Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message July 4, 2010

Celebration

July 4th is the perfect day to begin our new topic of the month: Celebration.

Celebrations abound on this day. There are parades, cookouts, gatherings, contests, carnivals, picnics, and of course fireworks. We love the ability to celebrate, especially when we have the approval of celebrating as a community. Neighbors are more forgiving regarding noise late at night. We have an excuse to have seconds at the picnic table and there is an overall happiness in the air. We smile more at one another and even greet a stranger or two.

As we enjoy this day of celebrating America’s independence, let us turn inward to see what else is waiting to be celebrated. While we jump at the chance to party and enjoy the festivities of a holiday, we may not be so ready to celebrate the Life we experience.

At the beginning of this summer my dog transitioned and my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is choosing to transition. For months, I was in a fog. I was not sure how to proceed within the joy of my life. As time allowed the fog to clear and I allowed the Presence of God to fill my heart I found a new space emerging. I found that through loss comes renewal. I AM alive and well even when events around me appear to be distressing. My thoughts are what are distressing. My mom seems at peace with her situation and decision. It is my thoughts about her life that saddened me, not the situation. In her ability to release and let go, she has provided many gifts. The best gift is that going through this process with her; I realize I AM able to handle it. I AM able to create a larger space within. I AM able to honor her Divinity. I AM able to co-create with God the next steps of my own spiritual growth.

I have now begun to open the door for another dog to love. A few months ago when I said that I would not get another dog, a friend asked me “how can you deny yourself that kind of unconditional love?” After spending time in prayer I realized she was right! As I open myself to new possibilities, I celebrate my renewal. A new breed is manifesting itself within my awareness. A new path is being created. A spark has returned to my eyes.

This 4th of July, I will celebrate the independence of my own thoughts. I will celebrate Life no matter how it is manifesting. As I embrace the unity in all life, I release my need for things to remain the same. I allow my inner light to shine. May you also celebrate the freedom we have to think, act and be just “as we are.” Take time this weekend to celebrate not just the freedom of America, but your own freedom. May your own freedom lead you to honor the Divine Spirit within. May each day be a celebration of your Life as you grow within the spirit of “who you really are.” Know that the I AM within me is the I AM within you. Celebrate and Live Life!

Happy 4th of July!