Golden Lantern

[Osiris]

The road toward spiritual development for myself has been a long one indeed and the sad part is that I have only been on it (consciously) for say maybe 10 years of so...with many side trips into the darkened woods.
But every-time I stagger out of the briers and brush the path lay before me again, alittle rougher perhaps then I last remember, the paving stones a little more jagged and misaligned but they call none the less and some part of me always returns seemingly unguided to those all to familiar pathways. I have noticed that along the way there appear to be "markers" if you will, way stations of sorts to let you know You are loved and watched over, encouraged and checked upon regularly but without too much fuss.
I consider this one such experience but please, your two cents is always appreciated. Due to much meditation, heavy thinking and energy work I spon obe often. Some conscious exit some not.

Lost, I found myself at the bottom of a steep-ish stone path in a clearing leading up to the top of a hill that was looking the ocean and a island resort in the far distance. I could tell from the brightly colored banners, advertisements and such that it was a Dive shop (I scuba dive) and climbed the good distance and opened the door. The owner didnt seem to notice me, a tall dark haired Mediterranean man with thick black hair and a deep tan, white and blue Hawaiian collard shirt and white pants. I was delighted at all the bright colors, smell and general uplifting feeling of the place of which I attributed to the location by the sea. I was standing there rather confused and he looked up at me with a smile and ask if he could help me, I said yes "I think i've lost my dive group?" He said, "Who were you with" I said "I have no idea" He said "check your bag" I began digging around my duffle bag loaded with all kinds of crap and to my surprise came upon a pack of pornographic playing cards ! What the???!!! I threw them down and kept digging.... and pulled out a brochure. I carried it over to him and he said Oh your with Penguins (?) pointing out the window to the resort below. I said yes relieved (no idea why or who the hell Penguins are now) and started to leave. Half way to the door I turned and he was standing there on this side of the counter smiling broadly and holding out a brassy/gold 18th century type lantern out to me, bout 10" tall and 5" around new but with an old world look. I shook my head no, figuring hes trying to sell it, and said no with a smile, "thank you", and turned to leave.
Wammo Im back in my body buzzing like mad but still paralyzed, if you know what i mean. Laying there I realize he was offering me a golden lantern...the light of wisdom....Oh my god!!! I started berating myself for wanting to save my "vacation money" till later and he was trying to Give it to me. What a chump....
Wammo Im back at the door to the dive shop...they're closed everything is in Black and White, no more color, and the place is empty ...the door however is unlocked I peak in and just inside the door to the right on a small table is the lantern no longer brassy but blazingly golden and shimmering, teary eyed and awestruck I gently take it holding it close and leave closing the door behind me. The vibrations settle down and I am back in my room wide eyed.

[CFTraveler]

Very introspective. Some guilt there, is what I see.