Backyard Treasure
There is buried treasure right within your grasp. I’m not kidding. It is growing in abundance at this very moment, and the source from which it continues to accumulate is infinite. The only thing that might be missing from this bounty is you.
What are these plentiful ‘riches’ that you have acquired? And when will you allow yourselves to acknowledge the endless fortune that is yours?
Are you aware of this treasure? And if you are, would you know how to claim it?!
The answer to these questions are woven in an old story that we have heard a million times, and perhaps in at least as many ways. As a grown woman who has spent the majority of my life walking an appropriate line between what I thought was expected of me, and what I desired for myself, I can offer you a version of this tale that now rings true in maturity. For those of you who may be reevaluating your past experience with selfishness, this is a story for you.
From the minute that we arrive on the planet, most of us are lovingly spoon-fed a belief in the Divine. We are taught the Universal Truths of Goodness, and The Almighty Power of Eternal Love. The acceptance that there is something ‘bigger’ at work in our human experience begins for most of us in childhood. Whether we agree or reject the method of spiritual practice we were offered in our youth, there are many of us who acknowledge that a Higher Life Force exists.
Some of us pursue a deeper connection with the Almighty, while others may simply acknowledge that “there is a God.” In any case, once we are aware of the separation between our particular religious instruction and the fundamental principle that Higher Power exists, we are able to maintain a certain level of respect and appreciation for this fundamental introduction.
We believe in Almighty Goodness and readily acknowledge this power through acts of kindness toward our fellow man.
Ah, so the story goes that there are unlimited ‘rewards’ that accumulate for us as we offer good wishes toward others. Abiding by the Universal teaching that we should “love thy neighbor,” we pray for our loved ones, we offer good wishes for their health, and we act upon a desire to provide comfort and good intentions for the welfare of our fellow man. We understand that our good ‘deeds’ fulfill a noble cause to build the coffers of our neighbor, so that their life may be blessed with the abundance of All-That-Is Good.
Meanwhile, the bounty that is available for us remains in some sacred vault that we are not awarded until some fabulous afterlife.
…As if it is acceptable to pray for and encourage the unlimited blessings of the Almighty for everyone else on earth but ourselves. To impart this supernatural favor for ourselves is unthinkable. And when we do think of it, it sounds embarrassingly suspicious and self-serving.
Right?!
It seems that it is always so much easier to love thy neighbor. Why would the natural instinct to love thyself be reserved for some ‘later date’ when we have completed our good deeds and wishes for others?
If you believe that The Almighty’s bounty of Unlimited Goodness is present right here on earth for your fellow man, what could be preventing you from claiming it for yourself? Perhaps we have not yet learned to release the notion that it must be “earned.”
Suppose you enter the afterlife to discover this lovely ‘gift box’ with your name on it. Won’t you feel silly when you realize that it was yours to enjoy the entire time you were living on earth?
“Ask and ye shall receive.” No one deserves it more than you. And if you don’t ask for yourself, you are not getting all that you are supposed to have.
I won’t tell anyone if you won’t:)
Natalie Bean says:
July 17, 2010 at 8:54 pm
So this post has reminded me of something you told me. It may pertain to this or not, but it popped into my brain as I was reading this.
Quite a long time ago, you explained to me that I am able to access a ”miracle box” whenever I would like. You told me that everyday I can ask for a miracle and all I have to do is reach in my box and grab it in order for it to occur.
Certainly, this was all before I fully understood the ”ask and it is given” policy. Now I understand it better and reaching into that ”miracle box” is easier than ever. Just like that ”gift box” you described:)
I read this post when you initially wrote it. Last Tuesday, on my way home after dropping off 12 more resumes at the post offce, I asked for jobs that would bring in money to pay my bills. I didn’t feel right directly asking just for money. Since Tuesday (and this is Friday), about six opportunities have come about for me to earn money, and I actually also found a check in the mailbox. Thanks for the reminder that it’s okay to ask for things for ourselves!