WANDERING

The soul calls from the shadows of the mind when we are too consumed with sunlight's laughter to always listen. We often don't pay as much attention to this dialogue of ethereal hints that echo from the heart of God.

There are many reasons we ignore or don't listen to this dialogue. In part it is because to hear it one must have their spiritual hearing properly function.

While we strain to listen for shouts in terms of miracles or dramatic moments, there are times when God speaks softly and oh so personally. Still, we look for the lightning and thunder and ignore or fail to hear the whispers.

I was speaking to a friend of mine about another companion of ours. This person has a certain problem with some health issues that changes in his behavior would improve. However, like so many, he hasn't been able to conquer those addictions demons. So at this point he has reach a crossroads where he has simply chosen to give up on trying in any way to deal with his problem.

Lots of us face crisis and choices in life that we can't always conquer. We wander the paths of decision, struggling with the landscape and never quite sure why some road end in a dead end. Sometimes the weariness of disappointed settles into one's being. So we respond by giving up completely and not even trying in order to avoid the pain of more disappointment.

Success is for many the true test of a given choice. If one labors hard and long enough we expect a reward. If we reach a point where we feel no success is even remotely possible some will simply quit trying.

And on the surface we can certainly appreciate why some would give up. If doing so truly brought peace then it would be a good thing.

The problem is that inside there is that flame of desire. An inner witness implanted in us by God that is to inspire and guide us. In that context, success is not the priority, but the simple labor of obedience.

To give up goes against that basic desire. We may on the surface find some merit in it, but deep down we will be haunted by the void created from our giving up.

If giving up truly helped it would be understandable. However, in reality it simply creates "ghosts" of unspent passions. They haunt us as God intends and in the process we become unable to find the calm sought.

Wandering becomes the pathway not of choice, but of avoidance. Instead of being able to savor our wisdom of not chasing the impossible, we simple carry all the baggage of our shortcomings like far too heavy luggage. Sometimes the best success is the one that comes from trying because we know it is the path divinely inspired regardless of what the world sees.