Each soul, and therefore every Quaker, is unique. Period.
We start as imitators in many cases, unless as children the gift of Spirit’s presence in our lives is never lost. But it often is. Clouded over by too many commercials and texts, or re-directs.
Most great examples of most start as imitations – until Light shines in. That is when the masterwork gets done and the unique flower is made, the unique, the one and only. You.
The slippery slide off the journey is to confuse the imitation, the practice of the imitation, as the real thing. Imitation has its benefits. It yields predictable results. It offers a buffer from the maelstrom. But it doesn’t yield YOU.
Avoid the slippery slope. Listen for the still small voice. You can learn about typical messages in many ways including vocal ministry and reading, and discussion. But no other soul can hear what you hear, and no other soul can do the work that the universe needs from you. And no joy of peaceful fulfillment from that deep knowledge that “I did it – I took the step – I’m on my way” will come on the slippery slope.
We have to wonder. With each of us unique, how can we feel secure that what she is doing isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing? How do I know she is for real? Start by recognizing that the answer to such questions is and always will be, bogus. They are not questions for us to ask. It is not ours to wonder, let alone judge, the motivations of others. It is ours to find our own task to do and do it. Well.
A healthy Quaker meeting is filled with unique individuals who can laugh and find joy in the differences, as well as great strength. The appropriate response to the variety is LOVE and Gratitude – not judgment and criticism. In LOVE all is possible that is meant to be and that is good.
Jesus saw possibility everywhere except in the imitators and purveyors of what belonged to others. If he needed an example, he sought a child. Pointing out the child’s innocence and wonder and then said something to the effect – this is your example.
Of course, such could lead to a chaotic kindergarten classroom – but then – it is good for us to remember that, as the book was written – everything I ever needed to know I learned in kindergarten – for starters and not to be forgotten.
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