By Gregg Sandeson
How three flat tires prevented a disaster.
It was toward the latter part of the 20th century when the touchy-feely aspects of the human potential movement were at their peak. A group of novices from a community called “The Next Step” went to lead a workshop at a conference of the 3HO Foundation. They loaded up their VW Camper and off they went into the New Mexico hills.
“3HO” stands for Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization. They’re gentle people, who follow the Sikh teachings of Yogi Bhajan. They were friendly, helpful, and oh-so-impressive dressed in white from turban to toe. That should have been the first clue, dutifully ignored by the enthusiastic little group.
THE 3HO men pretty much hung out with the men and the women with the women—another missed clue. And who knew their teaching eschewed physical contact to the point that even married couples were allowed to have sex only once a month? Certainly not this little band, eagerly preparing for their first big event. Like all their workshops, it had intermingling, hugging, touching and warm inter-gender communication.
It was a perfect setup for a spiritual train wreck.
Enter the Divine Comedian. With the workshop scheduled for 2:00 pm, it was noon when one of the group realized they hadn’t brought an essential prop for the workshop. They had to run to the nearby town to pick it up.
While still a few miles from town along the dirt road, the camper developed—not one—not two—but THREE flat tires. With but a single spare, the first tire had to be changed, rolled into town, repaired, then rolled back and mounted. The same with the second tire, then they drove the third one in for repair.
The “Next Steppers” arrived back at the conference in time to apologize profusely, but with no time remaining to reschedule their workshop.
Wow! What appeared to be a disaster actually turned out to have prevented one. It’s worth remembering that the Universe has a different perspective than we do, so our best response is never to doubt Divine Wisdom.
When the members of the group later learned more about the 3HO teachings, they performed the ritual smack on the forehead and gave thanks for the three flat blessings.
Then we went home.
Gregg Sanderson is author of Spirit With A Smile, The World According To BOB. He is a licensed practitioner in the Centers for Spiritual Living, and a Certified Trainer for Infinite Possibilities. His earlier books were, What Ever Happened To Happily Ever After? and Split Happens—Easing The Pain Of Divorce. His latest project is the New Thought Global Network, where subscribers can enjoy the best in New Thought presentations from anywhere at any time. You can see it at http://www.newthoughtglobal.org.