Perceptions are powerful tools that we can use to gain insight. They are also sly animals that lead us in the wrong direction. It is easy to talk about how one should deal with perceptions, yet in the middle of one, any other conclusion than the one the perception pointed to seems impossible.
My dream was incredibly real. I could feel the presence of others in the room. It was as if their presence has permeated my senses in a way that convinced me this was truth. I was convinced. I was convicted. I was confused.
I woke up in a panic. I had new insights. I was late. I had let things go. With this new insight I had to put myself into action! There were phone calls to be made, plans to formulate, and actions to initiate. I could get catch up. I could get everything back on track. The impossible was possible! My thanksgiving to God for this insight rolled off my tongue without thinking.
Before you get too caught up in my world, remember, everything changed on a dream and a perception. I heard and acted. Even as I put things in motion, I wondered. How did I know? What was my foundation? Did anyone agree with me? It was the latter question that I was unable to answer.
As an old question came to mind, I began to question myself. “Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6.9)
My reflections and conversations with trusted friends brought the following mantras back into focus.
Living in the thought that our perceptions are always right is foolishness.
Friends are in our lives for more than enjoyment. They are sources of wisdom, insight, and advice.
The obvious in our lives is not always the obvious. With new truth comes conversation and reflection. Ask, question, remain open; these are the filters that protect us from ourselves and open us up to more.
Guides are priceless gifts.
