So it is with our spiritual life. We find ourselves in uncomfortable situations just like the wind. No way around it, just have to endure it and get on with whatever needs our attention in the moment. The wind will eventually die down and we can have peaceful moments. Until then, we endure as best we can.

At the same time, we look to others who have been doing a great job at whatever we are working on and we see how they accomplish their goals. We pray about it and get our focus . . . “Ok, this thing is going on and I don’t like it. What is my first step?” Then allow the guidance to come. Maybe it will appear as a call from a friend, or a synchronistic video on the phone, or a deep feeling or knowing.

Then, even if it feels uncomfortable, we do that first step. The next step will reveal itself as well. That is if we don’t get so caught up in resenting the wind for being a blow hard and miss the clue. Even if we miss the clue, we can take a breath and ask again for guidance.

Divine Presence is present. When we reclaim our presence in the present moment, Divine Source is already there! How cool is that!?! That

Divine Presence awaits our attention and gladly offers us directives and insights. Not have-to’s and judgements! We are the ones who are quick to judge or justify ourselves, are we not?

I tell ya, my own judgment of how poorly I’ll do something really slows me down. If I let go of that, breathe, and know that Divine Assistance is already waiting for me, I relax and move forward effortlessly. Even if the task is tricky for me like something on the computer, I’m frequently amazed at how effortlessly I can find an answer or intuitively figure it out—when I access Divine Assistance FIRST! So, what’s the outcome we hope to accomplish? What’s the feeling that would come with that accomplishment? We ask for guidance about that.

Then those delightful, serendipitous moments, like doing that drawing, bring joyful fun to an irritatingly windy day!!

It started with a “what if?” What if we left it alone? Hmm. Didn’t feel or look right in our mind’s eye. What if we had a retaining wall? Yes! Let’s run with that!

Is there a situation in which you might be feeling a bit stuck? Ask yourself—what if I did this? And visualize or imagine yourself doing that.

How does that feel? Unpleasant? Then that’s not your answer. Ask again and visualize or imagine yourself doing it again. Do you see any possibilities that feel good, right, true, and fair? Then that’s the opportunity you could create for yourself. Then visualize or imagine yourself experiencing the good, right, true, and fair result. Does it fit for you? Not sure? Visualize just the next right step in that direction. Does that fit for you? If so, take that step and then take a new look—do a new visualization from this perspective.

We don’t have to have all the answers up front. Spirit leads the way if we open to the next step. Spirit abides within our imagination and leads the visualization/vision and grants us strength and confidence to take the next step. Spirit fulfils your vision of “What If?”

Here is the adaptation of Psalms 23 - Use the structure of the original Psalms to create your own personal version. It's fun and powerful to read every day.

23rd Psalm Revised for Civility in Dealing with Conflict
Jesus is my protector. I have everything I need.
I rest easy knowing He is by my side.
In His presence I feel safe and relaxed.
He releases my soul from past trauma.
He guides me in being civil, because He knows it is the honorable path.
Though I’m entering into an uncharted territory of vulnerability and honesty,
I find courage and strength knowing He is beside me.
His truth and power bring me comfort.
I feel secure and confident even if others don’t like me.
I recognize my own worth.
I am truly blessed.
In truth, I leave a trail of integrity and kindness from this day forward.
I am a part of His family for now and always.

The original version of the 23rd Psalm (which powerfully blesses our soul just as it is written!)
1. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Jesus is my protector. I have everything I need.)
2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; (I rest easy knowing I rest easy because He is by my side.)
3. He leads me beside still waters. (In His presence I feel safe and relaxed.)
3. He restores my soul; (He releases my soul from past trauma.)
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (He guides me in being civil, because He knows it the honorable path.)
4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Though I’m entering into the uncharted territory of vulnerability and honesty,)
I fear no Evil; for Thou are with me. (I find courage and strength knowing He is beside me.)
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (His truth and power bring me comfort.)
5. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (I feel secure and confident even if other’s don’t like me.)
Thou hast anointed my head with oil; (I recognize my own worth.)
My cup overflows. (I am truly blessed.)
6. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (In truth, I leave a trail of integrity and kindness from this day forward.)
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (I am a part of His family for now and always.)

Guided Meditation: Target Practice - here is the worksheet. Target Practice Meditation by Janice Lynch for The Divine Fellowship

1. Who guides me to the range? (A positive influence for me now) 

a. Jesus – My faith guides the journey

b. Wise Leader – Time to trust the guidance of sacred intuition

c. Youth – I allow childlike wonder to lead the way

d. Being of Light – Divine Spirit guides the way 

2. Weapon? (What strengthens me now?) 

a. Firearm – Finding my inner spark (curiosity, compassion, passion, inspiration, etc.)

b. Bow & arrow – Focusing my intent to aim higher

c. Blade – Follow through with my whole being (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually)

d. Sling Shot – Picking up some new tools (how to do things differently) 

3. Target? (My next step) 

a. Bulls eye – Write my affirmations/mission statement, or goals for clarity

b. Apple on a fence post – Learn something new and teach what has been learned

c. Hay bale stack – Connect with my tribe (one piece of hay isn’t strong, but a whole stack of hay bales stops the projectile)

d. Silhouette – Awaken to Divine inspiration - a vision upon which to aim my attention (pray about it! ask for it!) 

4. Gift at your feet? (What Divine Spirit wants you to know) 

a. Coin – I am worthy

b. Feather – Spirit honors my sacred path

c. Arrowhead – I am strong enough and my ancestors protect me

d. Flower – It’s my time to grow, bloom - flourish