Writing this column took a leap of faith. Thank goodness Tom Oosterhoudt had the vision for his paper which could include a column where not only self awareness is explored but spirituality as well. My husband and I are packing up to move. Yes, I’ll still be writing this article thanks to the wonders of the internet. Our entire process has been a leap of faith. We purchased a house in another state in 2005 just before Hurricane Wilma hit. We own a lot here that was worth almost the price of the house back then. We all know the story. We had one offer on the lot last year and turned it down because it was “so low.” Today, it would be an incredible offer. That leap of faith, we didn’t take. We placed our house on the market last year and like many, it hasn’t sold. Since our son is going to a private school- thank you Sallie Mae loans- we knew we had to decrease our expenses and that meant moving to the other house that is partially rented. By May of this year, we had to consider renting our house here and accept that it would be for sale at the same time which is usually difficult for both tenants and prospective buyers. I took a leap of faith and gave my notice at work. I’d been holding off waiting for something in “my plan” to come to fruition. That day I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff without a parachute and I just jumped praying that God had a trampoline placed on the jagged rocks below. A phone call to a friend later that week lead to a lease option agreement. I’d never considered that possibility.

Each time I’ve taken a leap of faith after doing all the footwork in my range of vision, I’ve found that God has created outcomes I could never have imagined. In general our mind’s vision is limited. We believe that the only outcomes possible are the few we can imagine. Our Higher Source is not limited to logic and wondrous outcomes can grow out of what appears to be a disaster.  Doubt is an unavoidable companion of the spiritual seeker. War rages on in our minds even after we’ve consulted our closest friends and family. Loud voices urge us to take one path or the other. It is through fear that we learn to practice faith and faith does take practice. It’s not the default setting in our minds. We get lost in our limited thinking, we can’t see our way out and doubt prevails. If we continue to do what we’ve always done, we’ll continue to get what we’ve always gotten.

It’s at this point we need to be open to a Higher Source bigger than our minds and personalities which we can choose to call any name that works for us. We let go of what’s out of our control and become willing to ask for help. We open our energy fields to the vast abundance that the universe has to offer way beyond the prevailing negativity in the media which thrives on fear. When I have a desperate urge that I continue to ruminate about over and over in my head, I’m dealing with my will. When I feel a calm certainty in my body about a choice, I’m usually hearing God’s will which I’ve come to believe is always for my highest good. No matter what path we follow, it’s the right one because we’ll always receive lessons if we’ve made the incorrect choice or blessings if we’ve made the choice that serves our highest good. Uncertainty is not a fault, but an opportunity. The answers may come from where we least expect them. We can turn on the radio and hear a song that reminds us we’re not alone. It takes courage to step beyond what’s comfortable, predictable and known. Everything we do, everything that crosses our path- people, situations, and ideas, all have the potential to contribute to our growth and understanding. When painful events happen we often feel God is punishing us. At these times if we find gratitude we’ll find relief. It might be as simple as taking a breath, walking and feeling the earth under our feet, a good meal, or a smile from a stranger. Let’s try to remember that no matter what we’re facing, a loving God is always there for us. Take the leap!

Please write to Dr. Sandy Islands at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com and feel free to browse previous articles at www.sandyislands.com