Have you ever wondered about the journey of life? Why are you here? Is there something specific you came to do? Have you ever noticed those stubborn patterns that keep appearing in your life? Somehow these very questions are what bring people to begin a spiritual quest. Certainly that has been the case for me.
These questions have danced around in my head since I was a small child. I could never figure out the meaning of life or, quite frankly, the point of it. After many years of study and labor, I have finally come to the knowing that each of us has a journey. My journey might be similar to yours, however, it will still have a unique quality that is mine alone.
I would like to share this spiritual journey that has consumed my days. As a child I was raised Jewish. Somehow we seem to simply accept the religion given to us by our parents as though it is genetic. This never really worked for me, but what was one to do? As a Jewish woman, I surely could not convert to Christianity or any other religion. However, life is funny. There is an old saying. It is, “Man plans and God laughs.”
I began to study New Thought. It encompasses Religious Science, Unity, and Divine Science. The God that I could not grasp changed into a law that began to make sense. It was as though an entire new world opened up. A bulb went off and the next thing I knew, I was studying to be a New Thought minister. Did I ever dream that Marlene Goldenhersh would become a minister? I can even remember arguing with God and saying I was the wrong person!
Somehow, arguing with that which you do not completely comprehend did not work and I am a New Thought minister. The saga continued. About five years ago, all the New Thought ministers in St. Louis were invited to attend a Kabbalah lecture by Dr. Michael Laitman from Israel. He heads B’nei Baruch, a Kabblah Center in Israel. Now I was not interested in Kabbalah. It was certainly not something I wished to pursue. With that in mind, I quickly responded that I would be there! What happened?
I arrived at a Divine Science Center in St. Louis, and joined the other New Thought ministers. Dr. Laitman, a white haired, white bearded gentleman was there. Since he only speaks Russian and Hebrew, he had two interpreters with him as well as a local man. I was not particularily impressed with the lecture and I truly was not interested in Kabbalah. All I know is that when the lecture ended I went up to the local gentleman and asked, “If we are interested, will you have classes for us?” He said, “Yes.”
With that, I asked the secretary to get paper and a pen to start a list. She said she would send out an email next week. I heard a voice pop out of my mouth saying, “No. Get it now, please.” It was as though I was being guided by someone or something other than myself.That was the beginning of my journey. I have now been studying Kabbalah for more than five years. It has taken me to an entirely different land. What I thought was true has become illusion. And, what I thought was illusion has become the truth. I am finally beginning to understand the meaning of my life and all life. The interconnectedness of humanity has become increasingly important to me.
I have come to respect the journey as the purpose of life. On the path, I have encountered so many people who are looking to fill the lack they feel in their lives. They try alcohol, drugs, money, travel, exercise, and a myriad of other substances and activities to fill the void. I now see them and realize how unique each journey is. It is so personal. Yet, there is an amazing similarity.
Humanity longs to connect with others. Even if it appears man does not desire to be with others, we know that is not the truth. The journey of life is a most magnificent opportunity to bond with humanity and to discover the truth within each of us. It is an adventure that continues every minute we are here on the planet. And, perhaps, when we are not.
Life. The journey continues.
