"Try to make your heart receptive to the greater trust I wish to repose in you. Then gradually you will develop the attitude and perspective to accept what happens to you as My wish. This attitude will also help you to see the brilliant, luminous canvas that is always around you."
"What's this? A canvas?"
"Yes. Let Me tell you another story about how our limited perspectives influence the way we see the world. In a certain forest there was a little house where an illumined teacher, leading a simple life, held classes. Sometimes he would bring home the basic truths of life through figures or symbolic stories to those who would gather there. One day he hung on the wall a roll of white canvas on which he had painted a small black dot. As he unrolled the canvas, he asked the group, 'What do you see?' All in chorus they answered, 'A black dot.' The teacher shook his head, 'No, you are wrong.' Astounded they asked, 'How is that, dear master?'
Looking at all, the teacher responded with a question, 'Don't you see the bright white canvas surrounding the tiny black dot?' 'Yes,' they all said. And then he explained, 'In the world there are so many lovely and positive things around us, but instead of appreciating those good qualities and happenings, we concentrate on the little troubles and difficulties that we have to go through. When we focus on ourselves and our own suffering, we become oblivious to the little joys and delights that are smiling at us. If only we could develop loving gratitude for the many beautiful things around us instead of dwelling on the black dot.'
"A genuine teacher, no?" You asked with a smile. "That is a wonderful lesson to learn," I responded, ". . . to see the glass half full instead of half empty."
"Yes, and one day I will fill your cup to overflowing," You assured me.
"When?" I eagerly inquired.
"Don't ask," You said, affectionately looking at me. That very moment I felt You were already pouring love into me. What a wonderous feeling!
"Remember, you are Mine. If you look to the world there is no end to what you could or would do. But if you lean only on Me, you will achieve everything in your own time without envying what others have accomplished. By serving and living for Me, you are serving the whole world. It is like a rose that blossoms in the garden and naturally exudes a beautiful fragrance for all other living things around. Just like the rose, by living your life basking in My sunshine, my fragrance will be delightfully enjoyed by others through you."