Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 69 - Who Are Our Enemies

     Those parts of us that we are not able to love come reflectng back to us in others.  Then we call them enemies.

     We are all one and when we perceive an enemy, we break with the Tao to whom we are all equal, all loved.

     There is no room for harmony or for the loving Creator in a heart filled with conflict.

     When we have compassion for those unlovely parts of ourselves, we make peace with the world.

Thoughts Along the Journey - The Peace That Passes Understanding

     How gently Spirit moves.  How lovingly It nurtures and heals.

     Be patient, my soul, and see the wonder and miracles of God.

     All things that are yours will come without effort.  What is yours cannot be separated from you.

     That is the ultimate understanding:  all things return to their Source.  All things cannot be apart from that which created it.

     In peace I wish you well.  In peace I behold the love of God in you.

Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 68 - The Ultimate Unity with Heaven

     A cooperating spirit raises us up, a contentious spirit weakens us.

     In all of creation since the world began there has been no one like you.  Like snowflakes, none are alike; the Tao does not duplicate Itself.

     Contests, competitions, any event or life circumstance that pits one against the other can bring profound lessons to those who are aware of the abiding nature of the Tao.  We all come from the Creator; we are one.

     When we fight, resist or contend with a perceived enemy, opponent or difficult situation, we weaken ourselves.  True strength comes from using the perceived difficulty to bring out excellence in whatever we focus on.

     This is the power of the Tao, our unity with Heaven.

Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 67 - The Three Treasures

     All the qualities of the Tao are within us.  When we tap into that rich treasure house and endeavor to live its wisdom, our lives flow with harmony and peace.

     Love is the great protector.  It is the armor against hate, prejudice and anger.  It resolves conflict and strengthens both foe and friend.  When all are strengthened, all are victorious.

     Nature is both spare and lavish.  Through economy, She bestows the riches of the Earth upon those who use Her gifts wisely.

     "The meek shall inherit the Earth."  Do those words sound familiar?  There is strength in silence, in quieting the towering ego and bringing forth in our nature that wisdom which was given from on high.  Meekness is not weakness.  It takes strength to turn away wrath.  Leading with gentleness and calm, leading with compassion and remaining humble, we honor our Tao nature.

Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 66 - "It is not I, but the Christ within which does the work."

     How can we claim importance when all inspired thoughts and actions are given by our Source?  In gratitude we lie low and the streams of inspriation flow to us.

     Humbly we receive all the love and bounty of our Creator.  Our hands and hearts are instruments of the Divine to be used in service, God's gifts to give.

Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 65 - Simplicity

     Even the most beautiful, intricate flower is simply made.  It grows out of a simple plan: to survive and thrive.  Its beauty comes from its true essence.  Each showy form an efficient geometry to actualize its life.

     The Tao has thought of everything.  It gives us life and guides us through it - if we but listen.  It provides us with the discernment to pause and let its wisdom become our own.  All we need to know is silently given in the stillness.  The Tao is available to all.

     While the ego creates drama and complications, the Tao's wise teachings gently come - in the silence.

Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 64 - Small Steps

     In each tiny detail nature shows the care in creation from the stamen of a flower to a butterfly's wing.  Each form and color carefully expressed reveals an incomprehensible intelligence beyond the scope of the human mind.

     In our lives we can choose to follow our Source in the care in the details of our lives.  No matter how small, love and attention given day by day, reveals the beauty and meaning of our time here on earth.

     All things are small in the beginning.  Let seeds of love be the only ones we grow.