Everyone I encounter is a messenger, and a message never comes without reason.  My task is to discern the message that each one brings.  Every exchange, every interaction in human affairs is an equal exchange of information, where both parties are full partners and equal teachers of each other.  Neither partner ever gives the other more, has the opportunity to learn less, or is condemned to walk away from the interaction empty-handed.  It doesn’t matter whether the connection is a brief encounter or a life-long learning affair.  I only lose in the encounter when I reject the message, when I refuse the lesson.  This often happens when I reject the message because of who the messenger is, when I push away the lesson because of who the teacher happens to be.  And accepting the messenger, receiving the teacher without judgment, is often the lesson itself.

© 2022 by Michael C. Just

Mike’s novel, The Dirt: The Journey of a Mystic Cowboy, is available in softcover or eBook formats through Amazon.

You can purchase the book through this website. Or go straight to amazon at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+dirt+journey+of+a+mystic+cowboy&crid=1S40Q4BXSUWJ6&sprefix=the+dirt%3A+journey+of+a+m%2Caps%2C180&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_23

Mike’s other titles, including The Crippy, The Mind Altar, and Canyon Calls, are available through this website or through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002

Four of his short stories have recently been published online:

Lies, Ltd. has been published by The Mystery Tribune @ Lies, Ltd.: Literary Short Fiction by Michael C. Just (mysterytribune.com)

The Obligate Carnivore has been published by the Scarlet Leaf Review @ Category: MICHAEL JUST – SCARLET LEAF REVIEW

I See You, Too has been published by the 96th of October @ I See You, Too – 96th of October

Offload, a short story about a man who can heal any disease, is now live and can be read at The Worlds Within at Offload – The Worlds Within