Guest Author - Linda J. Paul

I am sitting here on this beautiful early summer morning surrounded by books. As I glanced around, it struck me how diverse their titles were. The Goddess Oracle, 90 Minutes in Heaven, a Baptist Worship and Service Hymnal (I was looking for some music for a Mary Magdalene service), and Singing the Living Tradition, a U.U. songbook.

In my yard I have a full sized labyrinth. In the middle, facing the four directions, are a statue of Buddha, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and statues of the Earth God and Goddess. In the center of all of them is an Angel on a pedestal who represents Spirit. Above her head on a branch is a Native American dreamcatcher. The message here is that all dreams lead to the same place.

People come from all over the place to sit by the fire pit, walk the labyrinth, enjoy the brook in the front yard, or to visit with the cat population here. It is not unusual to have people wandering through my front yard day or night. Many times I come home and find that the lawn has been trimmed, or that a new lawn item has mysteriously appeared.

On the Full Moons, we have a gathering of people from many different faiths. We share food and conversation, and at dusk we join hands outside in a circle, and do “magic.”

Sometimes it is healing energy sent to those in need, other times it may be releasing things in our lives that are holding us back, and at other times it may be a guided meditation to help and bring balance into our lives.

Sometimes on a Sunday I do a service at the U.U. Church. These have ranged from Buddhist, to Wiccan, to Jewish, to Muslim. And, on the second Sunday of the month, a diverse group of individuals meet at the church for a drumming circle. On the last Sunday of the month we join forces to put on a community meal and clothing closet for the needy.

I am going to Hospice College on line currently, thanks to donations from some very loving spirits who helped me with the financial burden.

If I had not opened myself and my home to diversity, I would never have met the amazing, loving and compassionate people I am honored to call “friends.” I would never have learned so much about living, dying, and life in all of it’s aspects. I would never have had the courage or the wisdom to pursue my dreams. And, I wouldn’t be writing this article now.

I may not have all of the answers to life, in fact, I have very few. But there are some important things that I have learned in this lifetime.

I have learned to give and in so doing have learned how to receive. When people ask me if they can help.. I say “yes” instead of “no.”

I have learned that feeding your spirit is just as important as feeding your body.

I have learned to quietly listen, and that sometimes silence speaks volumes.

I have learned, (and this was a tough one) to say “I’m sorry” when I make a mistake.

I have learned to forgive.

I have learned to have gratitude for what I have. And, that in the face of adversity, I always have enough courage, fortitude and understanding to make it through any situation.

I feel that my life has been blessed beyond measure. And, life is always an adventure, every moment of every day there is an opportunity to learn and grow in spirit.

May you find your blessings in whatever way makes you happy and at peace with yourself and the world around you.

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!