While I was gone, time seemed to have stood still. I had heard about such things before and had even experienced some of them once or twice, but whenever it’s happening again, it’s almost always new and exciting. Before I could say anything to Gideon, Theo asked, “Would you like some dessert, John?”

“No, thank you,” I replied. “I have quite enough food for thought.”

“Yes, I understand,” he said. “Sometimes people spend so much time on food for the body that they neglect feeding the mind and spirit.”

“Well,” I replied, not knowing what else to say, “it was certainly an interesting evening. I think I would just like to go home now.”

Gideon asked, “Are you feeling tired?”

“Not tired, Gideon. I just want to get away from this otherworldly stuff for a while. Too much of it can give a person mental indigestion, you know. Perhaps I’m not yet ready for all this. Tomorrow, I have to be back in the regular, everyday world, answering telephones, working, taking care of children, paying bills and —”

Gideon interrupted, “Now, now, let’s not get into that again. You speak of working and all the other tasks you face as if they were horrible matters to be avoided at all cost. I’ve told you before that when your work becomes enjoyable, when you’re doing the things you most want to do, when you’re serving others instead of self, then the rewards are overwhelming. Give service and you give of yourself. Give of yourself and the return is assured.”

“Fine,Gideon,” I replied. “I’ll try to be more understanding of myself and others. I’ll try to keep perspective in everything.” I was hoping to change the direction of his conversation without appearing rude, but he would not let me off so easily.

To read the rest of the story visit http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com