By Karen Van Allen
Do Not Disturb is the sign posted at the door to my comfort zone. Spirit laughs and shows up with another call to adventure. “I’m not ready,” I protest. “Maybe later.” I might be given a reprieve; but the call will show up again, possibly in another form. Life is handing me an opportunity to grow.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) says, “What is temptation but a wish to make the wrong decision on what you would learn, and have an outcome that you do not want? It is the recognition that it is a state of mind unwanted that becomes the means whereby the choice is reassessed; another outcome seen to be preferred. You are deceived if you believe you want disaster and disunity and pain. Hear not the call for this within yourself. But listen, rather, to the deeper call beyond it that appeals for peace and joy. For as you hear, you answer. And behold! Your answer is the proof of what you learned. Its outcome is the world you look upon.” (T-31.I.11)
My call to adventure began over twenty years ago when my soul companion made his transition. I was steeped in the business world and busy setting five-year goals. It felt like Spirit picked me up and dropped me on a different path—one that led from my head to my heart. The temptation would be to deny my feelings and numb the pain. This was not a journey I could have planned and probably would not have chosen without the gentle nudge from Spirit. Receiving a call to adventure after losing a loved one felt more like a whack from a 2×4, but that is what it took to get my attention.
ACIM continues in the next paragraph, “Let us be still an instant, and forget all things we ever learned, all thoughts we had, and every preconception that we hold of what things mean and what their purpose is. Let us remember not our own ideas of what the world is for. We do not know. Let every image held of everyone be loosened from our minds and swept away.” (T-31.I.12)
I can’t prepare for the greater yet to be if I don’t know what anything means or what their purpose is. My work is to let go of the past, show up for the journey, and know that I am supported the minute I accept the call. People showed up to help me when I was dealing with the anger that is a part of the grieving process. The synchronicity of the event confirms that I am not alone. There was a group by the name, Course Pals, on an ACIM website. My post was a question, “Does anyone know what to do with anger”? A man responded and was able to help me by listening and showing me another way to look at what was happening in my life. He had not been on the Internet for a long time and recently activated his connection. He said he didn’t know why he was reconnecting, only that he felt compelled to do so.
The past two decades have been painful and messy, but they have also led me to a life of peace and joy. Now, when Spirit gives me another call to adventure, I welcome it.
A Course in Miracles study group meets virtually on Monday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm. New and continuing students welcome. Send a response to this blog for Zoom details.