I live in two worlds.  That's what I have to remember. There is the physical world - which is everything I experience with my senses. And there is the spiritual world which I can only experience through my faith.

The spiritual world is a little bit tougher to live in - I guess because my senses are better developed than my faith and at times they want to take over! The physical world has a big influence on me because it's LOUD and visible. The spiritual world is laid back and it doesn't force itself on me. I have to seek it out and sometimes it's hard to remember to do that!

I envision two overlapping circles - one being the physical world and the other being the Kingdom of God (the Spiritual world.) I am standing firmly in the part that overlaps. At any given time, I can go either way - step into either world. I've noticed that I LIKE stepping into the spiritual world - the Kingdom of God.  It's warm and cozy there.  I feel love and joy. But I've noticed that often I only put one foot in at a time. Kind of like testing the waters.  Not sure I want to jump in with both feet. So, one foot stays firmly planted in the physical world. Occasionally, I make the leap! I must not jump in too far though because I always manage to find my way back!

What's it like to take the LEAP into the Kingdom of God?  It's truly forgiving somebody who has hurt me - and then praying for them!  It's doing something nice for somebody and not wanting to be recognized for it.  It's visiting the lady at the nursing home - when I'd rather be home taking a nap! It's refusing to be negative about others when I don't feel appreciated. It's recognizing MY faults and shortcomings instead of focusing on the meanness of other people. It's about recognizing the GOODNESS in me (because that is GOD in me)AND the goodness in others. Because everybody has both.

When I LEAP into the physical world, I hold onto hurts.  I become angry and bitter and negative. I do nice things - but make sure people know about it. I let down the lady at the nursing home. I complain constantly so everybody knows I'm unhappy and have been treated unfairly. I refuse to work on my own faults but sure wish everybody else would work on theirs so I wouldn't have to complain so much. I see only what's wrong with the world - and don't do a thing to help it!

The thing about it is, in reality both worlds totally overlap at all times.  So every time I LEAP into the Kingdom - I bring the Kingdom to the physical world.  I make it a better place (or rather, I allow God to make it a better place <span style="font-style:italic;">through</span> me.)And every time I LEAP into the physical world, I make it a darker place (or rather, I allow Satan to make it darker through me.)

God tries to lead me more toward the spiritual.  He gives me the grace to respond to that leading but sometimes I guess I squander the grace He gives me. Forgive me, Lord. I want to live for YOU alone!