Happy Holidays, No Matter What They Are!

The Holiday War has started once again. Amazingly enough, during one of our most important holiday seasons, there's a good chance that, whether you say "Merry Christmas" or Happy Holidays", many people will take offense. It would be funny if it wasn't so destructive to our society.

There are numerous winter traditions - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and indigenous/nature based life-ways all have winter holidays - and that only scratches the surface. They are all celebrated at approximately the same time, during the shortest days of the year. Why, then, do some Christians get so angry when others acknowledge all holidays, instead of just one? Then again, why do some non-Christians get so upset if someone wishes them a Merry Christmas?

Both groups show a level of intolerance that is in direct conflict with the teachings they espouse. Each side accuses the other of intolerance, and of attacking "their" traditions, while ignoring the hypocrisy of their position. Each side attempts to lay exclusive claim to various holiday traditions, even widespread customs, such as decorated trees &/or decorating the home with greenery (most often coniferous evergreens), the Yule log, caroling. The two main opponents (Christians and "universalists", for lack of a better term) each demand that only their approved greeting be used.

Where is the tolerance and respect demanded by our beliefs? Where is the walk, and not just talk - disrespectful talk at that? All of it seems so pointless, so destructive, so unspiritual.

I have friends of at least a dozen faiths; among the Christians, I can immediately recall ten Protestant denominations, minor differences notwithstanding, not to mention the various types of Catholics I know. More curious is that at least three of the denominations of which I'm familiar do not celebrate Christmas at all. They do not trim a tree; they do not exchange presents; they do not wish each other a Merry Christmas. One of them views the whole affair as decidedly heathen, pagan, and in direct conflict with the Bible.

Why should my Celtic friends refer to their holiday tree using another religion's term? Why should my Jewish friends not call their tree a Hanukkah Tree? And, if our government represents all of the people, why shouldn't we call it a Holiday Tree when it's on government property?

We can all gather around the Holiday Tree and sings carols together. We can sing songs from each tradition, and learn about each other in a respectful way. Isn't that better than arguing over territory and the rights of one above all others? If a person greets us with a phrase different from our own, we can still acknowledge it with a smile. Even better we can show respect for our friends and associates by using their term when greeting them.

Instead of engaging in fruitless, sacrilegious hostility, let us engage in peaceful respect for others in our community. Let us seek harmony and understanding, as taught by our holy books and scriptures. Instead of acting as adversaries, let us join hands as friends and live a life of Spirit together.

In peace,

Lane

The Eye of God

This is a picture that's been making the rounds on the Internet lately. It's name, according to the email, is the Eye of God.

In actuality, this is a composite picture, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and Kitt Peak National Observatory (Arizona), of the Helix Nebula. Created by the gasses and dust emitted by a dying star, it's a trillion mile long tunnel of glowing gas.

Regardless of its origin, it sure looks like an eye watching us. And who is to say how the Sacred chooses to make itself known to us? After all, the Sacred shines in all things, all places, so why not in this picture?

Having looked at it many times, I've decided this is the left eye. I base that on the shape of the "lid", and the arch of the "eyebrow" above it. Don't ask me why, but I think the right eye is closed in a wink.

I believe that there is indeed a creator of all things, and that both it and the creation are sacred. I believe that the Sacred watches over us, and will offer us comfort, support, teachings and understanding -- if we ask, if we are open. I believe that, in order to live a life with Spirit, it is essential to see the Sacred in all things. So, when I see the Eye of God in this photograph, it's not really all that different than seeing the Spirit of the Sacred in a blade of grass. Only the scale is different.

Knowing that the Sacred permeates our existence is a very positive step on the road to living a life with Spirit. I hope you enjoy the journey!

In peace,

Lane

Pictures from the Wedding

Yesterday, I received the first set of pictures from the wedding. I thought I'd take a minute to share them with you.



A final moment of reflection before the beginning of the ceremony.


The vows.


The kiss. Finally! It's done!


Granddaughter Haylee leads the recessional.


Toasting my lovely bride.


Sharing the cake.


Serving the wedding cake to friends and family.

And now, we begin our lives together... living a life with Spirit! May it always be so!

In peace,

Lane

"Let Go and Let God"

It's been a week since my last post, but with good reason for the lapse: I got married last Sunday! Yes, you read that correctly - the love of my life made an "honest man" out of me. And, boy, does it feel good!

Our wedding was small and informal -- a few dozen close friends and family members. The ceremony and following reception were held at the converted house that serves as sanctuary for the small congregation of which we are a part. And, since I lead a Blues band, we did a Blues reception - pulled pork and beef, with all the trimmings, and home made cakes, neither of them tiered, neither of them white. (Chocolate and carrot, for those interested.)

As folks were "filling the corners" as the Hobbits say, I gave the one and only toast. After acknowledging the chef and his "staff" (my business partner, Bob Stevens and his wonderful wife Sheri), I acknowledged my blushing bride. During my toast, I said that I'd finally "let go and let God." There was far more to say than the brief time allowed, so today I'd like to expand on my short toast. In other words, here's a short story made long:

For years I looked down, not up. I looked at the path that I was determined to walk instead of the path prepared by Spirit. I wasn't listening to the messages and wasn't seeing the signs. On I trudged, slogging through a life of pain and strife. When things went wrong, I dug in my heels and determined to walk with greater commitment. When they still went wrong, I bent my back and put my head down, convinced I could make way against the strong head wind. When nothing changed, I finally became convinced that I was meant to be alone. I wasn't happy about it, but I did come to accept it.

And I was wrong.

Even though my understanding was flawed, I did the thing that was most important: I "let go and let God." I let go of my own preconceived notion of what my life is supposed to be. I let go of my attempt to force the universe into providing me with a mate - and with a specific mate. Yes, I was misdirected, but at least I wasn't attempting to direct things on my own. And I got out of God's way so the divine plan could unfold.

And, lo! There she was. Right where she'd been for months! My same age, with many of the same interests and a life philosophy that perfectly dovetails with my own. Warm, kind, giving in all things and at all times... just the kind of person I myself would like to be. And from the very beginning, she loved me deeply and truly, without judgment or criticism of my faults. How could I have missed seeing such a wonderful woman for so long, I wondered?

I missed her because I was doing my best to supersede the divine plan with my own. I was attempting to force the square peg of the universe into a round hole of my design. And, since the universe is bigger than me, it won.

Thing is, I've let go and let God in many ways. I do the work I am called to do. I follow the path that has called to me for decades, and I'm constantly listening to ensure I walk the path the best that I can. But when it came to my "personal" life, I took matters into my own hands. I forgot that, because our personal relationships are our most important spiritual learning-grounds, Spirit had a plan for me in that regard as well.

Even though I finally let go enough to allow Spirit to take control, I almost messed it up anyway. I allowed my fear to bubble up from down deep inside. I worried that I was making the wrong choice... that I would end up being hurt deeply again. And I almost walked away from the person with which I was meant to share the rest of my life. In other words, I almost grabbed 'hold and took the reins for myself yet again.

My friends stood by, hoping and praying that I'd make the right choice, yet knowing that if they attempted to convince me, I'd resist. Finally, one my closest friends, after hearing me talk about something my new "girlfriend" had done, asked me, "Lane, how many flares does this woman need to launch? What's it going to take to make you realize this is the one?"

In response, I mumbled something akin to "I don't know," and changed the subject. But his questions nagged at me, refusing to leave me alone until I worked through them. And I'm so glad I did finally work through them, because it finally dawned on me that Spirit had known for some time who my perfect mate was. Spirit had a plan all along, I just hadn't been paying attention. With that realization, I finally let go all the way, leaving my fate in the hands of Spirit. I let go completely of my own preconceptions and embraced the love Spirit had sent to me.

Once I fully let go, and put all my faith in Spirit, things began to go much more smoothly. things that had been out of sorts for so long straightened out. Things that I had expected to happen began to come into focus. And for the first time in many years, I found that I was truly happy. Not just surface happy... not just happy in the moment... but happy all the way through, and in every minute of every day.

Today is the second day of our lives together, and I am supremely happy. Many of my friends have asked me if it feels any different and I tell them, "yes, it does. It feels even better!" Even more striking is the fact that I know in my heart, we're just beginning. We have so much to look forward to, so much to do, so much to be. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to cover it, if you take my meaning.

So, if you ever feel as if you're fighting an uphill battle, perhaps it's because you're doing the same thing I was doing. Perhaps you are working at cross purposes with Spirit. Perhaps there's some sign you're missing, some message you aren't hearing. I have learned again that Spirit has a plan for me. I have learned that it's not just about what I'm supposed to be doing; it's also about my entire life! And Spirit has a plan for you, too.

When times are difficult, when things just won't go right no matter what you do, let go. Stop trying to force things. Let them happen instead. Let the good things flow into your life in their own way... in the way Spirit has planned for you. Let go of your own preconceptions. Let go of your determination to be the center of the universe.

Let go and let God. And remember, as I have been reminded, to trust absolutely in Spirit and its plan. Have faith that, no matter what's going on in your life, Spirit has something even better in mind if you'll only get out of the way. In other words, let go and let God.

Wrap yourself with trust in Spirit, and live the life of Spirit you so richly deserve!

In peace,

Lane

Greed Can Kill You

Black Friday. The best and worst shopping day of the year. The day after we give thanks for our many blessings, and yet so many of us are immediately willing to fight for more. And sometimes, we fight to the death.

Case in point: The WalMart store in Long Island, New York, where a temporary worker was trampled to death by the crowd waiting to enter the store. This poor man was trampled by dozens of shoppers who, feeling flesh beneath their feet, ignored it and ran for the sales. When police attempted to clear the building, they were met with resistance from those who were more interested in saving money than the welfare of another human being.

And this is Christmas?!?! This is how you honor the birth of your lord?!?!

Forgive my bluntness, but you aren't honoring anything except the Golden Calf. This is blatant greed at its worst, and a total disregard for the well-being of others. This is most decidedly NOT what Jesus taught. I'm betting Jesus cried all day for that man. I'm betting he cried in shame at what people have done to his teachings.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to provide a good life for your family. And certainly there is nothing wrong with trying to save a few dollars. But when greed turns you into a rabid, drooling member of a mob... totally thoughtless, totally out of control... then you have a serious problem. And a new TV set isn't going to help.

Most who read this will say to themselves, "it's not my fault." They will remind themselves that they weren't at that store. The will console themselves with the belief that their desire for more and more really isn't greed, per se.

And they will be wrong. For as long as we as a society buy into the More is Better mentality, as long as we finance our "dream life" with deficit spending, as long as we look with pride in ourselves at others who have less, we are a part of this problem. We pretend to be spiritual, yet worship gold and possessions above all else. We espouse a religion -- all the while berating others for not believing as we do -- only to spurn its teachings at every opportunity. And with every greedy act, every act of selfishness, we kill our own spirits. We do harm to our mortal souls. And we perpetuate the status quo mindset that it's all good as long as we get ours.

This is NOT Christmas the way it was explained to me as a child. And it is not Christmas as it should be celebrated.

My deepest sympathy to the family of that poor man. I hope WalMart will set up a fund to help them in this, their greatest loss. If they do, I'll offer what I can, and post a link here so you can do the same if you are of a mind to do so.

As we progress through the next several weeks, I urge all of you to carefully consider the teachings of your chosen religion. Ask yourself if this is the kind of behavior your religion espouses. Ask yourself if a new TV is worth sacrificing your spirit. For those who choose to live a life with Spirit, the answer is obvious. The answer is "NO!"

In peace,

Lane