Hi, how are you today?
OK. How about you? You look down.
Right you are. In fact, I feel awful.
Is it a medical something?
No. It’s about my life.
I’m glad we had the chance to run into each other today. Do you think there is a way?
A way? To where? A way out. I don’t care where. I just want out.
The desire for a way out implies dissatisfaction with where you are now plus the idea that there is a better place to be. Am I interpreting you correctly?
Yes.
And you desire to be in that better place if there really is one, right?
Yes.
Would you like me to show you the way?
A way would be fine. I don’t know if there is a the way.
The way is one, but there are many paths to it.
OK, then. Show me a path.
If your path is truly a path to the way, then I can only help you find the way by revealing the way to you.
But this is getting confusing. I’m giving you one more chance and then I’m out of here.
I will lead you to the way by revealing the truth to you.
The truth? That sounds like dogmatism. How in the world is somebody’s idea of truth going to get me out?
Truth is not a bunch of propositions. Truth can be expressed in language, but truth is living, and we cannot fix and formulate it. Truth comes to you in one way in this situation and another way in a different kind of situation. Truth gives you the truth you need where you are. But you have to be open to it.
I never heard anyone talk that way before, but what you say is making sense. Please continue.
You want out, out of your present existence into true and real life. Right?
Yes.
Notice where you are now. You are not feeling trapped. You are already outside of the place where you were. You are actually tasting the truth of the new and better way, the way of life.
Yes, this is amazing.
Seek and you will find. This is a law of the cosmos. This law is inherent in the creation of beings like us. You have a loving heavenly Father, and you are his son, and his spirit is within you so that you can know him and grow in the experience of his way. He wants you to know the way and the truth and the life. Abide in what you have found today, and tomorrow you will know more of more truth, and true and real life will lift you up, robust and strong. Truth is more a who than a what. Keep on with your search, and give thanks to him who is the way, the truth, and the life. Search for him with all your heart. Search persistently. And you will find beyond measure.
Photo Credit
http://trees-guides.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html
Lonely dirt road. Autumn trees.
I’ve come to the lifelong conclusion that there are limitless paths to follow in one’s life. Freedom of choice and personal liberty to make that choice is the greatest gift we’ve been given. Yes, it can be lonely at times especially when dependent solely on mortal support. Many take well-trodden paths that have been taken by others and seem to lead to Our Father, the First Truth, the Absolute Truth, the Father of Love.
Others have taken their own trails to Our Father – being prodded by His guidance to find Him by their own individual and unique way.
Appears that traditional and dogmatic ways are being discarded slowly, since they seem to be of less and less meaning and value to many. Ritualistic patterns of worship are also losing their draw on the young.
Yea, we are but transient human beings, but each generation appears to be progressing, and as they change the world views ever so slowly we come nearer to our destiny.
Finding the Absolute truth is a value goal that is clearly becoming a personal endeavor that like-minded souls group together to share life experiences and discover new meanings and values.
Beloved Ray,
I hear the voice of experience here. I’m beginning more frequently to sign my emails, “Your brother into eternity.” I too am feeling the perspective of observing decades pass and find my way. Your writing was insightful, perfectly tactful, and uplifting.
Jeff
“I been thinking about where I am now.”
Yes- is there something else?
“I mean I feel that I am not where I was but I not sure where I am.”
You have moved onto the path of truth.
“But how can I be sure that I am on a path of truth, and not deceiving myself?”
Your faith and the assurance that you feel deep inside is your proof.
“Yes I do feel a deep assurance that was not there before, but is that true?”
You asked and you received. Truth will never deceive you if you be true to it.
“But how does that work?”
Just be true to the highest understanding and wisdom you posses in your decisions and attitudes regarding facts, meanings and values, and you will self validate Truth. You will know because you will know what you have experienced.
“Okay I will try that, but I may have some further questions as I pursue this new path. But even now I must admit it is satisfying even if I don’t understand it all.”
Just keep walking this path and you will understand it better by and by.
Dr. Perry
Exquisite! Long live dialogue!