A few moments later, we were sitting with Marla on the porch I was expecting God’s arrival any moment now...

I hadn’t been sitting for more than a few moments when the doorbell rang I jumped out of my chair, rushed to the front door and excitedly jerked it open...

“I see you’re trying to be funny, Gideon,” I said “I’ll always have time for God...

“The point I want to make is that although rituals have their place, what is more important is what we do for one another,how much we love and help one another...

“Yes,” Marla joined in “Ask God any questions you want...

All went well, and after dealing with some general questions about routine business matters, the meeting came to an end...

I spent some time with the children and then started preparing for the next day There was little to do, and since tomorrow would be a long day, we turned in early...

“Continue your work It will make you happy...

“John, stop putting yourself down There’s been enough of that in the past...

“No, John I quite understand...

Marla’s voice brought me back to the dinner table Standing next to her was a man about six feet tall dressed in a tee shirt and blue jeans...

Marla jumped in and said, “Life is for entertainment, John, and yet there are problems ...

“I’m sorry, Gideon I didn’t mean to get upset with you...

A few seconds later,or so it seemed,there was a slight bump and the sound of the motor returned to normal...

As I contemplated these ideas, I realized how helpful and practical Gideon had been He was trying to show me the way to a more glorious life...

As if reading my thoughts, he said, “We all must learn sooner or later to respond instead of react When we react to what seem to be obstacles, we tend to become reactors and our reaction controls us...

And each day, I know a little better, I feel a little stronger, and I understand with a deeper realization that I am growing into something more glorious, not just going into something more profitable...

“But I know all of that, Gideon,” I protested “I am aware of ‘change your thoughts and you change your world,’ and all the rest that goes with it...

Malika came down first As was her custom, she walked over to me,kissed me good morning and sat down at the kitchen table...

Gideon was very serious as he spoke You would think that our conversation would have been on a lighter note since I hadn’t seen him in such a long time...

We began walking down a street that had lovely little tourist shops on both sides We continued chatting happily as we walked...

“I will go now,” he said as he snapped to attention “Much to be done...

“What you’re saying then is that life is a strange and beautiful process and that we really can enjoy this journey without much suffering, problems or hardship...

A few weeks had gone by since my return from the land of mysteries To me, this ancient place always conjured up visions of fiercely armed warriors charging across the plains to do battle with opposing armies...

Gideon then apologized to the manager“Please excuse my friends...

“I’m sorry, Gideon,” I said rather contritely “I certainly don’t want you to think I’m picking on him...

“But why did it take such a long time for me to work out the financial problems, Gideon Why is it that only now they seem to be coming to an end...

Breakfast was finished and it was time to go about the business I had traveled so far to accomplish Pandayji had taken care of all the arrangements, so my appointments went smoothly — so smoothly in fact, that we had much of the day remaining for whatever we wanted...

“Good to see you again, Pandayji,” I replied as I seated myself across from him I was anxious to ask him about his experiences in the meadow, but thought I’d wait a while...

Pandayji rarely gets flustered as his work brings him in touch with all sorts of people He is as comfortable speaking with peasants in the planting fields as delivering a moving speech to crowds of thousands...