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and seeing evidence that He is the director of the play helps us overcome desires, expectations, and ego.
Sharon and I planned a trip to Swami in February 2003. We planned to leave on February 8 accompanied by daughters Ruth and Judy. As we prepared, obstacles emerged. My professional workload was heavy, I had work to do on this book, there was an impending war with Iraq, and the country was worried about terrorist aacks (including against airlines), Sharon developed a severe head cold, and my weakening, 95-year- old mother wanted me near. Yet my mother knew how much I loved Swami and gave me her blessing to go. Even at her age and failing health she was learning from Swami to let go, and let God.
Aer hectic last minute preparations the car was fully packed. On our way to say goodbye to my mother, Sharon began to sneeze repeatedly and my daughter voiced a worry about possible terrorist aacks. Sharon’s cold became more pronounced with each minute. Her nose was stuffed and runny, and she worried that her ears would be damaged by changes in air pressure during the flight. Still, we pressed onward to my mother’s apartment.
As we entered her doorway and were giving hugs, I surprised myself by saying, “Dear Mom, we’ve decided to cancel the trip.” I smiled at how we must be willing to change in an instant if discrimination dictates, no maer what the prior plans.
The change in plans gave me time to work on this book. But aer three days I began feeling a strong urge to see Swami. Sharon’s cold subsided and we again considered going. But did the opportunity still exist?
We had already cancelled our reservations and didn’t know if new ones could be arranged at this late date. Besides, I could only take so much time off from work, and a number of days had already passed. Could we fit the trip into the remaining time? I still felt pressure from my practice, from wanting to
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