Perhaps because I look for symbols, signs and messages in the every day, I find tangible evidence the Universe has been sending us more and more lessons and guidance in the form of recent events. If we study the hidden meanings behind these events, we can be guided down a path to confront and triumph over the problems we are facing. We have only to go beneath the surface of some recent singular events to find the meaning and the guidance.
1. The heroic landing of Us Airways Flight 1549 on Jan. 15, 2009. The lessons from the fortuitous safe landing of this aircraft are unmistakable in terms of metaphor for how to face the challenges in our lives. Thanks to the skill and bravery of Captain Sullenberger and crew, the assistance of the emergency personnel and nearby boats, and the split-second timing needed to rescue all aboard, everyone survived this plane crash. This event teaches us that no matter how terrifying the crisis, an experienced, tested leader/hero, working with others, can bring about a happy ending. The Hudson River landing brought this nation’s spirits up in a way no other person or event has been able to accomplish in the past few years. Keep in mind: No matter how scary the crisis seems, there are leaders around us who will rise to the occasion, take control and lead us out of harm’s way.
2. Stump, the Sussex Spaniel takes Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. While in no way comparable to the miraculous landing of Flight 1549, the surprising win of Stump, the oldest (10-year-old) dog to ever win this contest, is also a positive lesson. Stump, who was entered in the Kennel Club show at the last moment, showed how much more heart means than age. Comparable in age to a 70-year-old adult, Stump entered the contest after retirement and after beating-back an illness that nearly killed him. Despite the odds against him, Stump ran through all his paces, performed as expected, and showed the grace and dignity of a dog (like many people) who had “been there, done that.” Over the past several decades, popular culture’s worship of the young and new has devalued the gifts the old and wise deliver.Given the economic mess we’re in, it is time to seek help and advice from those who’ve triumphed over hard times. Stump proved age and determination can trump tough competition, given the chance to participate.
3. A growing “Civil War” in Congress over the Economic Recovery. President Obama’s favorite, President Lincoln, oversaw a war that pitted half the country against the other half. And while the Civil War tore our County apart for some time, President Obama faces a more contemporary divide at a time when the nation can ill afford it (literally and figuratively). This time, the battle for America’s heart and mind is being fought by Republicans and Democrats. Even the best economists worry about how to turn the economy around, with little reason to believe the fighting politicians know better. But the ongoing hard-line, partisan struggle has the potential to halt an economic recovery and achieve the goal of getting the homeless into homes and the jobless into jobs. The lessons from the bitter history left over from the Civil War seems to be lost on politicians who conduct business as usual, even as the financial crisis deepens.. A divide like this, without unity in Congress, can only hurt the Country’s recovery. While partisan politics are standard-operating procedure in Washington D.C. these times are no Standard operation. The patient is gravely ill. The hardships the Civil War caused the nation must not be forgotten now, as the nation’s divide in Congress grows ever deeper: blue vs. red, haves vs. have-nots. As President Lincoln said, “A House divided can not stand……” Public scrutiny of the government’s conduct is more important than ever.
The Universe is constantly sending out messages and lessons for our own good. I have highlighted three of them, but newer events will bring us even more messages. The more trouble the world seems to be in, the more urgent and frequent the Infinite Mind communicates guidance. It is well recognized that this be so. And well proposed that we listen.
