FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

This morning I am bolt-from-the-blue jolted into a new thought: All my "positive" thinking must be for the benefit of others.

Years ago, I went around saying "Every day in every way I am getting better and better." There was no appreciable difference in my well being so I upgraded to "Every day in every way I am healthier, happier, wealthier, wiser."  Again, no appreciable difference, so I...I forget, but I am sure I tried some new more positive song to sing to me. Then I met a lady who was truly terrified of a single negative thought...any negative thought. I call her name blessed for I saw where I was heading...and it wasn't positive.

I do believe in keeping a positive attitude, and I do look for the gold in whatever comes to me, looking good or not. I accept that it does rain on the just and the unjust alike...we just need to keep an umbrella handy.

The good news is we get to decide what our umbrella will be. Do we want an umbrella that keeps us reasonably dry, and that's it? Then trot on over to the closest store and buy one.  Or do we want an umbrella that keeps us feeling safe, secure, warm, loved? Then, as it says on this day in "God Calling," Abide in My Love. An atmosphere of loving understanding to all men. This is your part to carry out, and then I surround you with a protective screen that keeps all evil from you. It is fashioned by your own attitude of mind, words, and deeds, toward others.

That's when I got my jolt...when I read "toward others." Specifically, "I surround you with a protection screen [there's our umbrella]...fashioned by your own attitude of mind, words, and deeds, toward others." And there's the secret...our mental, physical, spiritual treatment of others. That's what keeps all evil from us.

And Easwaran in today's "Words to Live By" states, "...it is by discovering the unity between ourselves and others -- all others -- that we find our unity with God."

Our unity with God...the pearl beyond price.

Thank you.