Carla was born on a January day, the 13th—today is her birthday. In celebration of that birth I want to highlight just some of her outstanding characteristics. First and foremost is her courage in facing obstacles to growth and realization. When she first came to Services she and I met to discuss the path and answer her questions. Not long after these initial meetings she demonstrated a keen desire to work on those things that held her back.
One of the first things that was noteworthy was in listening to a Talk of Mother’s or mine, she later in the week told me how she had taken a theme from that Talk and had been working on it all week. This impressed me greatly. She took something in the Talk that stood out to her—meditation, letting her inner Light shine, being on the battlefield of sadhana—and that became her focus as she sought to put it to work in her life.
One of those topics proved to be a watershed moment—it was an in-depth work on prosperity. For years Carla had her own business, then since moving to Seattle area she had worked at several jobs, but did not prosper. In her focused way we discussed the obstacles to receiving prosperity. There were many levels to it, but through her work doors opened, and within a relatively short time she was in the adjoining office and personal assistant to the third richest man in the world, making the most money in her life.
The first time Carla came to a Service, she was brought by Peter. Carla heard a tape recording of Mother speaking and knew, for the first time in her life, this was the truth she had been seeking all these many years. Spiritual life and practice is not an easy thing, but no matter the ups and downs, the challenges both within and without, Carla has never wavered, never avoided doing her work to tread the path of God-realization. As one of her professors told her, you are not the first one done, but you keep going until you are. This kind of determination has been a hallmark of Carla’s spiritual life and service.
Before and after our marriage Carla has served this Work we do for Mother and Master. Some things have come at her that would have been a challenge for anyone, but she is always focused on doing her own spiritual work throughout. Many have expressed their gratitude and love for her and the work she does, and this is an opportunity for me to do the same. Happy Birthday Carla, we are so pleased that you were born on—what for me is— a lucky day, Friday the 13th.
P.S. This Sunday, before Carla and I head south, we will have Camano Island Service at 11 that will also be broadcast on YouTube–Service will be followed by a potluck. We will return to Camano in time for Easter Sunday on April 1st. When possible, I will keep in skype contact with Centers. Ever in God and Gurus blessings.