Spiritual Things Matter

There is a time that will surely come
When all that has been, will become a question.
A question, not to be answered by the learned
But one to be lived, again and again.

What have I wrought with my life thus far?
Has it been purely to protect myself alone?
Is there a purpose to this life I live,
Or, is life just waves of motions, taking their turn?

Does my touch, or my smile, or anything at all
Have any effect on this vast world?
Do my passions count as I long for keener awareness
For that, Loving Being, far greater still?

Friends will come and friends will go -
While we grow and change along the way.
Do they,  as I,  just try to find a certain rhythm
That makes some sense to their searching minds?

Quietly, I kneel in surrender
Laying my questions on the altar of my soul.
There, I am met by Wisdom, which is far greater
Than the many questions born out of such limited terrain.

~Viola Jaynes
May 2009

A personal life deeply lived always expands into truth beyond itself.~Arais Nin

Saying “yes” to Life and to all its varieties, its colors and dimensions, makes for an adventure that can never be adequately captured in any other form of expression. Whether on a canvas, on an instrument, or in a song, life can never be fully portrayed in any medium known to man because its vastness is just too great.

As hard as our film industry tries to convey the essence and emotions of life, the best they can ever hope to do is to capture their audience for only a short few hours. A lovely ballet performance can heighten our awareness of the beauty of the human life with all its possibilities to express itself, and yet, when the curtain falls, we are once again left with realizing our great limitations. A “once in a life-time” exquisite musical performance or a stunning work of art can take us into higher realms that would be inadequate to explain in mere words alone. But, at the end of such an encounter, we realize that our lives are just exactly like what we have just experienced. We soar to great heights where we gather the strength and energy for life, and then we plummet to great depths where we use every ounce of that strength that we have gathered. Thus, our life story is written with great drama, and very often that drama is created solely by us.

Life . . . what an experience it is!

I know of no one who could not put their personal life story into some form of written narrative, or a work of romantic poetry. I know of no one who has not experienced their emotions at its finest, with feelings of love and joy and happiness that can not be adequately explained. Yet, within this same life, emotions have been felt and lived at their lowest point as struggles ensue through the darkest of days trying to rise above the often angry and pitiful beast within. Our philosophers and poets have tried for eons, again and again, to convey life’s diverse patchwork of love and tears, of dreams and hopes, and of courage and fear. Often we will begin to weep when we hear meaningful words or a piece of music that is so fine that it resonates deep within us. It is then that we realize the commonality of humanity, and indeed of all life itself.

A life best lived is to let honesty be its closest kin. Music, beauty, art and great literary works, as well as other aesthetic influences, soften the heart. It is in those heightened and receptive moments that the opportunity arises to be in touch with who one really is. Nothing seems to liberate a person more than the ability to be honest with oneself, and most importantly one’s God. This liberation is accompanied by a greater ease and freedom for one’s life. Along with this freedom, we will soon find that our interactions with our fellow man become less strained and much more loving and kind as there is simply nothing more left to hide. Life and self-honesty will open the door to greater possibilities as spiritual truth begins to present itself. As Socrates said so beautifully, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” We will then stand in awe of our spiritual potential as we begin to discern the changes and growth within. The realization dawns on us that the breath of life that created all living things is the same breath of life that beautifies the heart. The beauty of life within then becomes the beauty of life without as we begin to see all things differently.

Life . . . what a gift it is! It is indeed, a valuable gift to be cherished.

Oh to Thee, my great Creator,
I surrender my heart.
Oh to Thee, my great Lord,
I surrender all that I am.
Oh to Thee, my great God
I surrender life itself!

Your Beauty alone shines forth
as Your Light illuminates.
Your Love brings peace
All life surrenders to Thee.

Viola M. Jaynes

Change is the essence of life. A willingness to surrender for what one is for what one could become. ~Author unknown

Nothing is of greater importance or greater value in this life as spiritual reality. Nothing has any real meaning for any sustained period of time except the spiritual reality of knowing God. Many are familiar with Dr. Scott Peck’s writings. His most prominent book would be, “The Road Less Traveled.” I have read all of his works and was struck when he made his comment, that much human suffering would be eliminated by the sheer surrender to God. The only real cure for many difficult human ailments and complexities is a decision to follow God and to be thankful for all that touches our lives.

The surrender process automatically leads to a greater thankfulness of heart. Understanding that gratitude can bring about an enormous amount of freedom and healing is liberating. It is one of the most important principles that anyone can exercise in their lives, and eventually, it will transform itself into a lifestyle of gratitude. The way we look at things will change and often the problems simply dissolve.

A person who is serious about spiritual growth in their life will find that many deep stirrings accompany a deeper surrender to God. We constantly make discoveries about ourselves that bring discomfort and sometimes even embarrassment. Some would rather not look within at all. However, if we choose to look the other way or walk away from surrendering ourselves to God, these will remain there until we are finally prepared to handle them. We will face these again and again until courage arises to make different choices. Gibran says it beautifully: “Let your stumbling blocks become your stepping stones.” Each and every person who desires to grow will walk a similar path. Men and women who have gone before us and attained great spiritual insights have had to walk this path. We are not alone!

It takes enormous courage to make a decision that, “No matter what, I will surrender ALL to God.” The possibilities of this level of commitment are astounding and unimaginable. The changes that take place in the human heart are sometimes even unrecognizable. Efforts will be blessed because the energy is one of spiritual commitment and integrity. If spiritual pride does raise its head, then that too can be unashamedly turned over to God. A new assuredness has been realized and a deep gratitude for God’s amazing grace is in the heart.

Please let us never judge so harshly against our own growing process and against ourselves. Being willing to change the way we think will help us to embrace ourselves. If we can understand that others are also on their own spiritual journey, then there is no more room left to judge others. This understanding opens the door to a greater lovingness and acceptance. Thus, life is experienced with greater peace as we surrender to Him in great depth.

Viola Jaynes