You Are More Than…

MON., NOV. 9, 1987, 6:28 AM
FARM, STUDY

The television story you watched last evening had, as a central character, one who was losing his identify as a creative surgeon as well as his status as a husband. He was fighting a losing battle, for his position was a competitive one, and there was a young surgeon willing to challenge his judgments, his reputation, and his stature. What do I, the Holy Spirit, have to say about this story and what is represents in human life? Hear, o son.

There was no spiritual dimension to the health of this beleaguered surgeon (at least as portrayed). He was what he did, and when this was not adequate his sense of himself was in true danger. I won’t deny that when a person has a definite position, particularly as a singular professional, her identity tends to be affected, even determined, by that position, and more so if it seems to be a “calling.” And when this is competitive… when skills and abilities have to be maintained to match and best those of the young coming up, there is inevitable devastation in self.

Salvation comes with the spiritual knowledge that “you are more than… this… or that… or any combination. As a soul on a spiritual path with a developing spirit, anything that you do, as a vocation in the earth, has the potential for developing that spirit, eager to mature, but also the potential for causing it to regress. The more competitive the position the greater the opportunity, and the risk.

But you know that spirit can grow in any situation, so when you have the knowledge that “you are more than” what you do, you are able to give that up when the “time comes” or modify your performance in your work.

Spirit, as it develops, gives ever new insights to the life you live, whatever its activities. This “progress” is not competitive. You need not be better than anyone. You need be only the most you can be. An old person, with position in life but a memory (and that fading fast), with family support being lost, can be part of a church family… and can be increasing in spiritual maturity through the inactivity and solitude of old age. It’s really not as bad as it may sound to one who is still active.

Spirit, you also know, is the unifier and coordinator of all the other dimensions of being here in earth life. A strong spirit is concerned that when one strength of life begins to fail that there are others to replace it. In your profession, teaching, there are many ways to accomplish this, and spirit seeks to “recommend” the best combination for new circumstances. I have told you that your balance must be ever toward spirit and toward relationships with learners. Share your life with them, and let them share with you. This is not the balance for everyone, certainly, but it is what is best for you.

You have this Farm, and yet you have no real pressure to keep it “the best.” Just work on it as time allows, and enjoy it fully. You can still compose papers that shall be read and appreciated, but your Ruminations shall increasingly be a major focus. The only “competition” was to get yourself to doing four a year, and that has now been established. Spirit shall guide you to other manifestations of who you are, and these, too, shall be both rewarding and spirit-developing.

The man in the story was also losing his wife, partly because of his dedication to his profession. Spirit also works against this separation. If I have joined you and a mate together I shall influence you in ways that shall maintain and enrich this relationship. You enjoyed the time with your son and his family this weekend, and this was enhanced by the continuing good relationship with Lenore. Family need not be a prime focus of your being, but it is best when spirit is strong, and it is a nice balance to other activities.