Over the last several years I have become an expert in the art of Zen. Yes, you can be a Christian and be an expert in the art of Zen. As usual, I take a lot of liberties when I say that I am an expert about anything. But Zen really is just understanding who you are or what you are on the inside.
Now if the old saying is true that "You are what you eat", then tonight I am a slice of veggie pizza. That's silly because we all know that I am a slice of supreme pizza. Zen is more of an attitude than it is a belief. It is understanding how you fit into the world and the universe. That understanding cannot be separate from a relationship with God. I have become convinced that true peace can only come from being one with God.
Since the summer of 2009, I have spent a lot of time meditating and just listening for the voice of God. I believe that prayer is all about spending more time listening and less time speaking. By now, I know that I have peaked every one's interest and now you want to know some of the secrets that I've learned through my introspection. You are saying, "C'mon, Brother Bill, lay some of your Zen wisdom on me..."
In my early Zen journey I learned that "A closed mouth gathers no foot." By that I mean that I get in a lot less trouble when I keep my mouth shut. That's a good truth to know. Here's another one, "There are two excellent theories for arguing with your wife. Neither of them work." The truth behind that one is that my wife is my best buddy and I should treat her like it. See? I am a Zen Master.
Now I know you are saying, "Give us more, Zen Master Bill..." All right, here is another deep thought from my inner most Kirby. "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes." Actually, this one means that no matter how Zen I become, I am still human, but I'm trying to do the right thing. It's easier to forgive yourself that way when you screw up.
As a Zen Master, I realize that I can't lay too much of my new found wisdom on you or your head will explode. So I am afraid that I will have to stop now. But here's the cool part...anyone can become a Zen Master but it takes a lot of work and dedication. I knew I needed to change and I knew that only way to do it was to open up my heart and allow God to do some open heart surgery on me. Basically, I didn't just commit my life to Him, I surrendered it. Once my focus had changed I was able to see my life the way God intended it to be. And that's when the fun started.
Be Well.
Bill
