Lessons from Our Lives...We Share the same story

What is the primary difference between what comes first in our lives, formal education or the lessons we learn through experience? Which path of knowledge will help us the most? Which will help ensure better outcomes or open the way for more success, without having so many do-over before we get it right? My truth is that, with an open mind and heart, we will all find our way eventually to the knowledge that guides and speaks to our soul's deep longing. Whether we find it through books or through an inner knowing, the insight will help us live our lives to our highest and fullest potential. 

            Society tells us that education expands our minds through learning Math, Science, English and other subjects taught in school, and we are taught to study so we can rise higher in the world, in knowledge, information, wealth, stature, and awards, and gain public honors for our efforts to make the world a better place. That knowledge is valuable.

            However, it is not the same knowledge and intelligence that can be found in the Gospel and in many of the recent bestselling books on how to live our lives more fully and with a focus on our true purpose. The power of true intelligence can be found through love, prayer, reading and reflection; through going within and listening.   As Albert Einstein said, "I want to know God’s thoughts!" This allows Divine wisdom to work through us, helping us in our quest to find our greatest truths in the scriptures, along with our highest place, our bliss, our joy, our peace and understanding, and our passion. Perhaps most important to finding our true purpose enhances our ability to listen to God. I wonder if this is what Jesus was referring to when he said we should be like little children who are open to the wonder of life.            

Some have not had the privilege of having much formal education.  Does this allow more time to be devoted to prayer, stillness, and listening within as a means of finding inner guidance? It is said that some of the simplest cultures on earth have some of the happiest.   By not being so involved with formal study and striving in the world, are we allowed an opportunity to be clearer? Are we more open to hearing the guidance that is in us to hear our soul's longing or God's voice? 

            I believe all of this knowledge has been provided through the scriptures and the most important guide for directing our lives regardless of the way we begin. Is it only a difference of opinion over the value of what we believe encompasses true knowledge? Which knowledge would we all prosper from, regardless of our background or current life circumstances?

The School of Life 

            Those who have been fortunate enough to have had formal education and have earned degrees worked hard on this achievement.  This too is noble service and a way to use God's gifts. Perhaps through their hard work they find another way to listen to God in the stillness. Because of their dedication some of them devote their talent to writing and sharing the wisdom they have learned. Their focus may be on sharing knowledge with the next generation their ability to listen within. For those who have lived life lessons without receiving degrees, but instead can be known by the fruits of their labors – they too can devote themselves to finding ways to share their truth, to shine a light to help others along the way. Both groups have messages to share. The underlying truth for both is that knowledge can be gained in more ways than can be taught in a book. Each of us must experience our own sacred call.

            Regardless of how we begin our lives, where we've been, what we've done, or with whom we have studied, we all have something of value to share with the world. Whatever benefits the whole comes from the true knowledge of Love, as recognized by us all in the Scriptures.