Meetings with Remarkable People

September 15, 2023

Eric Smith owned the little red house that Lark and I rented from 1978-1979 when we lived in Concord, Massachusetts. Eric, an older gentleman, was also our next-door neighbor who became a dear friend. Always dressed in a coat and bow tie, he was the epitome of a Victorian New England gentleman. He delighted in each soul he met and treated everyone with great dignity. Though a well-to-do man, an executive officer of the Main Central Railroad, he lived frugally in the home he grew up in and drove a rather old but well-maintained automobile.

He was also a very advanced soul. Even though Lark and I were in our twenties, we knew we were in a spiritual giant's presence. But he was not imposing; in fact, he was on the quiet side yet obviously living with one foot in this world and the other in the next. Maybe it was his shiny bald head and bright cocker spaniel eyes, but he glowed with what we thought was the Holy Spirit.

He was the town historian and held advanced degrees, but never had an air of superiority. If someone corrected him, even if he was right, he'd always let it go, saying, "That's OK." I thought his saying, "That's OK" was to avoid conflict, thereby avoiding self-promotion. But over the years, even after we moved back to the South, I continued to learn the depth of this simple yet multi-dimensional man.

Now, I realize his saying, "That's OK," was not a capitulation or an avoidance. It was an acknowledgment that things would still be OK, even though the other person was incorrect. Those two words were an affirmation of reality but from an eschatological or long-range perspective. He saw things as work in progress because he believed that humanity was progressing in the consciousness. He trusted the spiritual evolution of society. Thus, all is "OK."

Inquiry: Why would it be difficult not to contest someone's assertion that you are wrong?

Dear God,

You gave me a glimpse into heaven when you introduced me to Eric Parkman Smith. I am humbly grateful for that remarkable gift.

Amen.

Make peace with your ego and discover your true path today. We will share Dr. Howell's full daily reflection and prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To receive the full week, please complete the form below to begin your journey into who God has made you to be. The path to wholeness starts now!