The meeting of Aesclepius mp3 had me going along one train of thought on one person initally, but then switched to another once it began describing the "bright white light". In the beginning, A new friend, made in just the past year came to mind. I have admired her strength and positive attitude despite great trials in her life. We have encouraged each other through emails and over dinners several times.
But when the narrator mentioned the white light, I my person switched to Jesus. It was strengthened as I did not want to take on the weak areas I had seen in her words and actions. Plus scripture came to mind, about our time on earth is ment for becoming like Jesus. It comes from Romans 8:29 "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of
his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers". Much as I love my friend, I felt like this exercise would idolize her, which was totally contrary to all my biblical studies.
The image of Jesus was much easier to connect with via the white light. I have been studying Him for over 10 years now and have very recently come to a fuller understanding of the immensity of the sacrifice He made for us. Romans 8:32 says it beautifully, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not
also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Can you sense the love oozing from this scripture? I can! For this reason, this exercise tops all the others we have done this term because it is helping me to connect more closely with my Savior. I look forward to doing it again tomorrow and am so grateful for learning it!
As for the phrase, "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" is a foundational truth on every level of life and with every experience. There is an element of understanding one gets from experiencing something which cannot be gained just through study. Several obvious examples are all the support groups and rehab centers for many different issues. Someone who has never touched a drug is in no position to help someone trying to stop using them. Same goes for mental illness, or children with genetic or mental issues.
I therefore have an aboligation to develop my psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being before I can become a credible resource for clients. Improving these three areas of my life will be accomplished by taking small steps every day. As I master one area, I move onto the next challenge. Once I have achieved calm-abiding I will continue practicing the techniques so as to maintain it.
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ReplyDeleteI really liked how you placed Christ in the position of being the one you communed with. It turned the exercise into a combination of meditation and prayer. On the one hand, you got all the benefits of the mental workout and accessing your deeper mind. On the other hand, you put it under the watchful gaze of the One who made your mind. Cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis of how one cannot lead another where one has not been themselves. Well said.
Wonderful thoughts. I visuaized Christ as well, him being my Lord and Savior. He is my Healer. When I think of a white light, I think of when I meet him face to face. Just to be in his presence and behold his glory!
ReplyDeleteDenise
I agree completely. When the white light was mentioned I thought Jesus as He is always portrayed as a shining light. Really enjoyed the exercise!
ReplyDeleteCaleb J