ENCOURAGING WORDS

By Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones

Remembering the Way Home Matters

“The moment we consciously recall our personal relationship and unity with the Original Self [God], It awaits us with open arms.”  

Do you recall the first time you had an epiphany or realization that you were part of something sacred, something larger than yourself; something that, when you experienced your oneness with it, it caused you to feel like you had arrived home after a long time away? For most of my young adult life, I felt emotionally lost and spiritually bankrupt; I wandered for years, exploring various diversions to find even a modicum of inner peace. Then, in 1977, I discovered the exquisite wisdom and writings of Ernest Holmes – and I knew I was home. In this issue, I want to share with you the “spiritual DNA” of this great teacher. I am pleased to have you join me on this journey home – to the place we never really left, our oneness with God, Infinite Intelligence, the Creator, the Father, or whatever name we may use to refer to It.

In the Science of the Mind, Ernest Holmes wrote: “As the prodigal returns to his father’s house, so must we return…we shall be met with a smile from the Universe.”  I was reminded of this quote after listening to my friend bemoaning a few of his many problems. 

I gently asked if he was maintaining his spiritual practices. His reply was, “Ummm, I have to admit, I’m not as close to God as I used to be.” I said, “Well then, who moved?” He paused, took a breath, and smiled. I then reminded him of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke:15 – 11-32) in which the master teacher, Jesus, illustrates the importance of remembering and returning to the source of our good, the Father (God); it’s a tale of redemption, unconditional love, non-judgement, humility, and gratitude. 

I have long loved this parable because it is our story: My friend had taken a journey to the “far country” which is an idiom for a state of consciousness that woos us away from our true home – the awareness of our oneness with God. How about you? Do you ever wander into the far country? 

It’s a place of forgetfulness – where illusions of separation rule supreme – where the external world seduces us into thinking that we’ll find our bliss “out there” in temporal things. 

The moral of the story is, because God is Omnipresence, we only need “rise” in consciousness and return home. Some say that life is a journey. For most of us, remembering the way home is a sojourn we may have to take often. The good news is, the Beloved always awaits us with open arms. 

If this insight resonates with you consider using this affirmation: Today, if I catch myself wandering in the far country, I take timeout to mindfully remember my oneness with God. I rise in consciousness and begin the journey back home. 

As we look to the holidays, visiting the home of our youth or parents, it may be a propitious time to recall that your true north and home is not just a geographic location but a spiritual one as well. Have a blessed sojourn!

Peace, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones  •  Copyright  © 2023 – DMJ Presentations LLC  •  www.DennisMerrittJones.comDennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of six books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availability as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com.

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