I will be still an instant and go home
Episode description
When I was a little kid, my favorite book was Horton Hears a Who! In the story, the elephant Horton hears a tiny speck of dust speaking to him. He tries to convince all his friends in the jungle that there are people living within the dust mite - in fact, an entire town called Whoville. But the other jungle inhabitants mock Horton and conspire to destroy the speck of dust. Until, at last, the Whoville community makes enough noise that the other jungle animals finally hear, following which they shift their allegiance and work to save the people of Whoville.
Each time I read the book - even knowing the conclusion - I’d anxiously wonder if the Whos would be recognized and returned home.
In a sense, within every one of us is a tiny Who longing to return to its home.
But all the “noise” in our lives - striving to get our bodily needs met, concern over the future, regret or triumph over the past, worry about our loved ones, etc. - prevent us from hearing this gentle voice.
However, we can all channel our inner Horton and hear this still, small voice that speaks for love. This line from A Course in Miracles gives us the means: “I will be still an instant and go home.” When we quiet the “outside world” of bodies, problems, goals, and fears then we hear “the call which cannot be denied.” We exchange defenselessness for “all the toys of battle you have made.”
This is the homeward journey to peace.