–by Maria Nolletti Ross

Read

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Reflect

The Angels deliver messages to me from God. Here’s an example of how it works:

Recently, while walking my regular three-mile neighborhood route with the goal of getting it done and getting back to work, a penny appeared on my path. I knew that copper is the color associated with St. Gabriel the Messenger Archangel, so I picked it up and held it in my hand as I walked on. I thought about what this sign might be saying about some of my recent communications and stayed on high alert for any incoming messages.

And then I walked into the neighborhood of a woman who says mean things to people as they pass her house if she happens to be outside. After she spoke to me, I could tell by her smile that this act of being so negative gives her great pleasure.

I walked on and thought, what the heck is the message in that?

Go to the beach – at least in our souls.

Why are we often walking in a neighborhood of negativity when you could be walking at the beach where positivity permeates?

Because I’ve been exercising this way for years, and I’m used to it.

Stop it. Go to the beach – and all it represents. You deserve the time, mileage, parking fees, sunshine, cleansing breezes, pelican and dolphin sightings, message-filled-beach-meandering treasures, and the ever-changing beauty of the horizon.

Trust me. It’s safe to release dysfunctional habits and thought patterns. It’s safe to go forth. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Oh. That’s a good message.

When I think of the term “spiritual journey,” I usually visualize a rocky mountain path curving upward. But today my path seems straight and true, “Then you will call on me and come pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I don’t know what I’ll come upon as I journey along, but I know who travels with me, and I know to whom I’m going.

Respond

Spiritual Journeys aren’t always rigorous mountain climbs. Sometimes the trail runs downhill to a rocking-chair porch with people who love you, or unwinds at home on a cozy couch with family and felines, or rambles by a shoreline where the sea whispers sweet somethings to your heart.

During those times when your spiritual journey levels off, where does your path lead you? How does God show up for you there?