July 27: Day 27

STEP FOUR CONTINUED: Accept that this Higher Power is understood in different ways and by different names in various religions and cultures, and open our lives to hearing the Divine Voice in any way it chooses to communicate to us.
 
Instruction: Wait for balance.

I worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years, and the majority of that time I served as a letter carrier. Each morning, I would dress in postal blue before going to work. Blue had always been my favorite color, but after years of wearing blue shirts, blue pants, blue shorts, blue sweaters, blue coats, and blue hats, I was tired of the color blue. When I retired from the Post Office, I rarely bought or wore anything blue. After about four years of retirement, I rediscovered the color and realized I liked it once more. It was the imbalance that had pulled me away from it.

After years of worshiping in one particular church denomination and after experiencing some religious abuse, I found it difficult to enter a church of that denomination or even one associated with their religious teachings. Many things balance themselves out if given enough time. As we wait for that balance to happen, we can use the time to discover new things. In the situation with my clothes, I discovered new colors, patterns, and styles. In the situation with religion, I discovered new names, descriptions, and ways of understanding The Divine. I don't regret my years of wearing postal blue or my years of worshiping in a particular way, but I am enjoying the variety and balance I've found.
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Today’s assignment is to consider your religious life to see if you have a balance of beliefs. You don’t necessarily have to discard a religion you are currently enjoying, but could you find balance by adding to the things you are learning. Some religions are more worship oriented while others might be more service oriented. A balance of both could bring more love, peace, and happiness.