Pleasure. It evokes a negative reaction in me. To me, it equals self-indulgence: "I'm such a delicious human being. I want to feel delicious all the time".
But, she talks about learning to balance pleasure and devotion. What is pleasure? Indulging the senses? I've been told that feelings are the least important things. Am I ashamed of pleasure? Do these things, pleasurable things bring me joy? A well-cut card or a nice piece of paper? My grandfather's watch? My desk? A good cup of coffee?
If these things weren't meant to aid in our joy or happiness, then why are they here? Granted, they all have practical functions, but aren't they part of God's love? Aren't they agents, vessels as much as I am? Maybe I don't know what real joy, real happiness or real pleasure is, because I've only known selfishness, self-centeredness, self-indulgence.
Why do people only think of the Easterners as the truly spiritual? Have we Westerners really screwed it up that much? What if there existed a place, a culture where spirituality, science and government coexisted? This question came to me earlier, but it was rekindled by "Martian Chronicles". I don't want Miss Gilbert to take all the credit. Ha! Like a New York Times Best Seller would care about my musings here!
There could still be separation of Church and State. But, spirituality, not religion, could be brought into every day life. People could be given the freedom to worship, pray or meditate how they will, but keeping organized religion out of it, Everyone could see the benefit of a higher power, but they wouldn't define it for another human being. It would be up to each individual. Or, they can choose agnosticism or atheism if they wish. But, government officials could not dictate to the citizens what God they ought to pray to, if they choose to pray at all.
It might look something like this: A public elementary school teacher gives 10 to 20 minutes quiet time before the start of each class, guiding a morning prayer and meditation.
With an open, kind, loving, giving mind, no other religious practice is threatening to anybody. We ought to spread the word of God. He doesn't tell us to spread the word of Scott, or the word of the Missouri Synod, or Luther or Christianity. He says to spread the word in all His books. He doesn't tell us to argue amongst ourselves as to which book is the right book, or the true word. Nor, does He tell us to preach to others and bend them to our will. You can carry the message, but you can't guarantee its delivery.
How can I say a selfless prayer? When asking for something, even something altruistic, I'm assuming I know what I, some one else or the world needs. And, I don't. So, what do I say in prayer? How do I ask without asking? Do I pray that I can be taught? Guided in God's ways? Do I pray to be more giving, kind, patient . . . I'm frustrated. Maybe, I'm just rebelling against prayer.
God's going to do what God's going to do with or without me. He's going to give me guidance whether I want it or not.
I guess all you can just do the best you can, with an open mind and an open heart . . . with "four feet firmly planted on the ground and foliage coming out of your head and a smile in your heart."
Later that night, I couldn't sleep, because I got an idea for a book. Couldn't the idea see I had to work a double the next day? It wouldn't leave me alone. So I had to write it down. Creative ideas that keep you awake at night should be written down. They are gifts from God.
Plus, something tells me I ought to thank Liz some day (yes, we're that familiar now).
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