Set Your Table With a Spotless Cloth

Art of Denise Ryan

Flat Earthers, Hoarders, Agoraphobics -- I've been thinking about people who exhibit what could be called aberrant behavior. I have friends who are afraid to lose their past because they wouldn't know who they are; then there are those afraid of the future, hence they're afraid of everything. I think about personas I've tried on -- a survivalist in the early 80's, my mother said the only thing that "saved me from being a hippie" was that I liked to be clean (little did she know it has nothing to do with outer accoutrements!), for a summer I even wanted to be a go-go dancer -- ha! There are many identities we can cling to, and it's certainly difficult to keep from mentioning one or more when asked "who are you?", don't you think? In the new year, my word for the decade is "truth". I've said it doesn't matter to me what horrible things happen as the result of truth telling; I simply want everything to be out in the open. While pondering that, I realize that the proclivities we identify with are part of what we have decided upon as our personal truth. As part of my new more-open thought, I resolve to not fault anyone for thinking in ways I find to be odd or disconcerting. We all have different expressions of the divinity we are, and it is not my place to pass judgment. Although I'm not sure what's up with people who think the earth is flat! Happy New Year's Eve to everyone. Here's to Life!

"Love, too, would set a feast before you, on a table covered with a spotless cloth, set in a quiet garden where no sound but singing and a softly joyous whispering is ever heard. This is a feast that honors your holy relationship, and at which everyone is welcomed as an honored guest. And in a holy instant grace is said by everyone together, as they join in gentleness before the table of communion. And I will join you there, as long ago I promised and promise still. For in your new relationship am I made welcome. And where I am made welcome, there I am." T-19.IV.A.16. A Course in Miracles