The Course in Miracles states, “Life is but a series of lessons. We do not get to choose the lesson, but we do get to choose how we react to it.”

What a beautiful statement, and so true. I always questioned, “Where do these lessons come from?” Many religious scholars have pondered this question, and many different answers have been given, none of which rings true with my way of thinking.

After pondering this, over and over, I came to a conclusion that works for me. If my thoughts are too far out there for your beliefs, that’s perfectly fine. I know most don’t look at the world the same way I do, but if you have an open mind, this might make sense, as it does to me.

Before beginning my journey, I was a spiritual being in a place I call heaven. My spirit, mind, or soul was not on this plane until after conception. While waiting for my new Life to begin, I planned my path and what I needed to learn. There are an unlimited number of questions that need answers before I can move to the next level. There are many levels of my soul’s development, and I can choose which experiences will be necessary this time around.

For myself in this lifetime, I elected to have a father who was distant from his oldest son, who died young, leaving me to deal with drunk mother. I went on to create my own chaos from alcoholism. The lesson was to rise above my past, forgive the hurts, and become a better, stronger individual. I could not rise above until I had spent dark times in the valley. After 30 years sober, I have accomplished that. I have reached the top of the mountain, or at least near it.

Now I wonder what lessons are left for me to learn. Here is where the second part of the expression comes into play. “We get to choose how we react to the lesson.” This lesson has been ongoing for several years, and with each experience, I become a stronger and better person. There will be lessons for me to learn until my last breath.

The final lesson will be knowing that the Christian teachings were right all along. There is a God who loves me, and Life doesn’t end just because this body is no longer usable. Each phase is correct, necessary, and chosen by me before it all begins.

In the middle of a particular lesson, when I’m uncomfortable, unhappy, or angry, I need to remind myself that this is only one of many lessons I need to learn, and the sooner it’s figured out, the sooner I will be moving on to the next one.

Be patient with yourself, as it is you who has chosen this path to learn on.