<strong>By Martha O’Regan</strong>

Even when you don’t even realize you are searching for answers to life’s tough questions, sometimes answers appear in strange yet magical ways and wake you up.  I have come to believe we all have an opportunity to “awaken” to our purpose on the planet, yet too often life is so busy and noisy that we either miss the signs or misinterpret the messages.

Back in the day, not too very long ago, when I believed that I was “in charge” of my life and that if I wanted something done, I had to do it myself, I put expectations on someone who didn’t come through for me on “my” time, ultimately slowing down “my” progress.  My immediate reaction was anger along with a few words about incompetency and “ruining everything” I was working towards!  It was on a Friday and nothing I could do to “fix” it, so I went home to take out my frustrations on some weeds.

After calming down, I went inside to check my business voicemail. A message had come in about the time of my “upset” that ultimately woke me up and continues to direct my life today.  A very robust female voice repeated, “Clean House, Help Others, Trust God” three times then hung up. The first was as a statement, the second with a no kidding tone to it, and the third was with the most joyful laughter I could ever imagine at the time. There was no caller ID or info from *69. I listened to it several times but because I was living in my “I make things happen” mentality, I wrote it off as an advertisement of some sort.

As I shared the story with friends, I was surprised that no one else had received the same message.  As days went on, I began to contemplate the meaning of this strange communication, settling on the literal interpretation because at the time, we were trying to get our home on the market, I was beginning a professional organizing business as an adjunct to my muscle therapy business, and seldom going to church ... it made sense, I guess.

Ten years later, I  continue to apply my “phone call from God” to every aspect of my life including physical, spiritual, financial, political, environmental, emotional and bio-chemical, continuing to find ways to simplify all areas (clean house), discovering ways to be in service (help others), trusting that there is a Divine plan unfolding (trust God), and realizing that I am not in charge after all — who knew? Despite the great comfort and sometimes frustration in its simplicity, I have come to believe this message was not intended just for me but to be shared for others’ consideration. This timeless statement can be interpreted literally and/or figuratively, depending on your personal circumstances as you move towards slowing down, taking care of your mind and body, while discovering your higher purpose in life.

As a culture, it is apparent we are going through a time of “cleaning house” — some due to external circumstances beyond our control and some by conscious choice. Either way,  we’re discovering that it feels better to release the attachments and all the associated “gunk” than the pressure of trying to hold on to it. It also appears we are becoming more compassionate, seeking ways to support efforts to be of service to those under-served in our community and beyond — not just through money but through “hands on” labors of love. And, regardless of specific affiliations with a church community, there is a sense that more folks are seeking comfort in a  Higher Power to show them the way through both good and difficult times, uniting us more deeply.

So, it is with great joy that I share my “phone call from God” with hope that it serves a purpose for someone else.

Live Well ... Have Fun!
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