat which you will find here should you so choose to read further.

There is no good work in solitude as a way of life. For the time of looking inward, yes. For the time of pulling one's self together after the activity of the hour, yes. For a state or preference in dealing with the world, no. No one ever expanded agape or evolved in the soul by escaping to a mountain fastness to be alone. Are your connections always satisfying? No, many are frustrating, exasperating, unfriendly, hurtful, demeaning. But taken as a whole, we would say that going about the world, enduring, enjoying, enabling, is the means for growth and in the end bliss.

You will notice we did not say 'happiness'. Happiness is not gained from others. Happiness is created within. Again, we do not say 'found'. It is created and re-created minute by minute. However, you are from a creature whose bent was sociability. And sociability means interaction with others of the same kind.

The lesson for me is the value, to me, in the choice of interacting with others and choosing those actions which bring the feeling of well-being. Once one "retires" from the world of work, the opportunities for interaction change. It is at this time I seek interaction in a different way. (Reading and writing blogs is just one way for me to interact with others.) It is now when friendships are important. As an example, this past weekend we had the opportunity to have a TGIF get-together with a couple who we have been able to call on a Friday afternoon and invite to dinner. They do the same. This time they made the call and we were able to dine with them. The nice thing about it is the camaraderie. We have been doing this for the past 25+ years. We don't meet every Friday and the times are less frequent. The times are cherished for the friendship as well as the food and wine.

The other get-together was with two couples who never have been together socially. We know the women but had not spent any time with the men in their lives. A wine/cheese tasting prior to dinner seemed the perfect way to get to know them. The time was magic. There was no awkwardness, just openness and good humor. As Michael pointed out above, it is all about interaction and choosing the outcome. We all chose happiness and joy.

Next week Maryann and I choose to be with our family at our youngest daughters home. I suspect a good time will be had by all. At least that is my choice.

#525

#418 Farewell, Walt

Yesterday, Thursday, I attended a memorial and burial service for a dear friend. His body finally shut down due to diabetes. He fought long and hard and then decided that his life's mission was done. At the memorial service we were told that during his last days he was reliving those times in his work life that had brought happiness. At all times he was back on active duty in the Army. Sometimes as a Lt., or a Capt. or some other rank and with some other duty. He was a member of the Old Bastards. Today we retired his cup by wrapping black tape around it and placing with the cups of those who had preceded him. Walt, we'll miss you. You will be with us always.

The quote below comes from a recent Michael chat. I have been intrigued by Messages from Michael for about 30 years. It gives me a perspective on life that makes lots of sense. It reminded me of some of Walt's behaviors as he neared the end of his life. He had IV's and other tubes stuck into him. He was receiving dialysis. There were occasions when he was restrained because he was pulling all of that stuff out of his body. He knew his mission was completed.

I had the opportunity to visit with his youngest son about this. His family finally understood what he wanted. It was time to call it a day. They fulfilled his wishes by allowing him to go with dignity and on his own terms. I am convinced that is the same way my Mom went, too. Strangely enough, Walt died on April 8th and Mom on April 10th. They both served well. They both had totally different and important life experiences. Sometimes their lives were happy and other times they were miserable. Part if it was their own perceptions, but always due to the decisions they made.

We have said that just as much can be learned in bliss as in misery, from love rather than from fear. But we concede that fear-driven misery is a profound teacher and the lessons tend to resonate deeply in the human soul. Why is that? We do not know. But be assured that you are not the only creation that so learns. It is a common condition throughout the universes.

For each of you bearing the weight of worry, sickness, anger, helplessness in the face of events or relationships, we remind you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is called agape. And it is actually here right now. It may not smell sweet, it may not appear when you need it to remind yourself of your humanity, but it is the driving force of all creation. Fear is a distant second.

So the lesson we can take from all of this, should we choose, is to keep in mind that love (Agape) is a part of us all. It is the driving energy for us all. May you all invite that love into your lives, it will help when the times get rough.

#418