CHANGING THE DIAL

She always thought she was different. Safe in her little room, she was surrounded by her toys, her books and her window to a world that often felt dark and lonely. The images in the little box on her dresser were either animated characters or silly stories that were often dark and depressing. She preferred the animation because she could laugh at the characters. They seemed to have so much fun. That’s what she longed for – fun, but her little room kept her safe. So, she lived as if the world only existed in one dimension - animated characters in a window to a world of safety.

One day, when she changed the dial, a young girl appeared on the screen. The program featured a child actress and some friends who lived in a place that was safe and secure. They seemed to enjoy laughing and playing together. The little girl wondered if there was something more for her. She played and replayed that program in her mind. Those in her present world said it was too dangerous to explore beyond her “safe place.” They said that to step into a scary and Technicolor world where uncertainty and fear was rampant would be a mistake that she would regret forever. Once she opened herself to it, she could never return to the safety of black and white.

With this revelation, she retreated into her closet, closed the door and cried. She crawled deeper and deeper into the closet, but as she leaned against the back wall, she saw a glimmer of light through a crack in the wood. What is this, she thought? She had never crawled that far into the darkness. What is that Light? Is it my imagination or is it real? Do I dare to look, or not? She hesitated, and then she saw it – a doorknob. She touched it and hesitated again. Fear – or was it? Just open it a crack. As she peeked around the opening, she saw a world of such light and beauty that it took her breath away.

Come out!!! Come out, a voice shouted. No, No! It’s too scary. I can’t.” She quickly closed the door. “How can I live now”, she said aloud. “Now I’ve seen that light – one that I’ve never seen before. No! No! It’s dangerous out there. How could something that beautiful be dangerous…?”

Isn’t this the dance? It has been for me. We get so close to seeing and embracing what truly is available to us. Then we go running scared and close the door. In my case, every time I run from the Light and from my life purpose, I suffer in some way. This experience is different for everyone that ventures into the unknown of Spirit.

As I look back, I wouldn’t trade one of these experiences for anything. Painful or not they have motivated me to live in a way that I never would have done. My mind still tries to pull me back into what it believes is safety. Sometimes I find myself listening to it, but more and more I recognize its foolishness and remember that the Light is there. All I must do to see it is to change the dial.

And so it is…

Written for you with Love,

Barbara


In life there are trials that help you to grow and there are trials that hold you back. You must be aware of the difference so that you may learn how to live peacefully.

Trials of growth are patterns of evolution. They awaken you to the truth of yourself and the Love that you are. You must bless them and allow them to gracefully evolve.

Trials that hold you back are patterns of the mind. They emerge from the dark thoughts and create much discomfort and pain. They are also teachers, but they do not promote evolution unless you recognize them for what they are. These are the dark places within that you must visit to stir the pot of despair and lift them to the Light. This promotes great growth and allows transformation to Self-discovery.

Embrace all life experiences as vehicles of growth. Though painful sometimes, if you allow them to come into the Light they will transform into your greatest teachers. Be mindful of your trials. Face them with faith, for I am always with you. Bless them and you will live in peace.

Wisdom’s Voice


Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp
www.wisdomsvoice.com