PREAMBLE

Just through the red door lies a mystical place where live the little-known creatures, the ones the world looks upon as myth and legend.  In this realm, they live and breathe, just the same as you and I.  Journey with me through the red door, to the place of imagination and we will find a new dimension of reality.

The new day calls out with an invitation from those beyond the door.  It is they who wish to meet us and share their tales!

I hear Grandpa Ansel, a respected elder, greeting the new day, in his usual fashion.

Hark, nobles ones of the realm!

As I wander the now familiar road to the red door, I’m lost in thought pondering my purpose.  It seems to be a big thought that often leaves me at a loss.  Somehow, I believe Rehoboth is tied to my finding the answer to what I view as the hardest question, that being, ‘Why am I here?’

Crossing the threshold, I work my way to Grandpa Ansel’s fallen log perch, thinking to myself, ‘Perhaps if I sit upon Grandpa’s log, I’ll find some of his wisdom.’

My visits here have always provided some learning and answers, so it is my hope that today willdo the same.  I’d not sat long when Grandpa arrived, surprised to find his seat occupied.  Settling in beside me, Grandpa Ansel said, “With furrowed brow and distant eyes, I’d say you have much on your mind.”

It was a statement, not a question, so I didn’t feel a need to reply beyond, “Good morning.”

The chatter of approaching children dispels the mood, and I soon enough find myself surrounded.  Being less discrete than Grandpa Ansel, Oden took one look at me and asked, “What’s troubling you?”

Taken aback by Oden’s direct question, I answered, “I’m pondering my purpose in life.”

With a knowing look, Grandpa said, “Draw near dear ones.  Gather close and hear the wisdom of age, for you have just begun and have much to learn.

Our friend here poses a question we will each ask at some point in our lives.  I remember well when I began to wonder why I was here, in this place at this time.  When we are young, play is the work of a child and it doesn’t inspire too many questions.  As we age, playing less and working more, we begin to wonder.  It is a natural thing, but the answer is often elusive.  Have any of you wondered why you are here, at this time and in this place?” he asks of the children.

A couple of the older gnomes nodded, but the question eluded the younger ones.

Grandpa continued, “If you study the Book of Mysteries, it will reveal your purpose, which is often the greatest of all mysteries.  In the book you will find much love, and in a nutshell, your purpose is to embody and share that love.  You see, each of us is like a clay pot, waiting to be filled.  We get to decide what we will be filled with.  I can tell you, the best choice is to be filled with love.  Only then can we lead a purposeful life.”

“How do we know if we have chosen wisely?” asked Oden.

“You will identify what is in you by what comes out of you.  Listen to the words you say to those around you.  Pay attention to your actions, for they follow your words,” Grandpa answered.

“What if what I say or do isn’t good?” Oden asked.

“Then you can choose to change it.  You are not stuck or rooted so deeply that you cannot make changes.  Change always begins with thinking different thoughts.  If you are dissatisfied with your situation, begin in your head and heart.  All external change comes from first changing how we think on a thing.”

“But, how?” Galf asked.

“If you are attempting a new task which is proving difficult or impossible, what is your first thought?” Grandpa asked Galf.

“I think I cannot do it,” Galf answered.

“Exactly.  Since you aren’t having success, you believe you cannot do it.  That is the precise moment you can choose to think differently.  If you let your second thought be, ‘I can figure this out,’ your actions will follow this new thought.  You will reset your thoughts on solutions to the problem, rather than on the problem itself.

It is the same with your purpose.  If you find yourself in a situation that brings angry, frustrated, resentful or bitter thoughts, for example, you can have a second thought.  No thought is permanent, unless we choose to hang on to it.  You can choose to think thoughts of love, rather than frustration or anger.”

“I don’t understand,” Oden said.

“If the purpose for your life is to love, you must intentionally embrace the reason for your existence.  Purpose is about choosing who you will BE, not about what you choose to DO.  What you do stems from your purpose.  Living intentionally is about being who you are designed to be.  Each of us is a being, with a spirit that knows what we ought to do.  The ‘doing’ will take care of itself, once we know who we truly are.

Your circumstances may be difficult and make it hard to live in a state of love.  Your feelings may bring thoughts of anger or frustration in the moment.  Like your thoughts, feelings need not be permanent.  You choose your thoughts, above and beyond your feelings.  This is living intentionally.  Your actions will always follow your thoughts.  Your thoughts of being loving, no matter what, will produce corresponding action,” Grandpa explained.

“This all sounds very hard,” Galf stated.

“It is.  To live intentionally is hard work.  Being in control of our thoughts is a daily challenge.  Consciously deciding who we will be is difficult.  The Book of Mysteries teaches us that it is possible, but not without effort.  If your purpose is to embody love, and it is, you will have to choose your purpose every day.  Then, and only then, will you fulfill your reason for being.  You will find contentment and peace if you choose rightly and that is the best way to live.  It may not always feel good, but it is always the right choice.”

“What if I’m not good at making right choices?” asked Galf.

“Keep practising until it becomes your nature.  You have the power to change and change always begins with our thinking.  Practice thinking differently, with intent, and in time, you will change your being to one of love.”

References:

Romans 12:1 & 2 (Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.)