Material Things Come And Go, The Spirit Lives On Forever
Posted: Sunday, May 25, 2008
by Susan Thom
The Spirit of God lives in our soul, through which all happiness should emanate. And yet, from the moment of birth, we are showered with material conveniences and desires. A nice soft blanket, comfy little clothes, plush toys, cozy crib, fun stroller, bottle filled with formula. And so it begins. Our quest for more and more material things to "make us happy." Bigger, more elaborate toys, softer bedding, cooler clothes, and we will "fit in." As we grow, we seem to stray further from the sense of self and Spirit, and gravitate more towards the material philosophies of the World today.
A better job, a bigger house, a nicer car, a more expansive wardrobe. We believe these "things" will provide our happiness. And for periods of time, they do. We get wrapped up in the kids and the house and the running around to all the different sports, birthday parties, holidays, and recitals. More and more of the outside world takes up our being, and we stray further and further from the truth. We keep accumulating things to fill our voids that have no sense in our lives. Why do we need the big screen TV? Why do we need sixty pairs of shoes?
Some of us never figure it out. Others, are faced with situations and circumstances that force us to think about what is really important in our lives. I know of someone who worked for a company for 30 years, and got laid off. Their lives will change. Their location will change. It may not be what they counted on, dreamed of, or worked for, but it is what it is. They still have their partner, their kids, grandkids, and a zest for life that will get them through. They have the right attitude.
Relationships are so much more important than material things. I marvel at the young adults my children have turned into, and I enjoy talking with them and sharing their lives. Nothing material could come close to that. There is a connection that can never be broken. Their existence is in my soul, and that gives me strength and purpose. I could live in a tent, thoroughly complete in the knowledge I brought these children into this World.
Sometimes, however, we lose sight of the very things that can keep us going strong through our journey on Earth. A problem arises, and we forget about how we feel about the kids, instead, we focus on the problem at hand. We feel vulnerable and confused, and we conceal a blanket of fear. This pushes us away from the knowledge we carry in our souls. We forget God loves us and will carry us through. Our Faith can be tarnished by our fear.
We might need to sit in our feelings for a while before we get our determination back, and rise to the problems at hand. Some refer to this as the "dark side of the soul." I believe it to be so. When logic plays no role, and knowledge is not forthcoming. When fear grips your system and camouflages the truth. When you can't see a way in or out. When anger clouds your judgment. This ripping away between your body and your soul goes on until finally you remember to ask God for His help.
You turn your problems over to Him, and depend on His love and understanding. You know that He is all about truth and justice and you allow Him to guide you and show you the right way. Your Faith dictates that He will not give you any more than you can handle, and that He knows all and will direct you in the most fruitful path for your life. It may not seem like it to you at the time, but experience proves the honesty of the path God lays out before you.
Trust in that path eliminates sorrow and pain. There is a confidence that all will be just as it should be, and with patience and understanding and love, our problems could turn into assets. When we no longer hold on to material things and instead hold dear the relationships and love we share with others, we will find a new calm that surpasses our worrisome mind of old. We fight for what we believe in, and we accept what we can't control.
Our lives are not over, in truth, they are just beginning in a new fashion. And that can happen whether we move a muscle or not. It's all in our attitude and our reasoning powers. It's in our dedication to family and good friends. It's in our feeling of wholeness because our relationship with our God is in tact. It's in the knowledge that we have learned and grown through our experiences, and as a result, live a happier, freer lifestyle.
Some people never change their thoughts, actions, philosophies, or beliefs. There is no evolution of character in their world. These are the people that it is best to stay away from. Better to surround yourself with people who feel and act the same way you do. You are only responsible for yourself. That shouldn't be too hard to deal with. It may take time, but anyone who wants to move forward in a more positive frame of mind, needs to take a look at themselves, what makes them think and act the way they do, and what they can do to improve upon those thoughts, therefore, those actions.
When our minds, hearts and souls are in the right place, and are fueled by honesty and loyalty and integrity, our lives will be rewarding in whatever way God deems fit. Our acceptance of His word shows our growth and development. "Everything happens for a reason" doesn't have to be a negative connotation. It can be blooming with opportunities that you may have not anticipated. It all has to do with what you, and you alone, allow your soul to feel about any given situation.
Trust that God will take care of any situation that is unfair and life changing. Once you have that strength, move forward and welcome whatever comes your way, knowing that it is sanctioned and orchestrated by God, out of the purest and most unconditional love. Our Spirit is what we must covet and care for, as this balanced feeling will help us handle anything that goes on in our lives. We just have to remember to let that Spirit work, and not try to get in it's way. Material things come and go, the Spirit lives on forever.
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