By brother initiate Sunpea,
Chatham, Ontario, Canada

The following is an experience I had at the 2001 Christmas four-day retreat at the Florida Center. One day during the retreat, I was feeling a little restless, and I thought to myself, "Oh, I would love to serve Master. I would love to help Her clean Her house, so She doesn't have to." I was also feeling a little lonely as well, and I thought, "Oh, it would just be so good if I could pet Lucky (one of Master's adorable little dogs). That would make me feel better."

Of course, the best way to overcome such temporary feelings is to meditate and recite the Holy Names, but instead I continued to harbor these wishes. That night Master unexpectedly invited some disciples to Her house. And sure enough, the first thing I found myself doing was playing with Lucky! After a while; a disciple was feeling a little queasy, so I accompanied him to the bathroom. We left it a little untidy, so I thought I'd clean it up a bit. I realized then that I was having my second wish fulfilled.

It's too bad that I didn't wish for enlightenment that day! Well, if I have any more "wishes" in the future, I certainly will think more noble and selfless thoughts and therefore not get trapped in my own mind and emotions. Thank You, Master, for this pleasant experience.

Torchbearers of God