Miracles News
January-March, 2022
Cause or Effect
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Years ago, someone told me that I wouldn’t be truly happy until I moved to Arizona. A more correct statement would have been that I wouldn’t get to Arizona until I allowed myself to be truly happy.
After five years living with my elderly mom in Massachusetts, I felt really stuck in the caregiver role. I had gladly chosen to live with mom and help her out, and the first four years, although challenging, were rewarding for both of us. But, now, I was angry — a lot. After having yet another full-blown temper tantrum, through my tears, I begged Holy Spirit for help. I was guided that, instead of trying to get rid of my anger, I might ask it what it was trying to tell me. Journaling revealed I was clinging to this caregiving role out of fear of moving forward with my life, of stepping into the unknown. Staying stuck wasn’t showing love for myself or my mom. I already knew what my heart wanted. Fear was the only thing holding me back.
When I asked for help letting go of my fear, I was guided to sit quietly, put my hand on my heart, and focus on something or someone I love. I was told to stop thinking and just feel the love flowing out from my heart. Once I connected with the loving part (the only REAL part) of me, Holy Spirit prompted me to ask the love what it wanted to do — not what I thought I needed to do to become happy, but what I wanted to do because I already was happy.
Shortly after that, solutions for caring for mom began streaming into my awareness, far better solutions for her and our whole family. The wheels of change had been set in motion, but I was no longer running from what I didn’t want. Instead, I was running toward my joy. Eventually, I realized I was running with my joy. And where did it lead me? To Arizona!
Living in Arizona was a dream twenty-five years in the making! But, once I took steps toward living that dream, amazing things began to happen. My brother found an excellent place for mom right near him and his wife in Maryland, where she is very content and well cared for. Countless other synchronicities occurred as well. Everything just fell into place, from selling mom’s house during a good seller’s market to affordable, convenient flights, new friends, and finding a charming, insanely affordable townhouse to rent. Life seemed to flow.
I often fear change because I want to feel in control. Change introduces an element of the unknown. How can I be in control if I don’t know what will happen next? I am learning that I don’t have to fear change because it isn’t happening to me. Instead, it reflects what is inside of me, and that I can control. With Holy Spirit’s help, I’m learning to let my inner joy direct my choices instead of my fear.
I’ve been in Arizona for two months now. I greet each day with overflowing joy and gratitude. I squeal with delight at the magnificent mountain views. I revel in the colorful expressions of joy in the art galleries, and I am meeting wonderful new friends who have also followed their hearts and shared my excitement. It feels like the perfect place to share God’s Love through art, writing, and speaking.
But now I understand. Being here in Arizona isn’t the cause of my joy. It’s the result
Rev. Paula Richards, O.M.C., is a Pathways of Light minister living in Green Valley, AZ. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address): spiritrisingministries.com 508-517-9361
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