Author begins, “Spring is a time of rejuvenation and rebirth. Images of butterflies, bright colors and vibrant freshness fill my mind. Everything good, clean and new happens in the spring, doesn’t it?”
Doesn’t that sound like Spring to you? She goes on to say that we must always first endure the dark time of winter-and that winter must come to an end before we can enjoy the spring.
(Q) Winter and spring are of course metaphors for times of darkness and times of light. Is it possible to embrace both actual and metaphorical winter as a time of great beauty and preparation for the new? What do you think about winter? Does the winter have to be endured like she pictures us? Have you ever thought to see if it is possible to be grateful for the gifts that only winter can give?
(Q) I am sure all who are here have been in a winter of some sort. What would your winter look like …can any of you share that? Now that you recall a winter you have experienced as dark, painful, or difficult, can you see that it was a time of tremendous growth? As she said, …this is why we are asked to await the invisible gifts, yet to be revealed.
E Holmes tell us, “Jesus’ method of approach, during His entire ministry, was to five thanks and then command the Law to work.” (April 22).
(Q) Again, can you embrace the difficulties of a winter period with gratitude and the complete faith of knowing that there are gifts inherent (ingrained, inborn)? If any of you are currently experiencing a painful time, can you trust that spring will come again? In other words, believe and know that it will.
Impt We must all remember that in the change of season is change itself. With change comes the end of what was and the beginning of what is new.
(Q) Can you remember to think this way…. Will you?
She goes on to say, “Endings aren’t always as upbeat as new beginnings, so we tend to avoid them.” “When we experience a painful ending, we may not be aware that it is an ending. We may notice only the pain and chaos. The fact that what once worked no longer does can cause confusion and even anger or frustration.”
(Q) Does her direction frustrate you? Can you remember having an experience of not realizing an imminent ending would happen or near? How do you feel about the idea of ending?
(pg 65) Kelly instructs, “Understanding Universal Law-what it is and how it works-and the intimacy between the innate and nature of the Divine and our individual oneness, is the power behind successfully navigating smooth ending and passionately smooth ending and passionately embracing new beginnings.”
Ernest Holmes says, (April 14) “All doubt and fear must go and in their place must come faith and confidence, for we shall be led by the Spirit into all good.”
(Q) Now do you see how the nature of the Divine and our unity with this Oneness----can dissolve all doubt and fear that we may have? Do you understand that confidence and absolute faith can give you a greater ending (with grace)? Do you realize that no matter what the case, Spirit is leading you unto all good?
Understanding the Law of Compensation pg 65
Kelly says, “The Law of Compensation tells us, It is the order of nature to grow…We have to let go of the old to make room for the new.” (Creating a vacuum)
E Holmes explains, The Divine Urge of Life must be expressed; and as It pushes out into expression through man’s life, man becomes the channel for the outflow of Divine Wisdom; a channel for all that God is.” (April 18)
(Q) The flow of God and of Good is constant: Do you have the sense---whether in nature or within yourself—that growth is continuous? How many of you know that Divine goodness is always unfolding for you always? How many of you that can remember a dark time remember how surprised you were later when something wonderful or exciting happened…. God in action?
(Pg 66 top) Robbins says, “We often resist this personal expansion…We block the flow of the law because we resist letting things go.”
(Q) Give me some examples of “letting things go” (such as loss of a loved one, one’s home, health, wealth, great suffering…. a winter in your life). What would non-resistance look like in the face of these challenges?
Kelly suggests that if we use the Law of Compensation consciously rather than by default, things would end differently. “Start with the awareness that you want a new beginning or for the pain you are currently experiencing to end.” Let’s remember to allow pain to be the signal that it is time for something to end and that there is choice to be made, and something new to create.
(Q) Here is where I want you to realize that when you experience pain, could it be that this is a signal for you to do something differently? Could you have been more comforting or nurturing to yourself through you “winter?” Could this also teach you to trust God’s loving care-even though your storm or winter?
Make the Decision to Change pg 66
Kelly writes, “Once you are aware, the nest step is to make a decision to change. Most of us are not taught how to make a true decision.”
(Q) Can you explain that? As students of SOM, we know that much of our thought is automatic or programmed until we learn to think. Now that we are seeing that our decisions are the result of this unconscious thought, until we learn to make decisions consciously. It is getting clear what you are creating…that you are doing this through conscious thought. Does that way of being appeal to you? If not why? I know that when I change my mind and forget my promises, my word and my power diminish until I have none. Your personal power depends on how you keep your word. In truth, your word is all you really have. If you are constantly not following through what you say you will, you soon will learn to not trust yourself. Some of you may blame others for not being trustworthy not realizing that it is you that isn’t trustworthy?
(pg67) A true decision requires 3 things:
1. Choice (volition) You always have a choice (even if you don’t see it, you always do…. free...even if it is not choosing, it is choosing to not choose. (being responsible)
2. Commitment means following through on the decision-and a commitment to make it a success. Bloom where you are planted.
(Q) What would committed look like?
3. Urgency - Have a sense of urgency about your choice. Use determination as your fuel. This is an inside job. It is up to you to take the necessary steps in order for your good to come to you. That means letting go of things before the new comes in, not the other way around according to Kelly. As we create a vacuum, our lives take on a new beginning from this space. It is in the not-knowing that puts the spice in life. It is in the creation that we experience real life and awe in our life. Inspiration and ideas give us a new lease on life. We should not question the thing we desire or how to get it, just to know what we want and watch with faith.
Kelly reminds us that, “success loves speed, and you need to move swiftly and with determination. Urgency is something that comes from within, and it’s your job to cultivate it within yourself.” As you can see success doesn’t just happen. You have to cultivate your mind with the necessities to do it.
(Q)What are your thoughts on urgency?
(Q) How many of you are aware of the “creative law”? This is the foundation of our philosophy.
Kelly points out the keys for success with smooth endings are:
1. Understand that the energy that is God is always expanding and reaching for your higher good.
2. Consciously take steps to grow, to allow this good.
3. Let go of things before the new appears.
4. Cultivate absolute faith.
5. Have a deep understanding of principle and Universal Law.
6. Learn what we believe (as we may not see our own beliefs).
The Role of Your Beliefs pg 68
In the first paragraph, Kelly tells us, “You can go through each of these steps and still not experience the fantastic results you desire. That outcome may seem inconceivable, yet often there it is.” She asks us “what do you believe is possible? Where is truth in this belief and what is not truth?” You can use a Practitioner or minister for help in guiding us to our truth to uncover our beliefs.
This is the end of our 3rd Feature. Next week we will read and discuss pg 82, Beginning Again by Molly Brown which I know you will enjoy. Write your questions down and look for my overview and questions in my blog. If you need support or assistance, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you on Zoom May 6th.
Love, Light, and Laughter
Rev Lyssa