I’d been having trouble with the ‘e’ key on my Dell laptop for a couple of weeks –once in a while the text was not showing up. I thought it no big deal, just a bit of dust that would naturally work its way out. A couple weeks later the problem escalated to a much greater frequency, so I used some canned air to clean any possible dust. With no change in the situation, I called Dell Tech Support and after troubleshooting, the news was that I needed another keyboard. However, it turned out that my costly, premium 3-year warranty had expired 8 days before and so my laptop was no longer covered. I’d have to pay full price plus a hefty S+H fee for a new keyboard, and there was no way we could afford that.
My business is computer-based, so I couldn’t just ‘make do.’ Hence, I spent much time on numerous occasions with various people at Dell getting tech support and then trying to get someone with authority – and a generous heart – to make an exception and extend the warranty to cover a replacement keyboard. I pointed out that this current keyboard in fact had been replaced by Dell just in January, less than one year’s use before breaking down; that replacement warranty covered a time period of about as long as it takes to walk from my office to Rog’s. I did not succeed in Dell granting me a keyboard gratis despite my pulling out all stops, even suggesting to them that it would be Dell’s Christmas gift to me!
Now, it’s one thing if the ‘z’ key doesn’t always work with ease and grace; but for a vowel key (except maybe the ‘y’), this is madness. First, I used the spellchecker when in Word and Outlook to get the ‘e’ inserted by correcting ‘errors’; this wasn’t perfect since spellcheckers are limited. But there was also the problem of what to do in the Google bar – no spellchecker there!
Then I tried copying the ‘e’ and pasting it after I’d written my entire document. That was pretty time consuming, so I started using Ctrl+’V’ (keyboard shortcut for pasting) each time I needed an ‘e’. This wasn’t too bad as long as I didn’t forget that I’d put something else in the computer’s memory which overrode my ‘e’.
It reached the point that Rog had to send me an email with the ‘e’ and its capital partner ‘E’ to have them to cut and paste. We had some good laughs, but it was insane. So we went out and bought a new external keyboard that didn’t work at all, and then a used one from Goodwill that did, even if it was warped.
After much research, price comparison, and adjusting the budget, I finally ordered a used laptop keyboard. It arrived yesterday, and I practically kissed it – especially the ‘e’ key! I installed it and all is working fine. My neck and eyes are happier too. I am so grateful.
Now, I learned numerous lessons during this comedy of errors, including: . It would be wise to set up a tickler file for warranty expiry dates and check it regularly. . Addressing problems sooner than later could mean a smoother, quicker solution. . It doesn’t hurt to ask for help on the same thing from many people. . Perseverance is worthwhile for even if you don’t get what you want, you can meet some nifty people and gain knowledge along the way. . My laptop keyboard was a breeze to remove and insert – a confidence booster!
Ah, but where’s Spirit in this here blog? Well, when I realized how utterly grateful I was to have my precious ‘e’ key working on the replacement internal keyboard, it made me think how there are so many things I am used to, pay little or no attention to, and, yes, perhaps take for granted.
Large or small it doesn’t matter. I want to appreciate every person, place, situation – everything – in my life. That’s about consciousness. That’s about holding an attitude of gratitude. And, that’s about Spirit.
Yesterday was a full, rich day – I nourished myself in many ways, the ways that I believe this body, mind, and spirit needs to be fueled up.
The morning was spent mostly on my spiritual life: . Meditation time and daily readings . ‘Kawfee’ time and spirituality-focused conversation with Rog . Writing for You, Me, and Spirit blog
Afternoon time was mind-focused, mostly work oriented, and included the following: . Internet reading and research . Posted listing online for my freelance technical writing, editing, and graphics services . Design work for one of our e-newsletters
Throw in a little bit of socializing with people other than Rog, healthy eating, and fresh air and sunshine. I finished up the day with a Yin/Flow yoga class, fueling my body, mind, and spirit all at once.
There’s always room for improvement, i.e., volunteer work, but I was pleased with the day. I treated others kindly. And, I took good care of myself, something that I’ve not been doing religiously but which is so vital for my spiritual condition. If I’m not in fit spiritual condition, then my emotional, mental, and physical conditions are adversely impacted – and that means those I come into contact might be also; that would not be loving for anyone.
I know that “it’s an inside job” and “peace begins with me.” When I take care of myself and am at peace, I’m walking my path and helping to heal the world. That’s a successful, meaningful day to me. I am grateful.
I get a thrill when a message in my various daily morning readings shows up in more than one, for I feel that there is synchronicity there and Spirit is clearly trying to communicate something that’s pretty important. This morning I got my thrill.
The topic of today’s Daily Word was Listen. The text included: In prayer, meditation, or with my own intuition, I pause and know what I am to do. For the good of myself, those near to me, and those I have yet to meet, I listen for and act on spiritual guidance.
When we have reached the place of “nowhere to turn,” let us remind ourselves, as Jesus taught, it is the Father within who doeth the work. Our only responsibility is to go within to our own Christ Consciousness and accept divine guidance.
We begin to experience harmony in our lives and affairs to the degree that we allow spiritual guidance to influence our lives.
Affirmation I lift my heart and mind to dwell on spiritual truths. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind.
Which leads me to today’s reading in Norman Vincent Peale’s Positive Living Day by Day: The individual who finds something useful to do beyond himself, who gives of himself, knows joy of the deepest kind.
For most of the past 20 years, a great deal of my ‘going beyond myself’ has been aimed at the 12 Step community. I came to believe in a Power greater than myself, recover from my addiction, and had my life and being transformed drastically. I found community that I so easily felt a part of. And, there I found meaning and purpose to my life as in no other place. I volunteered in a myriad of positions and, more importantly, directly helped people through peer counseling and holding a sacred place. This getting out of myself, going beyond myself, and finding something greater to contribute to the healing of the world brought me great joy. And, that joy is the deepest joy, feeling one with Spirit.
Since becoming inactive in the OA these last couple of years as my spiritual path took me beyond the 12 Steps, and not giving of much of myself in that way, I have lost and missed that higher meaning and purpose to my life. And, despite joys and many blessings in my life today, that “joy of the deepest kind” is asleep and I find my life and affairs not as harmonious as they could be.
Through increased prayer, meditation, my own intuition, and affirmation of my own Christ Consciousness, I am moving towards reawakening that joy as I look to serve in something bigger than me. I’m getting messages as to where to be of service and I am acting on that guidance. I am grateful.
As I give of myself, to that which is greater than myself, I heal myself and others. That is Oneness, that is God. Therein lays “joy of the deepest kind.”
The following is the full reading for 12.27.08 from Science of Mind: A Guide for Spiritual Living. You may have already heard the story of the Chinese farmer and realized its message. I loved reading it again for I know that it is always a good reminder for me to not judge circumstances from my limited perspective.
Happy reading! _______________________
“… man himself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” – Romans 8:21
“All things work for our good. Suffering should teach is a lesson which would cause us to refrain from making more mistakes; it carries a blessing with it when we learn how to garner knowledge from the experience.” – The Science of Mind, page 485
There is a Chinese story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills, and when the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?”
A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off and broke his leg. Everyone thought this to be very bad luck. The farmer’s only reaction was, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later, the army march into the village and enlisted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him stay. Now, was that good luck or bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems to be a challenge may be a blessing in disguise. We are wise when we leave it to God to decide what good fortune is and what is a challenge, and thank the Divine for blessings.
Affirmation I am blessed by the Infinite Power that creates every situation. I look for the pearl of wisdom in every situation and am blessed no matter what the appearance.
This is the season of joy, love, and light; and, a time to celebrate with friends and families. But it is also a time when beings – humans and pets – often choose to leave.
Whether due to failing health and feeling it’s time to go rest and let God take them, or due to seemingly hopeless despair and departing through their own hand, this season can be a challenge due to loss and grief.
I know of two men that made their transition during this past week, one an elderly gentleman, the other a 35 year-old dad of two young sons. I had the honor of attending a memorial service for my friend’s 81 year-old father, and I was so struck by the theme of celebrating this man’s life. Yes, no doubt grief was in the mix despite Fred’s advanced age, but it was clearly about celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Stories were told, music was played, photographs displayed, poems recited, and yes, even laughter and joy about “a long life well lived.” With a legacy left behind in the form of offspring, projects accomplished, etc. this man lives on here on the earth plane and his spirit lives forever.
I don’t know that the memorial service of my other friend’s son’s life will be as joyful although I hope it is. There will perhaps be greater grief at a life cut short by Greg himself, and much pondering about the big “Why?” and if anyone could have done anything to change the outcome. Still, his family and loved ones can choose to focus on the life he did live and celebrate him, the people he touched, the sons he brought forth. My prayers are with them all. This man lives on here on the earth plane and his spirit lives forever.
I never met Fred or Greg… God bless them both.
Yes, this is a season of joy, love, and light. Let’s celebrate it and the people dear to us no matter where they are.
It is only when we realize that life is taking us nowhere that it begins to have meaning. – P.D. Ouspensky
I sure hope so!!
These days, with the world heading for a meltdown through a variety of venues, it can be difficult to see the light through the darkness. However, it is a wonderful time, filled with many opportunities.
I am releasing attachments to ‘things’ and praying for increased closeness with Spirit. With less things as a distraction, it is easier to focus on my inner life and create it to be what I want it to be: all about Spirit. It is then easier to be in the outer world, i.e., people, places, circumstances.
The meaning in my life comes from helping, healing, and walking in peace, love, and joy with Spirit.
Rog and I spent a couple of days in Tucson visiting with some family and dear friends for the Christmas holiday.
We volunteered to help our friends prepare dinner one evening and then breakfast the next morning. Some of the most wonderful food was whipped up, and, to my surprise, personal growth too.
I learned a new way of peeling garlic gloves and using a garlic press after many years of doing it my way. Karleena tried a new way of making garlic bread which proved easier as well as delicious. Rog learned how to caramelize onions and peppers.
And then there was John who learned that he could easily and lovingly supervise and teach us assistant chefs in a way that did not disturb his peace and was actually enjoyable and worthy of accolades. All this while saving him time and effort too – he didn’t have to do it all alone.
It was a gift for me to receive an impromptu experience and demonstration of true teamwork, cooperation, and community. I’ve experienced it in some 12 Step service projects, but for the most part have little experience of it from my family of origin. It’s not something to be seen or had easily these days, although it is mine and Rog’s hope to see it and be a part of it in greater abundance in the times to come.
We are seeking to live in community – with harmony. It takes consciousness, openness, honesty, love, and respect. I know it is possible – thanks to our dear friends – my true family – and Spirit. What a delightful Christmas gift!
Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts. And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.
Our discussion last night was confirmation to me that those of us who attend the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup are, for the most part, not traditional in our belief system.
Last evening’s topic, “What does the Holiday Season Mean to You?,” traveled into the territory of organized religion –no surprise there!- and how many of us have had to shed the (sometimes) full package of what religions and cultures (familial, national) try to sell us particularly when we were just starting out in life. Coupled with life changes, such as divorce, empty nest, and relocation, we have attached our personal definitions and created new traditions to make the holiday season meaningful to us.
That is following one’s own path to Spirit. And, if the holiday season is supposed to be one of joy, peace, and love, then I’d say we are all on the right track.