BEYOND THE STARS

Looking out over the vastness, the Ancient One paused in his journey to wonder if any other man had ever sat upon this peak and looked down through the forested canyons to the meadowlands stretching out below. Being so high, he felt no need to extend his hands in an attempt to touch the sky. Here so high on this uncharted trail he felt as if he had become one with the heavens, much like one feels when he enters the river to bathe.

Therefore, he simply entwined his fingers and silently gave a thought prayer to the Great Spirit for allowing him this precious experience.

Since the dawn of man, the quest for new experiences has driven some to expand their borders beyond the fences of their ancestors. Across a river – over a mountain – beyond the sea – ever pushing outward on this limited sphere until they were left with the desire to see the unseen to know the unknown while still shackled to a tiny ball in the vastness of the universe.

In the now of our existence only a select few are privileged to venture into the closest unchartered regions of space’s new frontier. I suspect these modern explorers often take time during their journeys to sit in awe as they take in the beauties of this world as it is viewed from a celestial perspective. Looking past this little orb their vision extends through the forest of stars and stretches to the endless galaxies. Truly having become one with the heavens, they are often silently left breathless while giving gratitude to the Creator for allowing them these precious moments.

What of those who unadventurously remain in the valleys below, behind their restrictive walls, planting, caring and harvesting the grain needed to sustain the explorations of dispensations? Have they no dreams of unknown lands? Do not they also desire to go where none have gone before? We share alike this thirst for water from virgin fountains. We also long for meat spiced with foreign savors. We also pine to place our feet on untrod grassy meadows.

Caution – go slow, oh man of the valley. Many have been deceived. Many have thought they might be able to accidentally find that moment when they sample the sublime existence by rushing headlong here and everywhere thinking perhaps that the busyness of doing would eventually result in some rapturous reward.

Remember – those moments of explorational grandeur have come to ancient and modern ones only after many years of dwelling and sweating in the valleys and a subsequent long climb. No one is born on the other side of their secure station.

Dream – if there is no thought of what might be beyond, there is no hope of breaching whatever confines us within our limited surroundings.

Plan – the goal must be clearly envisioned if it is to be recognized once we arrive at the mountain top. And when the summit is reached what will we do then?

Unshackle – if we are not willing to accept the surprises of new discoveries we will remain shackled no matter how far we might wander or what new lands we might discover.

Thankfulness – no matter how strong our desire to reach the highest peaks and how great our efforts which allow us to sit in the heavens, we must forever appreciate we were allowed to get there because of those laboring in the valleys with broken backs and blistered hands.

Patience – there are many cluttered, overgrown obscure steps between the valley floor and the clear extended vistas on the mountain tops. If we are willing to pay the price, having a clear vision of what we desire, we must still go forth with patience. One step – one line – another step – another line!

Integrity – many have been fooled into taking shortcuts and bypasses only to find all too late that they have gone astray and ended up in lands of cloudy vision, murky waters and superfluous petitions.

The day will come when valley workers and adventurous explorers will sit upon some golden dome and together become one with all. Then all will bow with reverence to give respect to Him who has made all things possible to those who truly seek.