It was funny, just now I was thinking about that term Witnesses always use, "spiritual paradise." And I thought, things are more paradisaic for me now than they ever have been. And for an instant, I thought back to how I imagined paradise would be, meeting people from all over the world, creating real friendships based on respect and honesty, and I realized, that's exactly what we have here in the real world!
I just met with a guy I used to work with this past week. I always thought he was a great guy, but I never did anything with him on an extra-curricular basis because he was "bad association." The three hours we spent having coffee the other day were among the most enjoyable I've had this month. I felt a sort of Buddhist moment, a oneness with the universe, and I realized that mutual respect and admiration between two humans is one of the most wonderful parts of life. It at one time affirms our own value and prods us to continue to grow, to contribute to a greater whole, to advance to a deeper level of humanity. It is, in my opinion, the truest spiritual paradise one could ask for.
SNG