Many of us may be familiar with an old but well-known hymn entitled “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.” It’s been performed by numerous musical artists, including Johnny Cash, Reba McEntire, and Willie Nelson. From what I know of the hymn, its lyrics relate hearing the trumpet call and being called back to be with the Lord, in the non-physical realm, For many, the song may offer comfort in times of grief; and to those I offer my sincere apology in advance as I share this article, which relates an account of a very different “role” being called. I’ll set the scene by sharing that it occurs up yonder and involves an interaction between God and a spirit child with a playful nature. Off we go:
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God (thinking, clipboard in “hand”): “Okay, please listen up, folks. I’ve just received a somewhat urgent request for a baby on Earth. A couple who lost a baby boy at birth a couple of years ago has their hearts set on conceiving again.”
Spirit Child (eagerly peering over the shoulders of other spirit children, thinking): “Ahh, lovely, a baby, for a couple who dearly desire another child. That’s so nice. “
God (intending clearly and informatively). “The mission is set to depart at 07:00 tomorrow (their time); so whoever goes would be wise to pack their spiritual bags tonight.”
Crowd: (muffled whispery-type thinking): “Ruh-bah, ruh-bah, ruh-ba-hah. Wonder who it will be!“
Spirit Child (shifting, feeling an intuitive twinge at The Master’s call, thinking): “But I don’t really want to go leave so soon. I just got back, realitvely speaking; and that last trip was a doosey, as you well know. Mexico–lovely country, but had a dreadful time. Intestinal bug, abundant diarrhea. Ring a bell?”
God (shifting “eyebrows,” with stern but loving look, thinking): “Do you want to evolve…or not?”
Spirit Child (hopeful of being excused): “Oh yes–love to learn. Nothing like it. Let me tell you, I learned a lot during that Mexican vacation. Eat at the resort–ONLY!“
God (making a symbolic “check mark” on the list on the clipboard, followed by a wink): “Love you!”
Spirit Child (rolling eyes): “Love you, too. Don’t worry, I’ll make you proud. I better go pack–07:00 comes early.”
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Now, to the actual point of this article: You are not now–nor ever were–the role you play here on Earth. That’s it. You are not your body; not your mind; not your gender; not your career; not your degree of apparent success or failure; not your bank account; not your nationality; not your colour, not your race; neither a writer (say, what!) nor non-writer. All of us are far grander than any descriptions can paint. In I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj stated the following: “You can only be what you are in reality; you can only appear to be what you are not.” We are Spirit (Consciousness), now and forever. Our suffering occurs when we erroneously identify with being the role we play. There’s a deeper dimension of Self that’s waiting to be recognized. Are you curious? If so, look within.
Dare to Dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2021 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏
Think2wice 