Holy Day

Every day is indeed special... but yesterday was more so. I say that because Spirit’s Presence and hand in the unfolding of events was so clear.

Yesterday Rog and I were called into service to marry Alana and Matthew, a college couple who wanted a simple wedding ceremony in Sedona. They asked us to gather the two witnesses required by the state and to select a locale. We chose the site of the Amitabha Stupa, a bronze image of the Buddha of Limitless Light that is filled with hundreds of millions of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual objects. It is a beacon of light and virtue and is considered a vortex of Enlightened Presence, radiating waves of compassion to all beings. And, you don't have to be a Buddhist to visit it and benefit from it.

Here the grounds have character, the vistas are beautiful and abundant. There is even a ramada to offer some protection from the elements, which was a consideration yesterday as it was blustery and there was a chance of rain.

Rog and I arrived early to go over the logistics. Over the course of time while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, not only did the two people we’d asked to be witnesses show up, but one-by-one so did three other people we knew! When we explained why we were at the Stupa wearing our ministerial stoles, they were all intrigued. We asked if they’d like to join us in the wedding and they readily agreed.

Each of our five friends contributed to the wedding celebration both in the physical realm and spiritual. One friend led the group in the ceremonial walk of seven times around the Stupa, chanting a Tibetan prayer. Another had a video camera with him as he had bicycled over to the Stupa to shoot sacred garden space - little did he know he’d be photographing a wedding! Another had an orange and a bar of chocolate that she turned into a ceremonial offering for the wedding (she found out you’re not permitted to leave food as an offering at the Stupa) - she was also the unexpected still photographer. Another offered up words of congratulations, love, and wisdom as we toasted the newlyweds drinking sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses (the bride and groom’s of course were specially decorated). And, our fifth friend provided restaurant suggestions for a romantic dinner. All contributed their spiritual consciousness.

Much of this was unplanned - well, at least by us humans. There was way too much synchronicity and “woo-woo-ness” to go into detail here, but suffice is to say that Spirit indeed had a plan. Nine beings were brought together at a sacred space in Sedona to celebrate a sacred sacrament. It was awesome.

Each ‘guest’ played a part in uplifting and supporting Alana and Matthew as they embarked on their new life. Each called themselves into service on a moment’s notice. This was a wedding that could not have been more perfect if it had been planned for 12 months, had cost $50,000, and 200 guests attended. For this perfect wedding was orchestrated by God and God needs no advance timing, money, or more people than is required to do His work.

We converged at the Stupa as if by clockwork and this coming together was not lost on any of us. I don’t think this event was just about two people entering holy matrimony. I think it was so much about God wanting to send us messages - many messages - and clearly announce Its existence. I’m still processing it all; I’m so grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary experience - thank You, Spirit!

We joked that this couple had eloped because they have big families and didn’t want to have a big wedding where most of the guests are... well, ya know, strangers. Instead they chose to be with us... strangers! But of course, we were not strangers at all. We came together as one family under God, with God’s presence shining. It was indeed a holy day to recognize God all around and in us.

Congratulations, Alana and Matthew! And, thank you for bringing us and God all together to celebrate you!

Purpose and Service

I’m back once again thinking about my life and what meaning there is in it. I feel that my life only has purpose when I am being of service. When I was very involved in the 12 Step program, I felt that I was of service to others who came after me in pain and in need of healing. Through my own experience, I was able to provide strength and help to others, as those who came before me had helped me. I was able to listen, to love, and to not judge, to accept other folks at the level they were at.

I was reminded today that my experience gives me a purpose in life. With it - hitting bottom and rising up from it - I’ve learned compassion. With that opening of heart, I am able to help others, to serve God.

This world of form is changing mighty quickly these days, making way for a new world, a new way of living. Many people are in pain - and not even aware of it. I am in the ranks of those who are being prepared to help those less aware and enlightened about this world of form and how it fits into our lives, our being. My life experience has paved the way.

My purpose is to help others to realize that regardless of what the material world looks like and offers in terms of ‘toys’, we are eternal spiritual beings, whole and perfect, full of love.

My purpose is to hold the sacred space and help people realize that they are not alone. We are all One, we are all in this together, and all is well.

Dear Spirit -
I offer my love, my compassion, and my peace to You in service.

Enlightenment

This morning, during coffee vacation with Rog, my ego got off into expressing itself, venting frustration, fear, and who knows what else. I certainly wasn’t in my right mind as I thought about my current life and what was going on in it, or for that matter, what was not going on it. I was far from being in the mode of acceptance, surrender or joy. I was in a hissy fit.

And so I had to chuckle when I listened to an audio file Rog had sent my way last night. In it, the speaker told the following story.

Edgar Cayce was asked “What is it to be enlightened?” He said, “Prior to enlightenment you would chop wood, build fire, and carry water. Then after enlightenment you would chop wood, build fire, and carry water. The only difference after enlightenment is you would enjoy the process.”

Well I certainly wasn’t thinking in an enlightened manner this morning when my ego took over. I may not always be a happy camper enjoying the process that my life is in the middle of these days. However, if I would ‘just’ stay focused in the Now, on God, I might be enlightened for the moment (my ego would lighten up). And, there I would find peace.