Degrees

People in New York like you to believe anything good is difficult.  Want to make money?  It is really difficult.  You will need to invest in my method in order to be successful.  Want to be successful?  Learn to play the game.  It will cost you but it is the only way.  You want to be a player on Broadway, Carnegie Hall’s stage, or the Lincoln Center?  There is a path…
 
I find myself losing hope that anything will work.  As I reflect I realize how the fears, doubts, and confusion which grow within my soul are also growing in theirs.  I have the same opportunities, albeit with a few more hurdle, often of my own creation.  The challenge and opportunity rests within the answers to the same set of questions.  What value do I bring?  How can and do my skills and capabilities align with the need and opportunity?  Is the chemistry between my heart and those around me compatible? 
 
Far too often the challenge of fitting in with any community crosses over into the relationship each has with Divinity.  We think, believe really, we need someone to approach God on our behalf.  I do not find this to be true.  While others can give us a few directions along the way, provide occasional insights and reflections, the responsibility and decision making for where we stand with God fully and completely rests within our hearts and minds.  We determine where we stand.  We make the choices which move us closer or farther away from Divinity.  We reflect, understand and learn with our actions.
 
In this lies the challenge.  What should we do?  How can we possibly understand what it takes to have a relationship with God?  Don’t we need assistance?
 
Yes, we all need help.  God provides this with the Spirit.  Our educational process comes in degrees.  Begin with the following: “Learn to do good.  Work for justice.  Help the down-and-out.  Stand up for the homeless.  Go to bat for the defenseless.” (Isaiah 1.17)  Discover today what it is like to be in God’s steps.