One night, Timothy Cares-Andwoes fell asleep. In the dream that followed, he found himself standing in the presence of the Lord of his Being, his true Self. He couldn’t see the Lord, but he sensed that he was amidst tremendous Power; the kind that creates galaxies and bumblebees with equal ease.

“Dear Lord,” he asked, “I have a question I’d like to ask, if you don’t mind.”

“Certainly,” came the reply. “Go ahead.”

“As you know, I have lived less than a perfect life. There have been mistakes, errors in judgment, and times when I acted without thinking.”

“And your question?” asked the calm voice.

Timothy shifted back and forth, searching for words. Finally, he said, “What must I do to receive Your grace?”

“You mean as a pardon?” asked the Lord, with a puzzled sounding voice.

“Yes, my Lord. How can I make it right with You?”

“Oh, my dear, dear child,” replied the Lord. “There’s nothing to forgive. When I look upon you, I look with my heart. How could I wish anything for you but joy?”

“You mean that I don’t have to pay a penance?”

“No,” said the Lord. “My system is rigged. Because I never condemn you, there’s never anything to forgive. All that I Am “is” Love; thus, all that I have for you is Love. When you, yourself, stop carrying your cares and woes about a non-existent past and an imaginary future, you’ll find that you’re standing in the glory of the Holy Now. Resist nothing, my child. It’s only because you resist what is that you create suffering.”

Timothy was struck dumb with the Lord’s revelation. Tears of welcome relief were welling in his eyes when he heard the Lord speak to him again.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” said the Lord.

“Uh, uh,” said Timothy, wiping a tear from his eye, “please, go ahead.”

“Where on Earth did you get that surname?”

“Oh, that,” said Timothy. “I never did like it. This guy named Art Russell gave it to me.”

“You might want to see about changing it,” said the Lord; and with that Timothy wakened from his dream.

***

Dear Readers: Prior to the mind’s interpretation, life just is what it “is.” It’s the ego (which is only the idea of yourself, not the real YOU) that creates the narrative related to suffering. I offer that we should strive to hold high ideals and live by the Golden Rule; but avoid the voice of the ego, as it can lead us astray. If your mind is attempting to kick you around like a damned soccer ball, it’s worth remembering that your essential nature is Love, Itself. As you descend from Love, how can the real “You” be anything else? (For those seeking a deeper dimension of Self, you may find my short YouTube video entitled “Finding Your Way Home” interesting.)

Dare to Dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2026 – 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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡