The Heart Of The Matter

The Heart of the Matter (in part)

by Don Henley

Ah, these times are so uncertain
There’s a yearning undefined
And People filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age?
Ah, the trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They’re the very things we kill, I guess
Ohh, pride and competition
Cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us, you know it doesn’t keep me warm

I’m learning to live with out you now
But I miss you, baby
And the more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I’d figured out
I have to learn again
I’ve been trying to get down
To the heart of the matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore

For your consideration….

I have always loved this song so I recognized it right away. This song is written as a love song for a love that was regrettably let go and lost. It is a reflection that ultimately defines the “heart of the matter” as unconditional forgiveness.

Clearly, our authentic self knows that love and forgiveness goes to the essence of life. We try to honor that with varying degrees of success. It is a life lesson that when learned well, serves us well.

That said, forgiveness is not the main part of our message today. Today’s message has been trying to come in for a couple of days. I just did not put it together until I was reminded of a conversation I had with my granddaughter, Mackenzie, and then given this song.

Today’s message reminds us to “drill down” to the heart of the matter. Always, always look for the intention behind the words and actions.

Often we get these “gut” feelings. While our forefathers relied on them to survive, we have been conditioned to overrule them, We have been conditioned to analyze and rationalize and let our head overrule our “gut feelings.” Most often our head is ruled by our ego while our “gut” is ruled by our authentic self.

Working with women of domestic violence, I have said this very thing many times. “If you feel like someone is following you or watching you, if you feel like something is about to happen, believe it. Believe in you. Those are your survival instincts kicking in.” Still it is hard for them because without proof, no one will listen to them. Something has to happen for them to be taken seriously. Do you see how we are conditioned?

The most boisterous and obnoxious people are really the kindest and most loving. While most serial killers appear to be charming and kind.

We are urged today to rely on our authentic self and listen to the signals it gives us. Maybe you don’t feel things in your gut. Maybe you feel it when the hairs on the back of you neck stand up. Maybe you feel it in your heart center. Maybe your hands start to itch. We are all different but we all have an internal alarm for truth. Searching for the truth of intention is what we are being urged to do.

It should be noted that while “we are being asked” is normally how our messages go. Today we are “urged.” Truth and truth of intentions is an urgent matter.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Always….in all things big and small….look for the truth of intention.

What made me smile yesterday…..

-Routine car maintainance that has been on my list to do is done.

-Prescriptions picked up. I admit I put this off because I get so mad at how much my health care and prescriptions have gone up since the implementation of Obamacare. As I huffed and puffed, the girl behind the counter says. “I understand. I could not afford these. We don’t like it either. Our patients that routinely have picked up the medications for years are now skipping them a portion of the time because they can not afford them.” That makes me sad and reminds me to be grateful. While I am mad on principle, some people are suffering in need. NOTE to self. Be grateful.

-A new recipe for Mac and Shannon. It might be a keeper.

-A road trip with my Peanut, Mac.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris