A tall green stretchable Gumby stands on the kitchen windowsill wearing a sticker heart. His hand extended in a friendly wave of attention. A reminder this is a day to stretch and grow like cheerful Gumby. Every adversity comes with a blessing so bend and stretch and grow higher beyond the perception of our limited five senses.
The creator of this cartoon character must have had a heads-up when naming his pliable toy. There's a Latin phrase: Semper Gumby, that means always flexible. A perfect fit. You could bend him, twist and stretch him, but he was unbreakable. He was always flexible.
In Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy writes about another helpful Latin phrase. "Semper paratus is Truth's motto."
Semper paratus means Divinity is always ready.
Semper paratus became a code word I playfully use to stop my ego's fearful chatter. Maybe you remember the 1950's sci-fi thriller, The Day The Earth Stood Still. To save the Planet Earth from destruction by a giant robot from outer space, Patricia Neal had to give the iconic command: Klaatu barada nikto! (Not an easy phrase to remember)
One thing leads to another and so I took a hint from the movie to shut down my ego's destructive thought process. At the first sign of inner distress, I silently command, Semper paratus! No more ego chatter about fear, doubt, gloom and doom.
Semper paratus!!! God's already got this! Divinity is always ready.
So like lovable green Gumby try your best to smile, stretch and grow beyond the lower temptation to doubt your true Identity in Christ, a holy Child of God. Keep your thoughts on high and abide there.
Have a blessed day, and remember the best is yet to be. Smile and stay flexible knowing God is with you wherever you are. Divinity is always ready. Semper paratus!
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
