I love September. The temperatures are starting to cool down, the trees and plants turn lovely shades of yellow, orange, and red, and the kids going back to school leaves vacation areas quiet. A perfect time for reflection!
For me, September is full of anniversaries: In late September, I celebrate nearly seven decades of life and 25 years of marriage to my husband, Malcolm.
September 7th is also the anniversary of the wildfire that burned our house and nearly everything we owned to the ground! But, it is also the anniversary of a turning point in my life.
Everything changed after the fire a year ago. Of course, our home is different, the furniture and dishes are different, most of our clothes are different … but more important, my heart and mind are different. I received a great chance to test my faith, and I came out victoriously.
What helped me through this time? Leaning on all the Spiritual Principles, I learned as a member of the Centers for Spiritual Living.
Reflection on the lessons I learned
First, I learned to forgive. Forgive myself for not being alert when we received the fire warning; forgive myself for leaving my cats behind; forgive myself for being in shock and not functioning for days (maybe weeks after the incident)
Interestingly, I began to notice how important self-care truly is – especially during a time of crisis.
Because of this experience, I developed a more profound sense of compassion and kindness towards others in trouble.
Despite all, I found peace and strength within when, on the outside, my whole world was torn apart.
But the most important lesson I learned was to lean into the deep gratitude for the generosity of family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Noticing little things kept me (and my husband, Malcolm) from falling into despair. I still feel the warm generosity from the stranger who knocked on our hotel room door (Red Cross paid for a room in the local Red Lion for the first week after the fire) and handed us a $100 bill because he had heard about our plights.
There is also a warm, loving spot in my heart for the people in our community who rallied around us through donations of clothes, dishes, furniture. For months, people contacted us asking what we needed to get re-established. And of course, I was incredibly touched by the monetary donations made by my home church, the community, and various friends and relatives.
Reflection on my beliefs
The New Thought teachings and classes helped me develop an outlook on life that made it easier to deal with the last year. I did not realize how deeply Spiritual Practices had permeated my life – until they were tested.
If you are a member of a New Thought Center, you have a unique opportunity to learn and get grounded in essential principles and practices. Take advantage of this opportunity and take as many classes as you can. Learn to meditate and pray to calm yourself. Take solace in the power of Spiritual Mind Treatment and affirmative prayer. Read inspirational books and magazines. Fully ground yourself in the principles and practices of New Thought. Schedule a session with a Spiritual Practitioner. The rewards are many – and will serve you well in your daily life and during a life-changing event.