A mentor recently advised me to put myself into the shoes of the people I’m writing to before I begin to write. Trying to imagine this today, all I could do was cry. My whole body felt tight like trying to squeeze into a spandex body suit that might have fit when I was in preschool. It hurt!
LET’S BE CLEAR – the feeling I experienced around this is NOT A REFLECTION ON YOU.
My intention is to write to the people who are being called to the Masters of Divinity program – to let them know the application deadline is approaching. The feeling is about what I was like before I went to school and experienced these teachings and walking this path of love, truth and freedom. It’s an indication of how much I have changed.
It reminds me of a time I was sitting at dinner with my sisters. They have a tendency to talk about me as if I’m not there. They were talking about how different I am now, trying to pin down what has changed. “She’s not as uptight as she used to be.” “She doesn’t get angry like she used to.” “She seems really calm now.”
All I could do was listen and smile. Part of me was saying, “Don’t they know the ecstasy I feel? Do they have no idea what has really happened inside?”
When I started the program, I was leading a busy life, working in the corporate world, immersed in family obligations, worried about the future, frantically running from one task to another in a hectic schedule and life! Too busy to add anything else to my plate – especially a Master’s program!
But the pull was so strong; I had to jump in. I had no idea how it would work out, but I couldn’t say no to the calling in my heart. Not one more day.
It was the best decision ever!
Looking at my life today, on the outer, not a lot has changed. I still have a busy schedule, lots of work to do – in fact, maybe more. Family obligations are still there – in fact, I’m traveling to Texas tomorrow as a loved one is making her final transition from this material world. The future is unknown on many fronts –and yes, I have no idea what will happen in our country after the coming election.
However, no matter what is being flung through the air as the world is spinning and the earth is shifting, my feet are on solid ground. I have a faith and trust that we are all still swimming in Allah’s ocean of love and compassion.
No matter how fast things move or how crazy things get, I don’t have to get crazy with them. All I have to do is to put my head beneath my heart, and serve in whatever way Allah calls, and trust that Allah shepherds each of us through this finite existence of constriction and limitations so that we can know His infinite expansive love!
Even through the craziness, we can continue to deepen our connection, fall deeper into love and strengthen our trust.
The world is not going to slow down and suddenly become more peaceful and simplistic. The change has to come from inside ourselves. If God is calling our hearts to know peace, we can’t ask Him to wait until the time is right.
There will not be a perfect time from our perspectives other than to answer when Allah calls. He is the Knower, the Wise, the Provider and Orchestrator. He calls to our hearts and waits for us to say yes.
“Take one step towards Me, I will take ten steps towards you.
Walk towards Me, I will run towards you.”
[Hadith Qudsi]
Once we say yes and take a step toward His call, Allah responds, and the path appears.
Are you being called? What are you waiting for?
If you’d like to speak with an enrollment specialist about any UOS programs, click here to schedule a live chat. Applications are due in 2 weeks.
If you’ve already been through the Master’s program, or if you are being called to a different step in your life, we pray you keep listening and keep saying yes. Watch for the opening and step through the door with faith and gratitude.
May God’s peace and blessings be upon you with every step of your journey!
With love and gratitude,
Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS
