Julie Keene was formerly a professor at Ferris State University in Michigan, then went on to serve as a minister in Unity churches throughout the country. She is the co-author (with Ione Jenson) of WOMEN ALONE: CREATING A JOYOUS AND FULFILLING LIFE, and has also authored an autobiographical work called FROM SOAP OPERA TO SYMPHONY. She now works and lives in Gainesville, Florida, where she conducts workshops with a focus on spiritual and psychological growth.
Gratitude and trust are closely related. In order to be thankful for everyone and everything in my life, I need to trust that the Universe makes sense, that everything my soul has chosen to experience this lifetime has been for my ultimate Highest Good. I trust that when it appears I’m failing, I’m only learning. I make a great effort to bless my life just as it is, both the so-called triumphs and disasters. A line from Kipling’s poem If often comes to mind: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat these two impostors just the same.”
When I remind myself that I am a student in Earth School choosing those lessons that enhance my soul’s purpose, it’s possible to more readily bless every circumstance of my life. Of course, from a more unenlightened segment of myself, I sometimes wonder, “Why did I choose this particular misery?” Yet, gratitude for, and trust in, the ultimate justice of the Universe is the best antidote for the poisonous emotions of self-pity and resentment. I find it impossible to experience gratitude and negative emotions simultaneously. Author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross reminds us, “Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings.” I’ve learned to bless and give thanks for the windstorms that have shaped my life.
When my soul arrived in Earth School, it set up some challenging lessons. Many years went by before I learned to see the blessings in these experiences. When I could honestly begin to understand their purpose and to feel gratitude for them, I made an escape from the darkness of a victim’s prison into the light of freedom and joy.
Although “illegitimate” was stamped on my birth certificate, I am grateful I now know God has no illegitimate children. I acknowledge God’s indwelling presence and embrace my innate worth as I go about completing my legitimate Earth School assignments. Although I was physically and sexually abused as a child, I am grateful that I now know my Spirit is indestructible and cannot be harmed by anything done to the Earth Suit. Although I’ve experienced “failed” relationships, I’m grateful that every relationship presents unique opportunities to practice love and forgiveness, opportunities to learn about myself at deeper levels. I’m grateful that it’s possible to learn from relationships after they are over.
My oldest son Richard died when he was nine, and I’m so very grateful that I know that each soul chooses its Earth School experiences, including the manner and time of departure from the Earth plane. In Reality, there is no death; the soul is ageless and eternal, and love knows no barriers of time or space. My second son Robert nearly died when he was two and suffered brain damage as a result of the illness. I am grateful that I know that Robert chose this Earth School lesson, and as his mother, that I chose the experience with him. I’ve felt much pain watching him struggle with life, but he has demanded from me, and thus has taught me, unconditional love. Such a great gift!
Looking back over my life, I can see the beauty that the windstorms have carved. I trust current and future challenges to facilitate additional soul growth. My heart is filled with gratitude for all the people and events in my life because I now understand their Higher Purpose. My heart overflows with gratitude for the Divine Love that enfolds, guides, protects, and sustains us all!
