I Am a Full Time Love Bug!
By Rev. Violet
I am a “Full Time Love Bug” is an idea I have been incorporating in my thought world for some time. It is an intention that moves me forward in my every day living experience. It is my idea of having fun while I am creating a newer version of myself.
The Coronavirus stay at home requirement has provided opportunity for more self-reflection. I have become aware that now is the time for me to create happy, healthy life attitudes and belief systems that will sustain me for the rest of my life. Out of that comes the joy of just loving life no matter what appearances in the physical world seem to be. It comes with focused self-control and a belief in happy endings. I can feel safe inside as I let my attachment to physical conditions melt away. As an aspect of Universal Mind, I can make a difference in this world. I can choose to be a full-time participant in the “Game of Life.” I can do my part during this time of necessary growth on Planet Earth. There are so many emotional versions of life right now; happiness, joy, struggle, grief. The list goes on and on.
I remember a trip I made to Florida several years ago, where I met a man from London whose name was Stanley. When he retired, he and his wife moved close to Cypress Gardens, where he worked part time on a steamboat, serving refreshments. He inspired me as a beautiful example of a joyful life filled with fun and happiness.
He had a light in his eyes, a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. A few minutes after the boat began its journey around the lake, Stanley left his place behind the refreshment stand and walked to another part of the boat. He returned with a five or six-year-old boy. He took him to the cabin to be with the captain where he happily spent the rest of the tour.
As he and I were chatting, he fixed a slice of warm apple pie, put whipped cream on it and set it in front of me and said, “Enjoy!” Later in the trip as I was listening to the Captain explain the scenes around the lake, I suddenly became aware that something special had happened as Stanley handed a lady a cup of coffee. After she left, he turned to me and said, “She didn’t have any money. I could feel that she wanted a cup of coffee.” My heart was warmed by his compassion, his love for life. As the tour ended, I watched him seek out the 5 or 6 children on board and hand each of them a sack of potato chips.
During our conversation, Stanley told me that his wife was not well. He was so happy to know that if she needed him, someone would come out on the lake and get him so he could return home. He was so loving and compassionate. His open heart continually planted seeds of love in mine. I felt special. I felt loved by him as did others as they responded to his loving kindness. His gift of service, of making a difference in the world, is an inspiring example of what I mean when I include “I Am a Full Time Love Bug,” creating inclusive environment in my own thought world.
As we came close to the end of the tour, Stanley looked at me with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye and said, “Life is what you make it!” With that he told me he had enjoyed talking with me and that he must help dock the boat. As I left, he was shaking hands and greeting people. What a wonderful blessing a man called ‘Stanley’ left with me that day. Following his compassionate example definitely leads me forward on my “Full Time Love Bug” journey through the physical world. I am grateful!
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