Together In Paradise

Travis Jr. Slone

Description

In this thought provoking follow up to Slone's first allegorical masterpiece, The Great Mystery, we are once again reminded to slow down, and be inspired by Life.

As part of an ongoing effort to shift our focus to a more interdependent reality, Slone uses this story to remind us of the world's most powerful, and universal law: "The Golden Rule."

Through both tragedy and triumph, this creative experience invites the reader to reflect on the path of his or her own life, and consider the unseen ripple effects of our seemingly mundane choices.

Together in Paradise remains packed with the same adventure, intrigue, emotion, and wisdom that we have come to expect from this imaginative storyteller.

So, is Heaven really some vaguely understood, and distant spiritual realm... or are we there already, on a global quest for the rediscovery of this perfect, and ancient truth? Read Slone's books for yourself, and decide.

As a social worker, the author will use proceeds of this book to promote social justice in the world.

Sujets

• Fiction

Informations

• Publié par: eBookIt.com
• Date de parution: 21 février 2013
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781456607944
• Langue: English

Extrait

TOGETHER IN PARADISE
 
 
Travis Slone
 
 
One World Publishing
 


 
 
TOGETHER IN PARADISE. Copyright © 2012 by Travis Slone. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information please address One World Publishing
 
 
Cover Design Copyright © 2012 by Summer Slone. All rights reserved.
 
 
For additional copies of this book, go to
http://www.oneworldpublishing.com
 
Follow the author @
http://www.travisslone.com
 
 
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data has been ordered.
 
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
http://www.eBookIt.com
 
 
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0794-4
 
AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION
In life, we all depend on one another. Yet while this is obvious to most of us, our pride makes it difficult to admit. In this follow up to my first book, The Great Mystery , I offer up a story that might feel eerily familiar. It is a story about a simple choice, and its unseen consequences.
At its heart, Together in Paradise is about “The Golden Rule”... an ancient mandate for all of mankind. In essence, to love one another, just as we love ourselves, is the highest form of integrity. To do this, one must show compassion toward others, and should possess an equal skill for both action, and restraint.
Regardless of one’s financial situation, we all have a certain amount of time to spend in the world. We can spend it however we wish, but it can only be spent once. Sometimes, this precious currency can bring happiness to both ourselves, and others. Yet it can also be the source of great sadness, and regret. If we remember the Golden Rule, we will spend our time more wisely. But some might ask, how can we serve others if we are so busy? We must look out for ourselves, or no one will! Right?
On this point, most would argue that humans are selfish by nature. It is a vital part of our survival instinct. But if so, is that such a bad thing? What if we could learn to identify, not as individuals, but as interdependent parts of something much greater? Perhaps then, we could transform our inherent “self-interest” into a more positive force. This principle can be seen at work in any successful family, sports team, or corporation. When we identify with a larger entity, it empowers everyone involved.
Some of the most inspiring images, to me at least, are those of Earth, which are taken from satellites in outer space. From way out there, no fences, walls, or borders can be seen. The Earth is pure, and there are no individuals. One could imagine, while looking down on the living planet, that forces are at work beneath the clouds... but those forces are not separate from the Earth itself. They are one with her, and dependent on her energy... A single ecosystem, rotating peacefully in a vast sea of silence. This is the perspective we must adapt, and the view that will empower us all, as we work together for a better future.
So please, enjoy the journey once again, and go forth with an attitude of service and compassion.
 
In an effort to lead by example, the profits made from the sale of this book will be used to promote social justice in the world. Perhaps the ripples of my few good deeds, will find one of you in your time of need. Thank you!
- Travis Slone
 
“THE GOLDEN RULE”
3000 year old Hindu teaching...
This is the sum of duty: Do nothing to others which, if done to you, would cause you pain. -Mahabharata 5.15.17
 
 
Buddhist wisdom...
Hurt not others with that which pains yourself. -Udanavarga 5.18
 
 
Christian teaching from the Bible...
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law of the prophets. -Mathew 7:12
 
 
From the Traditions of Islam...
No one of you is a believer, until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
 
 
In the law of Judaism...
What is hurtful to yourself, do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah, and the rest is just commentary. -Talmud
 
 
And from the ancient Tao...
Regard your neighbor’s loss as your own. -T’ai shang kan ting p’ien
 
CHAPTER 1
Once upon a time, in the beautiful rocky countryside of Northern England, there lived a wealthy young family of three. Thomas and Sarah had been married for nine years, and had a five year old daughter named Janie. They had made their fortunes working long hours in London’s financial district, while Sarah’s mother raised their young child at the family’s country estate. Whenever it was possible, Thomas and Sarah would join them for weekends and holidays.
The elegant property had been handed down for six generations, and part of an inheritance when Thomas’ own parents passed away a few years back.
An eight kilometer long paved driveway led through the hills to the historic stone mansion, where flowering vines made their annual ascent up the four hundred year old walls. A pathway of neatly laid bricks led through a magnificent garden, connecting the separate three-car garage to the arched front entry.
On that breezy summer evening, smoke emanated from the main building’s two chimneys, creating a slight haze in the waning light overhead. As the sun went down over the distant hills, the home’s many glowing windows made it appear like an enormous lantern, calmly sitting in the midst of the rugged English landscape.
“Mom,” called out the little girl, “May I please have some milk before bedtime?”
But Sarah did not hear the sweet child over the telephone conversation she was having nearby.
“Mother!” she called again. “I said please. You didn’t even have to remind me this time. Can I please have some milk?”
“Shhh!” replied the girl’s mom in frustration. “Can’t you see I’m busy here? Go ask your father if you need something. This is one of my clients on the phone, and she’s very important to me.”
The cute little blue-eyed girl with long curly blond hair skipped eagerly into the den to look for her father. She hardly even noticed her mother’s lack of attention anymore, for she had grown used to it by now.
“Dad,” she asked after finding him sitting by the television watching an intense World Cup match. “Could I please have some milk before bed? Mom’s too busy, and I’m really thirsty.”
“Sure you can sweet heart,” replied the father. “Just give me a few seconds, and I’ll be right there. The match is almost over.”
But as the opposing team scored a goal with no time left in regulation, the score became deadlocked at two goals apiece. The beautiful young girl curled up next to her father on the couch, waiting for the overtime to end.
When the match was finally over, Thomas remembered that his little princess had wanted some milk. Unfortunately, she had already fallen asleep beside him. In her hands, she did not have her usual soft teddy bear, but an empty plastic cup.
As Sarah came in from the other room and noticed her daughter sleeping on the couch, she thought of how precious she looked.
“Aw,” she said to Thomas as he went to scoop her up and take her to bed. “She sure is adorable when she’s sleeping.”
Thomas couldn’t agree more.
“She’s pretty amazing when she’s awake too,” he replied. “It’s just unfortunate that we’re always so busy.”
“Don’t worry honey. She’ll understand when she grows up.”
As little Janie was carried off to bed, Sarah carefully snatched the empty cup from her daughter, and went to carry it to the sink.
“Wait!” said Thomas. “What is that, on the ground?”
“What?” his wife asked. “Where?”
“Right there, by your feet,” he said. “I think you dropped something.”
Sarah bent down to pick up the neatly folded piece of pink paper. When she unfolded the heart-shaped note, tears swelled up in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Thomas asked. “What does it say?”
She read the heart-shaped note aloud, trying not to get choked up on the words.
Just kidding , it said with a sketched smiling face. All I want is a hug .
The note had fallen from inside the little girl’s cup.
After carrying the sweet child off to bed, and tucking her in with her teddy bear, Thomas gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and turned out the light. He glanced back once more as he left the room, pausing to savor the moment. We really need a vacation , he thought. Somewhere far away from England .
 
CHAPTER 2
The following weekend…
 
The family was all packed, and ready for their ten-day voyage on the Mediterranean Sea. It would be the trip of a lifetime aboard one of Europe’s most luxurious cruise liners, with planned overnight stops at some of the more alluring destinations in the world. At eleven o’clock on the following morning, they would set out for London’s international airport, where the journey would officially begin.
“Good night sweetheart,” Sarah said as she and Thomas tucked Janie into bed. “Get some good rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
“I know,” replied the little girl. “I can’t wait!”
The lights went out. Everything was set.
Thomas and Sarah made their way to the bedroom, changed into their pajamas, and curled up in bed.
“Did you set the alarm already?” Sarah asked.
“Yes dear,” replied Thomas. “Remember, this is going to be a week of no work, no responsibilities, and most importantly…no worries. Now turn that cell phone off. You won’t be needing that for a while.”
Sarah was as ready for a vacation as everyone else in the family, but she would never have been able to afford such things if not for her workaholic personality. She quietly slipped the phone onto the dresser beside the bed, changing it from ring to vibrate. Just in case , she thought. Wouldn’t want to miss anything important .
“Good night dear,” she whispered as she turned out the light. “I can’t wait for this trip.”
“Yea, we should never have waited this long,” Thomas replied. “This is way overdue.”
Thomas and Sarah drifted off t