As a child, I use to wonder where my soul was within my body. My parents and our church would talk about it, and I would ask my parents and mentors where they thought the soul lived within my body… Sometimes the answer would be , “Your soul is that happy place inside you.” (What? You mean when I laugh? That means it’s only there when I’m happy. Not good enough.) It was all very confusing. So, as a young adult, I was still wondering where my soul was in my body. Being older and spending time listening to mentors, I heard things like “Read the Bible.” So I studied the Bible (still do), and I continued to ask and wonder, as I met people from all different walks of life. Still, no answer.
The Life’s journey traveled forward, adding one experience after another. Some happy experiences, like the day I became a wife; and some not as happy, like the first experience of a lost loved one. We have jobs, which take us to places of confidence and other contemplation. And all of this added to my knowledge toward the question, “Where is my soul.” Experience after experience and one Bible study after another… I questioned and I prayed, because surely if I asked God this question He would give me an answer.
God said, “Wait.” I am smiling at myself right now, because I’ve always thought that answer pretty much stunk. What person wants to hear “wait” when asking a burning question? But God doesn’t always say “Wait,” and it’s because of that, that I began to understand how I could have a relationship with our Creator.
God answers differently according to what we ask Him. And, as He does that and we listen (that’s huge, so let me say that again… LISTEN… Which means shut off your head and don’t speak)… We listen to and for Him, and relationship begins. That is what faith is all about. That’s what love is all about… That living relationship. It’s not about the church building, or the social part after the sermon is over… It’s about YOU and GOD together. You ask and He listens, and You listen and He answers in His special and perfect way. I say perfect, because ya have to really consider what He does, along with what’s happening around you in your life. God really is talking to us when this and that happens! Ya have to get quiet and look around you, listen every step of the way, as you live. He’s there!
So back to that question I’ve been asking all my life. He knew I’d get it at some point… My body is the house in which I live. Where is my soul in my body? I AM the soul in my body. Simple as that. God is love and truth. My body serves me as long as I live and I serve God as I live a good life.
Are you wondering about your soul? Maybe try opening up to Him, and begin to know God. The map is simple… Take the first step by saying, “What do I believe?” Ask Him to help you figure it out.
It’s almost twelve midnight here in my home. I can hear the clock ticking in the hallway, and soon it will be a new day. How will you begin your new day?
May it be a happy day!
Best…
Carolyn Thomas Temple