Welcome. My name is Opal Murray. Shortly after my birth an intuitive elder added another name: Precious. You have taken the time to Pause with me on this our platform where we "Explore who We are; why We are; whose We are and Encourage Us to Be." Again, welcome to Precious Pause!
For years family and friends, most notable Shelley, would suggest I write a blog. Shelley and others would make a very convincing case why I should add my voice to our growth using this medium and I must say in the moment, I found the prospect appealing. However, as the seconds turned into weeks the idea lost its appeal and the idea was entombed. It would be cuddled by the fears that destroyed so many other dreams and hopes.
Yet, here we are participating in Precious Pause. Interestingly, it was my own self-exploration and self-motivation exercises that brought me here. In particular, seeking an answer to my question: "Why is it that so many of my actions have outcomes that ranged from unpleasant to painful?"
A simple question and I found some answers. But more importantly, I became curious. I wanted to know whether I am alone in this quest. I think not. So, the buried seeds of suggestions past were watered and have now germinated in this beautiful form!
How many times have you rejected, ignored, or delayed an idea? A thought? Once is too many, and I know this! Sometimes we intentionally ignore what is good for us - like choosing not to eat nutritious foods. Many times, though, the choice is unintentional. We chose when we weren't conscious, weren't aware, we had scales on our eyes and could not understand or see the blessings, gifts, or fortunes embedded in our rejects.
In the Christian tradition The Road to Emmaus, an Easter story, highlights this level of unconsciousness. The story introduces us to two men walking to Emmaus from Jerusalem while marveling about, debating, grappling with the events of the past few days i.e. Jesus' crucifixion. They were so caught up in their conversation, emotions, themselves - the 'events' that they were unaware of the Presence in their midst. Eventually they did and the third party asked them about the 'events.'
Can you imagine the look of disbelief. Here they were less than seven miles from the 'events' epicenter. Yes there were no CNNs but local gossip was in full gear so 'everyone' knew about the 'events'. Perhaps they were merely annoyed by the intrusion. Anyway, without noticing the irony, their response was, "Where have you been?" I think one said, "Have you been under a rock?" The other chimed in, "You just came from another world, didn't you?" When they got to their destination they invited to their guest to join them at dinner, and it was in the stillness of that activity the writer says: "...their eyes were opened and they recognized him." - Luke 24:31.
It took some time but eventually the connection was made. The Presence, source of their annoyance (possible), was the actual star of the 'events' which they discussed so intently (it appeared), was in their midst and initially, they totally missed the significance.
We do miss our joy, gifts or blessings because we get distracted by any number of 'events'. There are times we become immobilized by our events - unemployment, divorce, death etc. and we cannot recognize the windows of opportunity in our midst. Then there are those of us who are aware of the opportunities but erroneously believe we are not worthy of these gifts and refuse to enter our new paradise.
Let us step aside for a moment, let us get off the roads, highways - the busy-ness, get ourselves out of the way and enter our inner sanctuary so that we can experience what is true and recognize divinity. Enter this beautiful space and open to the magical journey of self-discovery; of new beginnings; of dreams realized.
Less than twenty years ago a single-mother, welfare-recipient was in a cafe when ideas flooded her mind. She used the napkins to record her thoughts. Today, the Harry Potter brand is worth $15 billion - yes, with a B! J K Rowling stepped off her highway, disconnected from her 'events' and recognized or connected with her opportunity.
Let us take the time to open our eyes and see what was there all along - our dreams, the suggestion that are walking with us, that are in our midst. Notice how we become emboldened and feel our Preciousness being affirmed. Yes, you too are Precious.
Thanks for taking this Precious Pause. Next time, bring a friend.
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