As I awoke, the cool breeze of a gentle spring rain tickled my feet. The soft cotton bed sheet was wrapped around me like a toga. I could hear the bird's melodic song outside my window, but what drew out my senses most was the dream still fresh in my mind ...and I tried to make sense of it.

Here is the dream:

I often find it unsettling being in groups ...particularly, restless or unsatisfied groups of people.  I cannot imagine, if in one of those groups, I'd be expected to speak.  But this is a dream, and I can somehow be unlike how I am.  

Nevertheless, let me proceed to say I was addressing a group of people from within my community.  And by the way, we were not wearing togas.  It is present day, and I assume everyone is wearing present-day clothing.  If this happened to be my wife's dream, she may have been able to tell you how they were dressed, but my recollection and focus is on the events.

"I am asking for volunteers to join me in a journey.  It will be a difficult journey, and it will require people of strength."

With no other description of what the journey is about, only a half dozen people agree to join me.

We begin on a trail through a forest.  A woman and three men follow me quietly, keeping close to me ...and attentive.  Two men follow a distance behind, discoursing with one another.

I stop to close that distance, "Ado ...Eudo, you appear to be a bit distracted from our mission."

Ado smiles, "I do not sense danger.  You did not tell us of our mission.  Are we to encounter an enemy on this journey?"

I answer matter-of-factly, "Yes."

Eudo speaks next, "How will we recognize the enemy?"

I make a point to direct my glance, looking them both in the eyes, "That may not always be clear."

Eudo boasts, "Nevertheless, if we shall meet the enemy face-to-face, at that moment I will be prepared.   Entertain no thought that may question my ability."

We travel on through the woods. The path leads to a clearing. At the far end of the clearing is a building.

I address the group, "Let's quickly spread out and surround the building.  There are just enough of us, that we should be able to see each other ...and any activity between us and the building."

Eudo laughs, "Now, this may get exciting!"

I continue my directions, "I will approach the building, and check it out more closely."

Ado turns to Eudo, mumbling, "Why should he get all the fun?"

I ignore those comments also, "Please, keep vigilant to your positions."

I circle the building, then walk back to each volunteer, now all encircling the building, explaining to each one at at time, "There are two doors and four windows.  The doors are unlocked, and all the windows unlatched.  Go to the door or window closest to you, and wait there.  We shall all enter together at my signal."

Looking to either side, with raised hands, they await the signal.  With hands motioning forward, everyone enters the building together.

As I pass through the dark hallways, I hear a commotion.  I rush to the center of the building.  I see Eudo leap towards a shaft of light, leading to an open courtyard.  He has his belt in his hand.  I am near enough to see a gash on his cheek ...blood just beginning to trickle.

Ado emerges out of the shadows, also with his belt in his hand. They encircle each other, brandishing their belts with the steel angular buckles.  I am sure they can see me, but their complete focus is on each other.

I quickly approach, stepping between them with outstretched hands.  They hesitate, but then hand me their belts.

I motion them to the center of the courtyard, where there is full light.  I have little to say, as I simply state, "If you must."

A flurry of activity entangles their bodies.  I hear a loud crack. As Ado releases his grip to grasp his now broken leg, Eudo grabs for Ado's head.

I holler, "Enough."

Eudo leaps up with a glazed smile, raising his fist in self-proclaimed victory.  He looks me in the eye, and challenges, "Would you like to be next?"

My eyes meet his, "No, you have already proven to be a quite capable opponent.  You would easily beat me ...but you have already lost."

Eudo boldly questions, "You mean, we have lost Ado? Granted, he may not have known it was me at first, but he did attack first.  There was little harm done until you permitted it to continue.  You must hold yourself partly responsible."

I remain calm, "I merely gave you an open area.  I did not tell you what to do."

Eudo still breathes heavily, "Yes, just as you've said ...you gave us no clear direction."

The others have since entered the courtyard, and they do not need to be told what to do.  They see the injured Ado, and begin to attend to him.  I continue to address Eudo, "Nonetheless, you and Ado have both failed."

Eudo tenses his muscles, "Ado and I both knew we were your best fighters.  I do regret we got carried away, and I realize Ado will no longer be able to continue ...but that is the chance that is always taken with the best of fighters.  The best fighters always know the risks ...we all know what can happen, but we enjoy the risk and the thrill.  I believe I am the most capable to continue.  Perhaps you can send the girl back with Ado, to see that he gets tended to."

I continue to look directly into Eudo's eyes, "I am sorry ...you are the least capable to continue.  You were not able to recognize the enemy."

Eudo turns to the others, "Recognize the enemy?  Did any of you see the enemy?  We weren't even told what to look for.  I don't see anyone here agreeing with you.  We are all at loss for what you are saying!"

I glance over the group.  They all await my response, and explanation, "The only enemy is ourselves.  The two of you who lagged behind ...had separated yourselves, thinking early on that you were better than the rest of us.  That's when you decided which path you were going to take ...planting those seeds of pride along the way.  And there is nothing on earth that grows faster.  Pride doesn't need much to get it going ...it's like a desert weed, that springs up often without notice.  Whether it be pride, or some other weedy emotion ...it is not part of a team, it becomes an opponent.  You can't even trust yourself."

With some assistance, Ado hops up on one leg.  He grimaces in pain, "I think I understand.  We mistook your challenge, because we didn't understand what strength this mission required.  You tried to challenge us to be patient, and wait for our directive ...but we were really internally challenging you in our minds.  And it could have been even more destructive, had you not stopped us.  Instead of being named Ado, I should be called Bravado."

Eudo is not relenting, "The only thing I understand, is that I don't even want to continue on your senseless mission."

I continue to respond calmly to the ever frustrated and angry Eudo, "You can use your only realized strength ...your physical strength, to carry Ado back."

Eudo easily picks up Ado, and begins to carry him.  Ado grimaces once with the abrupt movement, then laughs, "Send us a postcard when you get to where you're going.  But, don't send a P.S. to Eudo ...I want a little more time to work with him.  When I get better, no longer need a crutch, and he no longer sees you as one ...who knows, we may want to join you on another journey.  There is much good in Eudo, if he can put his hindrances behind."

"I know, Ado ...and thank you.  I see you are already well on your way to healing."  It is the first time that I smile.

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