June 22

HUMILITY MONTH: DAY 22: “If there is one single reason why good people turn evil, it is because they fail to recognize God’s ownership over their kingdom, their vocation, their resources, their abilities, and above all their lives.” ― Erwin W. Lutzer

I am not a believer in evil. I don’t use the word, nor do I believe it exists. I prefer the word Error instead. We are all inherently God’s kids, so I don’t think evil can exist in that realm. I do, however, understand the idea that I have been in error, or maybe even better; Ego.

And the rest of the quote stands up to that one. I like the concept, which is new to me as of right now, today, of being “owned” by god. Wow!

And if God “owns” me, I have no recourse but to submit to that Power and allow it to run my life, bring my good to me, bring my teachers and lessons to me, unfold my life in accordance with a plan that is not in my mind (Ego) and I can just suit up and show up for THAT.

Okay. I am willing. Not all the time, but more so every day. It is WAY easier to live as if I am “owned.” This really fucks with some folks. It did with me, even this morning. I had to go outside and work in my garden for about 30 minutes to let it really sink in.

Out there, I saw, seagulls chasing a hawk away from their nesting spots, crows doing the same, and then I saw about a dozen caterpillars making chrysalis’ on my artichoke plants. I know what they are, it has happened before (only 1 time, one caterpillar); but I tracked it and it became a beautiful swallowtail butterfly! Wow! And now there are a bunch! Yay!

Then I saw dozens of new baby squash coming out…I have four varieties this year. And they are growing, despite the weather here, which is not that great for squash, but there they are! And a whole lot of new blackberries got ripe…lunch! And a couple of dozen green beans, picked them and 3 squash. Also picked the rest of the Thai Basil, yummy smell, a handful of parsley, and 3 blueberries. Wow!

This belongs to God, for sure. The Power helps it all grow. We are partners in this endeavor. I do the footwork of planting seeds, pulling weeds, watering and tending the plants. The Power grows it and allows me to eat the food that comes. So, I see “ownership” there. I don’t own it; I am the caretaker. The same is true of ME. I don’t OWN me…I blew that one! I have the job of caretaking ME. For the time I am walking around here, I am owned by Creator and take care of the vessel. I feed me well, I exercise me as much as I am willing. I take vitamins and supplements to be sure of the maximum amount of wellness I can achieve.

I meditate me, clean me, de-stress and detox me from the toxins of overwork, overtired, over-everything that our culture promotes. I balance myself with some work, some play and lots of love. I take me to meetings and work some steps when I need to (all the time!); I take me out to be of service where I can, I get me to sleep and relax, I get me going. I tend my life in responsible ways, I pay the bills…you get it, right? It may be owned by Power, but it is my job to take good care of it all. And the pay is amazing!