FROM WITHIN OUT

“He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t deserve it” (A.A. pg 73) Con artists portray themselves in whatever manner necessary in order to achieve their goal: relieving the mark of their money. Whether it be appearing down and out or worth millions, a good ole boy or foreign dignitary, sinner or saint, whatever it takes to get over. The con artist however doesn’t deceive themselves. As soon as the con is done, win or lose, they move on, shedding the portrayal like a pair of dirty socks. Spiritually many con themselves. They recite set prayers, often thinking about something else while saying them, attending religious or spiritually based services or functions regularly, something that needs or should be done for appearance points, with the same inner involvement as picking up or dropping off the laundry. Then trouble comes. It may be economic, family or health in nature. Being nominal students of the path, they feel abandoned by God. But just as the con artist they had only worn the clothes of a believer, saying the right words at the correct time, doing and acting as they believed a believer should, living under the false belief that by acting correctly they were doing the work. They are like the man who stashed away seed but never planted a crop. Faith without works is dead. And work without faith is just work. We all reap as we sow. How well is your garden doing? Pray with a feather, gently, but be present in prayer. Consider the words, remember this is your time with God. When in a religious or spiritual setting stay in the moment. Speak to God in your consciousness, the “Secret” place of your heart, ask what He would have you see or learn on this occasion, remembering that often it is not about us, but how we can be of service. If we are daydreaming or thinking of other things we may miss a wonderful opportunity to help others. You “…cannot transmit something you haven’t got.” (A.A. pg 164) So quietly tend your garden, be present for God in the moment, for it is only in the moment that we can be present for God.