From the new day...

The list was not done. I still had much to do to have everything perfect for my special visitors who would be arriving around 5:00 this evening. But first I needed to sit in the shade of the maple tree, with chores temporarily put aside, and be in the moment of pure happiness and gratitude.  It’s so easy to keep moving and doing, but allowing ourselves time to feel what is in our heart, is the most significant part of our journey on this earth.

My heart was overwhelmed by emotions caused by the anticipation of seeing my daughter and her family who had not been back to Pennsylvania for 2 years. I couldn’t wait to see Kate, Eric and their 4 children and give hugs to all. I savored this anticipation as I sat in my yard and expressed silent prayers of thanks. When the moment arrived it was more perfect than I could have imagined. Even the little guys who are 3 and 2 and who had just woken up from naps in the car, ran to me and let me lift them in my arms and hug and kiss them and tell them I love them.

It was a perfect gathering of family. Truth be told, it really didn’t matter to anyone that I had cut the grass today or mopped the floor or washed the windows. Those details were irrelevant. What was most important was how we felt just being together and experiencing the joy of heart connections, the continuity of life and the serendipitous lessons that found their way into our world.

As we sat outside, eight year old Elika quickly picked out a rock in my garden to sit upon saying she was going to meditate there. She said it was full moon meditation tonight. I looked at her mom in amazement and asked if she knew that tonight really was the full moon meditation which I attend each month but of course missed this month for obvious reasons.

Kate was also amazed but said Elika remembers everything and maybe she had heard a conversation about this. I didn’t know Elika knew anything about meditation and yet she was serious in her intent to have this happen and even encouraged group participation.

 As the moon rose in the sky casting its' light upon us, we gathered in a semi-circle, my 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and myself, and recited The Great Invocation, followed by a short period of meditation. I don’t know how this even came to be, it certainly wasn't on "the list", but the fact that it did for even a brief moment was a true gift and a sign that our children are the light of the future. How quickly the torch passes to another generation. On this night of my journey, I was touched by their light, their innocent goodness, and their sincere hearts. On this night I was blessed with love.

 Giving thanks for the blessing of this day…