Up Until Now

When I attended Pastoral Skills classes at Temple Heights Spiritualist Camp in Maine in 2005 my teacher, Rev. Pamla Aslay, had an answer for people in the class who would say, "I can't do that."  Her answer was "Up until now". It seems that none of us can perform certain tasks until we learn from others what is necessary.  We invariably say "I can't do that" and we're right, we can't up until now.

When I was in school learning math for the first time, I had to learn about certain mathematical principles and how to apply them to various math problems. By the same token, when I started Junior College to study electronics, I knew very little about all the various aspects of electronics that was already well known to other technicians and engineers.  As time went on, I learned and through the application of what I learned I was able to test and repair electronic equipment.

You may ask "Isn't it true for all people in this world"?  Yes, but how many of us have the courage to admit that we just don't have what it takes to perform a specific task - up until now?  If you're honest with yourself, you will admit that up until now you were unable to perform.  There is no pride lost in admitting you don't have certain skills or knowledge - you are normal.

When I was growing up, my mother used to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for the seven of us.  Today, from what I learned from her, I can cook various types of meals for myself.  Yes, I learned what was necessary from a skilled person who knew more than I did. I am still learning 70+ years later.  I will continue to learn.  This will continue up until the day I leave this world.

So up until now, you really couldn’t perform certain tasks. Maybe you didn’t have the knowledge you needed, but now you do and are able to apply it where necessary. Up until now you are the best at what you do and will continue to obtain greater knowledge you may require. Remember, what seemed to be unachievable up until now falls away as you obtain the knowledge and skills you do require, nothing is impossible to you.