Shine On

The Way Soul Gives a General Kind of Love Some smiles are not meant for anyone in particular when it comes upon the one who smiles. One of the girls selling Girl Scout Cookies outside a cafe instantly referred to her favorite type of cookie when asked. It was no great surprise that she found it right away, since the boxes were neatly stacked in a row along a table for everyone to view. The real point is that the girl spent more time observing her client than pointing to the box of cookies. It was an easy sale. A man behind a counter in a business, supported the soldiers overseas. Along with the decorations of the place, he wore camo-fatigues to show his spirit. “It’s a conversation starter,” he said. For anyone who came, he fashioned his statement according to the situation, the wars that were happening between countries. If there were a way to bring the soldiers home, this would be a beginning, sending good love over decorations and a costume. Sales in business do not cover everyone, only everyone interested in the goods that are sold. Soul makes the product of Its joy the benefit of all those who wish to become involved. This is because God loves Soul first. Everything else stems from that. It seems vain at times to serve oneself in the sight of God, although there is always a way out of the little self. A family who attended a spiritual service, once the service was done, walked to the parking lot, retrieved their lunch, and brought it inside the place of worship. Their fellowship was limited to themselves, and a woman who lingered for the post service wrap up. The real benefit of service to the group of spiritual seekers was that the family used their lunch as sustenance, a matter of survival, so that the spiritual survival can take further effect on the rest of the day. Afterwards, another spiritual function would take place, and then the son of the family would perform in a neighboring church in two different performances in both of their orchestras. The post celebration activity is as important as the service itself. Joy is the type of food that Soul needs to share whenever possible, for freedom and the eventual learning. A case where it might seem like a self-satisfying endeavor for one, a pair of men took a vacation in a resort town. Every morning, one of them would wake up before the early sun and do some exercises. Then the two of them would enjoy the rest of their activities together. Apart, the two found their own benefit in differences, although each particular path would lead to the later enjoyment that they shared. They were both happy with themselves, one exercising, one sleeping, so that being together could be done in confidence. Soul knows Itself, almost like God, so that it can share its talents with those around that notice and are willing to be together. Even a futile attempt at crashing a party can turn into something good. A college sophomore joined a group of hiking women. Her friend tried aimlessly to join for his own reasons. “Men hike faster than women,” she said. Needless to say, an argument ensued. What Soul attempts in Its every action is a learning experience that helps one become more aware of whom we are as Soul. When the group works out together, a newcomer makes it that much more special by the gifts that Soul brings to the group goal. Those with individual goals know that what they have is good for the individual. Those with the group goal have both individual and a general love. The ice skating rink is a place for a general kind of love also. Everyone circles the same way and shares the music. The center is for the advanced skaters who spin and do difficult moves they trained long and hard for in order to compete. The advanced skater who showed a jump with a single 180 degree turn made an example of the next step for the circling skaters out to learn how to have fun. The example makes it apparent that the training is done with a coach who taught the figure skater, who in turn, shows what others can do if they have the desire. In this way, lessons are for the ones who care enough to pick them up. In a strange sort of way, too, falling can be a lesson. The outside skaters often remind the skater inside that the ice is both a blessing and a danger. It is the surface of the fun Souls share with a great joy of life experience. It has to be done before any learning can take place. Soul is to enjoy this life doing what It loves most, and finds those who have the same love.