A Journey into Newness

Joy shows up in different ways at different times. At this moment, as I am writing and for the next two weeks, my daughter and son-in-law are experiencing delight, pleasure, bliss, glee, exuberance, happiness, as they are practicing their dream of living full-time in a 5th wheel recreational vehicle. I call it practicing because there are still a few more steps to be accomplished before full-time becomes a reality. My parents lived this way for eighteen years and never grew tired of it. My daughter agrees with me that she is channeling her grandmother.

However, the joy isn’t only in achieving the actuality of the life they are preparing for, it is also in the preparation. This specific process has been going on for about five years and will hopefully reach ultimate fruition this summer. There has been much joy and happiness in the planning, in accomplishing the various steps, and in noticing how Spirit has brought opportunities and solutions along the way. This is a family who is downsizing from 5 acres, a 2000 square foot house where 4 boys grew up, a barn, 5 horses, and 2 dogs (who will travel with them). It also meant creating an income stream that would allow them both to retire.

Paying attention to the support of Spirit has built trust and confidence in the success of this venture. Being both a participant and an observer to this process has brought me much delight and pleasure. As a Unity Minister, it has also given me stories to share. Reading about the success of others in books helps as we are learning to trust in Spirit, but hearing from people you know takes the process to another level entirely.

I am personally experiencing the pleasure of planning and negotiating my own journey of downsizing. It is my goal to travel with them for at least a few years. Their joy-filled success is my road-map.

– Rev. Carol Landry

Rev. Carol Landry is Minister of Unity Church on the Mountain and a community activist that touches the universe.  As Program Manager for Interfaith Mission Service in Huntsville, AL she develops and leads programs bringing people of diverse religious backgrounds to work together in the community. She is interested in Human Rights, Civil Rights, Social Action, Art and Culture.