September 2008 ~ Uthsaha
For some of my "jottings" this year, I am drawing from a book called "Worldwords," which is a collection of words from around the world… one word for each day of the year… with an explanation of the word and a brief interpretation of its meaning. I will share a word, along with some thoughts from the book and some of my own.
The word for September is:
uthsaha – (oot SA hah) Sanskrit
Spiritual call or encouragement.
I grew up in a church that talked a lot about God’s Plan for each person’s life. There was not much information given about what the plan was or how we were to find it, but it was clear that a plan existed. I think I saw it as a sort of paint by number canvas. The design was drawn and the color numbers were shown. My task was to match the colors with the numbers and fill in the spaces. Later, it seemed to me that I was to select the colors without the help of numbers and even later, that there was no design. My life was a blank canvas and my task was to create a work of art on the canvas. God’s Plan was that I should make it beautiful and in alignment with His Will. As time went on, I came into an understanding that spiritual guidance was available to me and that through that “call” or guidance, I could know and do God’s Will. And so, the work of hearing and following the guidance or call of Spirit began for me.
And to this, I say, “Amen!”
A long time ago I came upon a little poem that spoke to me. I carried it in my wallet for many years.. I no longer have it in my wallet, but I still carry it in my mind. I don’t know who wrote it, but it goes like this:
jbm
The word for September is:
uthsaha – (oot SA hah) Sanskrit
Spiritual call or encouragement.
I grew up in a church that talked a lot about God’s Plan for each person’s life. There was not much information given about what the plan was or how we were to find it, but it was clear that a plan existed. I think I saw it as a sort of paint by number canvas. The design was drawn and the color numbers were shown. My task was to match the colors with the numbers and fill in the spaces. Later, it seemed to me that I was to select the colors without the help of numbers and even later, that there was no design. My life was a blank canvas and my task was to create a work of art on the canvas. God’s Plan was that I should make it beautiful and in alignment with His Will. As time went on, I came into an understanding that spiritual guidance was available to me and that through that “call” or guidance, I could know and do God’s Will. And so, the work of hearing and following the guidance or call of Spirit began for me.
(from the book) ”The spiritual call is sometimes vague and hesitant, though often quite clear and compelling. It may appear when least expected, or arise in response to immediate need. More like a sense of direction than a road map, it will first appear on the fringe of awareness, a barely perceptible shift in feeling.
We all need the presence of uthsaha in our lives. It can arise from many sources: an inspirational teacher, an enlightened book, a conversation with friends, a regular devotional practice. Both symbolic and practical, the divine can be awakened by continually acting upon the still, small, inner voice. As you experience the positive aspects of its guidance in your life, a stronger bridge will be built, based on increasing trust and unfolding delight.”
And to this, I say, “Amen!”
A long time ago I came upon a little poem that spoke to me. I carried it in my wallet for many years.. I no longer have it in my wallet, but I still carry it in my mind. I don’t know who wrote it, but it goes like this:
I am the place where God shines through
For God and I are One, not two.
I need not fear, nor fret, nor plan –
God needs me now, right where I am.
And if I’ll be relaxed and free,
He’ll carry out His Plan through me.
jbm
posted by Wayne Manning at 7:51 PM
