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Page Update:
Saturday, October 19th, 2002
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The Runners
in The Race I, The Start
Runner 1 has waited at the starting line for some time for something to happen, but eventually lost interest and leaves. For him there are other responsibilities and self-interests that are more important than some mystical adventure. If there is a God, it is a question that someone else will have to figure out.
Runner 2 is curious and interested, but also uncertain. She stands at the sidelines and watches the others, trying to figure out what to do. Without confidence or some individual direction, she is unable to begin.
Runner 3 does not wait or try to figure things out. Without the starting gun she goes on alone on a personal journey. The finish line is not in sight and there are no rules to guide her, it is an effort of love, devotion and faith. She has an open mind about the future as she puts one foot in front of the other and follows her heart with each step.
Runner 4 knows the rules and is ready. The study and practice seems to have paid off by bringing him to the starting line where he continues to be ready and prepared, ever vigilant for a sign from God to begin the spiritual journey. He knows for sure that he is on the right path with absolute, self-righteous conviction. Yet no amount of knowledge can reveal what is not in the heart or what is misdirected by the logic of the ego. To be ready, prepared and singular in purpose is very different from living a spiritual life. While this is necessary preparation for the life of an ascetic, a lifestyle of God focus is only the first step towards a life of God awareness.
Runners 5 & 6 are ready and reasonably willing to begin. Sure, spiritual commitment and service are important, but don’t we deserve a little fun? They want to be spiritual. They do nice things for other people (unless those people are not nice to them). They give to charities and help people who really need it. If they were not spiritual enough, then there would be some indication or bad things would happen to them. So, they pass the time at the starting line, confident that they are spiritually in the right place.
Other www.davidberryart.com
Articles about The Race I
The Spiritual Race
A conundrum of being human.
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