Chapter 17 "WHAT IS THAT TO YOU? FOLLOW ME!" (John 21:22) It's None of Your Business The above words were spoken by Jesus, after His resurrection, in other words telling Peter, "It's none of your business," when he questioned the destiny of John. Then Jesus added the most important two words of the bible, "Follow Me." In other words keep your focus on Me, my teachings, my example. For us, the words mean to keep our focus on Jesus and The Way, or on God. In other words, don't let distractions and diversions take you off purpose. As much as I enjoyed the first day with my family, I had to remind myself of those words, before the day was over. Here is the sequence of events: Welcome Home! As usual, when we arrived at Dottie's, we were greeted with a Razzle Welcome from Rascal, the family dog. He'd just had a bath, but that did not deter him from wagging his tail-less body from stem to stern, as he rubbed against my legs and verbalized in dog language that he was happy to see us. Of course, once he greeted me, he looked to the RV in search of Van, his extra- special buddie. So, I opened the door and Rascal leapt inside, without benefit of stairs, and rushed over to Van, still trying to get parked, and repeated the welcoming ceremonies. Now, we were officially welcomed and the rest of the day could continue. Next, I found Airica in the kitchen, fixing a package of macaroni and cheese to offset the pain of wisdom teeth that needed pulling, and find something soft to eat. We hugged, as she updated me on her dental woes, which had caused her to stay home from school for the day. And she happily talked about her upcoming prom and graduation, and her boyfriend, Josh. Finally, Dottie and Steve returned home from errands and quickly greeted us, before continuing with their busy day for their Networking business. Today, a Makeup Makeover would be taking place and Kerri, who would do the Makeovers, was about to arrive to begin the procedure for her first client, a friend of Airica. Steve retreated to the office, which had been reinstated in the garage, for smoking purposes, and focused on his business. Dottie busied herself between updating us on Easter plans, which were changing hourly, and chatting with Kerri or her client, as their Makeover progressed, and assisting Steve with business requirements. In the meantime, Arianna arrived with Micayla, about to have her First Birthday (in a week), and the entertainment began. Day With Micayla Arianna and I managed to get a hug and brief update on their lives, but mostly it was about keeping Micayla entertained, once she'd been held by everyone and placed in a playpen. She's used to the freedom of her gated room, at home, and this confinement does not work for her. First, all toys, bottle and book were hurled over the sides, as she watched with great satisfaction. Believe me, I have never seen a toddler with such power, or with such a busy mind, as each move is carefully calculated, and as the various games take place: with her mom, her Grandmother Dottie and Grandpa Steve and Auntie Airica. She wasn't used to her Great- Grandmother Joyanna, as yet, but it didn't take her long to have me figured out, either, as I picked up the toys and returned them to the playpen. At one point, I hooked some toys onto the edge and that occupied her for a few minutes, but soon she lost interest and wanted something or someone else to entertain her. I could see why child-raising is for young people, because I was worn out by the end of the day. But I was so glad to be with Micayla, such a cutie with short blond hair, bright blue eyes and an independence that won't stop. She's not a Taurus (Astrologically speaking it's the sign of the bull, and is known for stubbornness) for nothing, and her horns often lock with her mom's Aries will (Sign of the Ram). After dinner, which occupied Micayla eating pizza, she was getting tired and Arianna was worn out from the constant demands of a her busy daughter, so they departed for the day, but I looked forward to seeing them on Sunday for Easter. Plans Change Hourly Before they'd left, I'd asked Arianna how she felt about her folks plans to move to Oregon, when Steve entered the room and said, "Our plans have changed, and seem to change hourly." With a house full of people, that's all he would say, but later that night they took some time to sit down and explained that their business was expanding in Denver, and they needed to manage it, which they couldn't do from a distance (Oregon) or part-time (October to June), especially at this time. So, in June they would take a short vacation to Oregon and return here; accompanied by Airica and Josh, who would continue living at home, at least for their first year in college. Okay, so would they rent a place before they leave or put their things in storage and move them again when they returned? Dottie and Steve had varying opinions on this subject, so time would answer that question. In the meantime, they had a business to run, Easter and birthdays to handle and a prom and graduation to live through; not to mention Airica's dental work (having wisdom teeth pulled). And, by the way, they would be attending the Regional Conference in Wichita, Kansas, in two weeks. Whew! I'll have to admit that Dottie comes by it honestly, because we always had a lot of activity and stress, as she was growing up. But, in recent years I just can't handle it, so this put me in overwhelm and I was glad to go to bed and end it all for one day. Like Scarlett O' Hara, "I'll think about that tomorrow." The fact is that I had a lot more of my own business to think about. For instance, Van had checked my e-mail and a message from Joyce announced that her new computer had been freezing up and she was going to take it back. In truth, I suspect that she really didn't want such and investment and felt talked into it, especially when she suggested, in her e-mail message, that maybe she's not the right person for my program, because she simply wants to enjoy life and she doesn't want to go through a bunch of clearing (dealing with stuff). OOPS! I really didn't know how to deal with this letter from Joyce, so it's another thing I decided to let "wait until tomorrow." All Systems "Go" However, while I'd been having my Day with Micayla, and the rest of the family, Van had been publishing my website changes and they were now Out in the Universe. Now, I needed to get my new domain name out there and have everything forwarded. Then it would be time for Snow to complete the marketing aspect of our agreement. So, this would definitely be the time for Joyce to bail out, if that's her intention. Because the website is within a week of going out there, and it will be All Systems Go, so I need someone who is not only willing, but also able to move forward with it, even if that means dealing with their stuff. It's for sure I've had to deal with my stuff and I would continue to do so in order to move forward. And, spending a day with Dottie and Steve, I'd noticed the immense changes they'd made, and the forward movement that resulted. No one moves forward by standing still. "In the Tomb" Interestingly, when we got our mail at the Mail Box, I'd received letters from four Freedomers, although none from Michael or Adam, who were enjoying their new freedom. So, did this mean that my ministry was alive and well, even through the mail system? It might appear so, especially considering the timing of these four letters, which required immediate attention on my part. That too, was delayed "until tomorrow." But, of course, "tomorrow never comes," and it can become an easy out to put off dealing with what needs to be done. Or, it can be a time of fruition for the details and matters at hand to fall into place. Symbolically, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday represents such a time. It's the day Jesus spent in the tomb. The statement, "Within the tomb man's greatest overcoming was taking place," from Your Hope of Glory, by Elizabeth Sand Turner, defines the event. This time could be equated to the final stages of the caterpillar in the chrysalis, before becoming a butterfly. The tomb represents a high state of consciousness in which we become transformed from the material self to the spiritual self. According to the Revealing Word, "We are resting in God, and at the same time gathering strength for the power of greater demonstrations to follow." For me, "tomorrow" was the day in the tomb. A time to rest and renew, before moving forward and upward. So, when I awoke, I asked myself, "What does all this have to do with me; and how do I feel about it?" That's when the answer came to me in the form of the bible verse that is the title of this chapter: "What is that to you? Follow me." In other words, stay focused on my purpose of fulfilling God's Divine Plan for me; whatever that might be. Obviously, it's not following Dottie and family to Oregon; because they aren't moving to Oregon. And I'm definitely not going to stay in Denver, because the altitude messes me up. In fact, I'd been thinking in terms of returning to California, and now it seemed even more apparent that would be a good place for us to stay put. As for Joyce's e-mail message, I thought about what Dottie had said the day before when someone's antics were attempting to distract her and take her attention from being on purpose. She said, "I ask myself if it has anything to do with me, or if there's anything I need to do about it. If not, I put it out of my mind and stay focused on what I'm doing." Yes, Joyce's decisions would ultimately affect me, but I cannot be responsible for them. I can only release her and know that when one door closes, another opens. Perhaps she is right, maybe she is not the right person for my program. If so, it will work out; if not, God will guide me to the "right person." And, hopefully, Joyce and I will remain friends whatever the outcome. On the other hand, if there's something that needs to be worked out "in the tomb" then that will happen. In any event, life will go on. Signs of the Times Our "Tomb Day" meant shopping with Dottie and Steve at Costco, as our Easter contribution for the expense of dinner. Then we stopped by Honey-baked Ham and marveled at the line that waited out front. However, Dottie's ham was paid for, so she managed to get to the front of the line and pick it up. But we were surprised when they told us that several of the shops, in the area, had closed down. Amazing, when you see lines like this. Of course, two or three times a year isn't going to keep a business in operation. So, this was simply a sign of the times, as more people enjoy shopping at Costco. There are still lines, but they're not outside. Stepping Out of the Tomb Arianna and Micayla had arrived when we returned and the living-room had been barricaded to keep Micayla away from her favorite objects: the corner shelf with breakable items and books, and the light cords. Dottie and Steve rotated turns playing with her, while Van and I watched an evolution take place. Micayla had been taking steps when encouraged or passed from one to the other, but this day she actually took steps on her own. Of course, we all applauded this momentous event, and I was delighted that we got to be part of it. In addition, Steve had bought a high chair and stroller at a garage sale that day, and for dinner he put table food in a little divided plate and gave her a spoon. Of course, someone had to hold the plate in place, but Micayla actually put the spoon in her mouth. Of course, she ate with her hands, but another milestone was taking place. In the evening she was given her bottle and easily fell asleep in her playpen, which was set up in the bedroom, while the grown-up kids played cards. Another Special Occasion This Saturday was also Airica and Josh's second anniversary of going together, and the tradition is that Josh plans the day. It so happened that they had arranged to complete signing up a new Distributor for their business (they are both Distributors in the family Networking business), which took several hours. So everything had been hush-hush about the Anniversary plans, until Airica later called her parents to report that they had gone horseback riding and had a great time riding around Bear Creek Lake. The day had been completed by going out to dinner. This had been a great Day in the Tomb and we were now ready for Easter Sunday. The Easter Story 2001 Easter morning, I watched a musical presentation of the Passion Play by a Christian ministry in Tennessee on TBN. This story of the life and death of Jesus again reminded me of the original Easter Story. However, the true spirit of Easter is not that Jesus died on the cross, but that he arose and continues to live today within each of us, because when He ascended, he returned to His Father God and became one, therefore omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. This part of the Easter Story was emphasized by Rev. Robert Schuller on his Hour of Power broadcast from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The magnificence of the Resurrection became real through the beauty of the glorious music and flowers, and especially the enormous cross filled with thousands of calla lilies. And the words of Rev. Schuller spoke of eternal life. I became exhilarated as he talked about the very things I'd mentioned in an earlier chapter: that scientists are now proving and believing that there is a Supreme Being and Creator; that the Easter Story is true, and that we can all live the life that Jesus, the Wayshower, came to teach us. And, as always, Rev. Schuller reminded us of our ability to overcome adversity through faith and possibility thinking. This Sunday he interviewed Rev. Bill Bixby, the founder and president of Campus Crusade, a man whose influence has brought millions of people to believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And now, this man is facing death resulting from a terminal disease, but his faith and strength is an inspiration to us all, as he looks forward to his final days on earth, "serving the Lord," and his death when he will be "with his Heavenly Father"; truly a faith-filled man. Also featured on the program was pianist Roger Williams, who played "In the Garden," accompanied by the magnificent Crystal Cathedral choir. Of course, filled with exuberance, I sang along. With the conclusion of the Hour of Power, I was already elevated in spirit and ready for the day with my family, especially special with the presence of little Micayla, who was actually spending her second Easter with us, although she isn't quite a year old. That's because Easter came late last year, after her birth. A year ago we were all in Rapid City, South Dakota, where Arianna and Jason were living at the time of Micayla's birth. But now we were at the family home in Lakewood, and the sun was shining on another Easter. This one brought together our own family and Josh's mom and brother, business and other friends; and the three dogs who romped in the backyard. In the late afternoon, Arianna loaded Micayla into her stroller, Van put Rascal on a leash, and I accompanied them, along with Dottie and Steve, around the block and to the Christian College Campus and back. Such a parade: Grandpa Steve pushing Micayla in her stroller, followed by her mom, Grandma Dottie, Great-Grandmother Joyanna, and Van with Rascal on a leash, followed by Cupid, one of the tortoise shell cats. The day was completed with a rousing game of cards, and then like in "Godspell," we all returned to our individual homes and lives. I concluded that this had been the best Easter that I could remember, because of my personal inner resurrection accomplished during the past year, and which I have recorded in these pages. And, also because of Van having arisen from his personal limitations into a new birth. In fact, as I think about it, each of us have transcended, on our inner journey, from wherever we were a year ago. No wonder it was such a special Easter Day. The Best is Yet to Come And, as always, the best is yet to come, because where we have been, and where we are now form the foundation for where we are going. I know that Dottie and Steve's business will prosper into fulfillment of their dreams in the next year, wherever they are living. And I also know that Inner Freedom.net will finally make its way Out Into the Universe, as I follow Jesus's command, "Follow Me." |
