I sit in silence each morning after breakfast. That may be the only lesson I have learned well. In a sense, it is like tithing time to God.

I seek the water of life before my day in the desert of this world begins. And it is a desert, make no mistake about that. Ironically, our country is being inundated with floods. Probably due to global warming. I had a dream a long time ago where I was in a cave with some American Indians. I heard these words, “There will be years of rain followed by an Ice Age.” The floods have begun.

I am in my seventies now and they are the most peaceful years of my life and well-earned. I seek forgiveness and atonement at this point, having deep regret for what I have done to my family. For I used to be very hard on my husband and son both. My father was a tyrant and I was the one in the family that stood up to him. Then I became him.

All of us have these private shames that we do not discuss with anyone. That is one reason we seek higher healing. We are truly repentant—at least I am. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

I try to stay healthy at this point in my life. I indulge in chocolate and will not give it up. I indulge in silence and self-healing. I respect the teachings that have been given to me.

Hopefully I will see Don Theo this spring and as always, there will be joy on being with him. But even he comes and goes. I am the constant in my life. Maybe that is a lesson I am still working on.

Vicki Woodyard