Requests

        "During a holiday and before special events such as anniversaries, birthdays, graduation, and other occasions, we let it be known that a particular gift or item might be gratefully received. Those who are reticent in choosing a particular item are encouraged to choose something though there are, of course, many who like the surprise of not knowing.

        We receive requests in our jobs and sometimes in the bills we pay, such as "Please pay" or "You are summoned to appear." We ask favors and we ask help When we reach upward in prayer, many have a long, long list of requests. Bargains are sometimes offered as well as exchanges of 'if you, I will' type of thing. Connections that are sent heavenward are always gratefully received. It indicates a connection and an awareness, a touching of the inward and the beyond. All requests are heard, none are out of range of hearing. Yet so many requests are not fulfilled and there is always the unanswered 'why.'

        There is understanding at a higher level that cannot be translated in a way that is always understandable on earth. There is not a frame of reference that would make the answer clear. That is why the great teachers use examples or parables. These are then able to contribute to understanding in different ways depending on the level of development of the individual. For example, you may say to someone that there is a color you like, the color red. And that individual might see a certain color of red. Yet if you said that to an artist, then it would bring up a palette of possible shades and intensities of red. It is the same with requests. They may seem simple on the surface. Yet receiving them would affect not only the individual but others in ways that would not be known. Not only would certain 'gifts' affect others in ways that might appear to be obvious, but they would change possibilities and choices further along.

        It is not in balance to always be requesting. Too often we are so focussed on requests, that we forget to balance with thankfulness and appreciation for what we have. To request better understanding and an open heart is much wiser than to request that money or magical solutions appear. To be grateful in trying circumstances is to develop a sense of the meaning of humbleness. There are so many lessons that we each learn and so many choices to make. If all requests were fulfilled the lessons to be learned would be weak It is difficult to hear or know that patience is not developed with constant gratification, and strength is increased as problems are solved. These additions to a person's character and spirit are much more important in building the soul's growth than easy yes answers would be to all requests.

        When you make a request, make it with forethought and with clearly defined intentions. Do not bargain as if you were at a store, but simply place the request there for review. Requests for hope, healing, love, and intangibles are always gratefully nurtured. They are handled as treasures for they are requests made from the spirit of the person and in the sense of recognition of the brotherhood of all. Also, requests are not always answered in the way one expects, so one should leave open the avenues in the way that a request can be provided. In addition, there must be an acceptance of the denial of requests. This should not be taken as a negative action, but simply as the opposite of yes. Perhaps this denial causes one to move on or to look at something new or to consider a different option. Whatever the case, one should not be discouraged but continue to communicate and grow with the experience."