[tmtranscripts] Abraham 9/2/02

[ellen]

ABRAHAM -- SELF-MASTERY
SEPTEMBER 2, 2002
WOODS CROSS GROUP

I am ABRAHAM. Greetings. I love these small, but intimate groups. Our
association becomes much closer and our connection is with a little less
static. I remember those warm summer months and especially it being a time
of great activity. A time when the daylight hours are longer made it
possible to squeeze in more to life.

With the serenity of Fall approaching it seems that the mind becomes more
clear and concentrated to learn and grow more. We all know some individuals
however who dread the approaching change, as if their anxiety will cause it
to slow down. As we keep with the topic of self-mastery, it becomes more
understandable on how individuals with anxiety will practically lose all
their energy in fighting against the natural flow of life, as if it were
custom made for others, not particularly themselves.

Children are quite prone to that anxiety when their needs are not
immediately met. They are easily gripped by the spirit poisons. We all hope
that in time we can learn to be more patient and more appreciative when our
efforts produce gratification. This time span between child and adult is
filled with the experience that would help one to increase in human and
divine levels. Without this time span there is no experience that produces
meanings and values that takes one to their present destination.

Life is a series of stages and all the requirements of each stage is
important in building who you are becoming. "When I was a child I had the
things of a child. When I became a man I put childish things away" is a
noteworthy saying of old. Without experience how would one know that the
childish things are not serving anymore without that valuable life
experience.

Children always appear to desire to speed through the growth process because
there seems to be more benefits. Adults seem to slow down the aging process
because there seems to be less benefits. There is not much appreciation of
each stage of life. There at times only seems to be the urge to hurry
through it and get it over with. In this experience is lost, lessons are
postponed, life is seeming to not hold too much meaning.

It really does take a mature individual to appreciate and be really present
within each stage. Life's lessons are more meaningful. There are always new
tools to be had. There is a real focus on what life occurrences and Father
are trying to teach you. In hurrying through life there is a great deal of
value overlooked and you are not equipped with the tools that aid you in
attaining self-mastery.

We can learn a great deal from the elders of your world, some seem so
peaceful and appear to enjoy every moment. Some of your elders also seem to
be embittered by past events and in a mode of self-protection, in which they
take any means to control life's circumstances. Their mind is always in that
state of "if only I had another chance." One, who is a young adult, is not
going to handle life's circumstances like one who has had more years on the
planet. It seems common for those who have had experience to judge those who
have not.

Each stage of life is important--to really be present and learn what you can
to move onto the next stage. There are no shortcuts. One who is anxious will
find no joy in their present stage. It is common to feel disappointed in
yourselves when the spirit poisons have overtaken you, but you must agree
that you deal with difficulties now in a more advanced state than you did a
number of years back. This brings me to the parable of Job.

In this story Job is somewhat blinded by what has befallen him and acts from
a state of anxiety. He is not equipped to see the real meaning and value
that can be found within his circumstances. It is not until he is quite
disappointed in himself that he receives that spiritual ministry. Do you
see, in his surrender he acts not from a desperate, anxiety-ridden,
spiritual-fruitless place?

In embracing the animalistic tendencies there is no ministry from those On
High, no. It is available, yes, but one caught up in emotional animalistic
behavior is not able to receive. In your times of so-called weakness, when
the spirit poisons have overtaken you and you have that disappointment in
self, focus on that surrender that takes your mind from reacting with
animalistic behavior toward listening and receiving information that
promotes self-mastery.

This week make effort to slow down the busyness of living to enjoying those
educational moments of whatever stage you are at now. Look not that time
controls you but teaches you. Take all the time you need to completely
understand those lessons that your experience teaches you now. There is
tremendous joy in that because therein lies the presence of God--there is
your strength, there is your map to self-mastery.

Also, this week think about instant and delayed gratification. Ponder the
multi-level lessons that teaches one who is willing to wait and really
understand. Read the story of Job in your book. It is filled with meanings
that will all be different to you each according to your various stages of
life. Then have discussion. What a treasure for me to be with you each week.
Next time our lesson will be kept short to take questions. Know that my love
goes with you. Until next week, shalom.