Keeping Our Center ~ Day 40

So, I’ve been writing these for forty days now. Forty was a significant number in the Bible signifying a “long time.” It reminds me of Jesus spending forty days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Clearly it was a transformative time for him where he grew in wisdom and confidence in himself and God. I wonder if, at the end of all this, we’ll be able to say the same.

Just because the wilderness experience was transformative for Jesus doesn’t mean it was easy. They rarely are. Nope, in the wilderness we’re bound to come across all sorts of things we don’t like… wild beasts, bad weather, heavy burdens, baggage, hunger, loneliness, fear, longing, and darkness. But if one has courage and resilience, the wilderness also holds enormous treasures more valuable than gold, silver or a year’s supply of toilet paper!

What treasure is that, you ask. It is the treasure of wisdom, the kind that is only born through struggle (which is really annoying, but there you have it.) It is the treasure of deeper understanding - of ourselves and the world. And, it is the treasure of becoming more authentic.

Here are a few critical things to keep in mind in the wilderness… first, you’ve survived the wilderness before and you will again. Yes, this too shall pass (trite, but true). Second, take deep breaths. When we get anxious or scared we breathe more shallowly. A deep breath slows us, grounds us, gives us a chance to regain perspective so we can cultivate that much desired wisdom. Third, we are never alone, even when we feel alone. Not only is the Eternal Essence with us, but everyone who has ever been, is, or will be, is also with us.

Love & Light!

Kaye