Remembrances & CELEBRATIONS…

 

Remembrances and CELEBRATIONS…

We have just moved through the Memorial Day Holiday. For so much of our country, the day was about remembering  lost soldiers through the wars of time.  OR…honoring those that ARE serving and continue to support our country through the difficult times of what WILL be history some day. I always keep my son and my husband Doug in that “REMEMBER” their service in honor and thanks. .  Maybe history will be kind to our era or it will outline the tumultuous times we are living here in the United States during these years of divide. But, we all know and cherish our own memories of times past. We’ve all gone through celebrations with family & friends for many years.

For myself I have been experiencing both huge remembrances of a life with my husband, Doug for the past 55 years. Having our three sons, wives, and our four grandchildren with us for an entire four days was simply incredible! Just the smiles and hugs, laughs, and offers of help at every turn and I knew there was a LOVE living in our family that WILL be cherished no matter what! Then lots of our extended family and longtime friends started arriving to spend time with us, enjoy food, and see our family. Many were pouring  over our volumes of pictures of experiences over so many years together. It  brought out the best of emotions in me!

YES, we have continued celebrating with remembrances as I pour over pictures of all of those that surrounded us and those that could not attend but sent us messages of love and caring. Wow…it is the relationships in our lives that build our confidence to make the most out of every single day. I do believe that GOD planned for us to always be lifting each other up both in times of JOY and right alongside grief and sorrow.

Then, after a much too quiet day, I found myself ruminating, saying to myself… “Along with  each and every one of the incredible memories of the past, in my mind lives difficult emotions that arise within because of our present life. Are these beautiful experiences lost to a disease that we cannot control?”  That is when I realized how this extremely important concept is…THE Divine that lives within us needs to be trusted and consulted on a regular basis! In the busy times of preparation and follow up, I only found the true peace that lives in LOVE by spending time going within on the days that followed. Our life of prayer through meditation, mindfulness, time in nature can remind us all that we are an eternal being of radiant light, infinite love, and unconditional peace! Nothing and no one can change that, alter or diminish the truth of who we are. As I sit at my computer and write…the beauty of the flowers outside my window and the birds that keep flying in to keep me company keep that smile on my face! Oh, the power of nature! And for me…writing also feeds my soul! How are you feeding your soul?

For probably over a month I have been trying to read more of the book I bought, MIRACLES Actually: Snapshots at the Intersection of Heaven and Earth by Alan Cohen. I do believe that we do find just what we are looking for AT the right time.  There are many fun stories, but it is usually just some of the words that simply jump out at me and remind me of what I really KNOW deep inside when I stop to reflect. I have always loved Alan Cohen’s writing and his podcasts. Even if you are not someone who has read or studied  The Course of Miracles, there are always gold nuggets in his thoughts. These are just a few of the ones that caught me as I finally neared the end of the book. Perhaps they will lift you up as well!

“The most valuable function of the body is to express love. To say, “I love you,” I value you”, and “thank you,” transforms a hollow world into one of rich reward.” Pg. 128

“The only meaningful question to ask of any spiritual teaching is, “Does this improve the quality of my life?” Does it get me out of pain, bring me greater peace of mind, enhance my relationships, and lead me to healing? Does it empower my spiritual journey? Does it work for me?” Pg. 179

” Where you attend church (or don’t) is less important than the church you carry within you. The real church is an experience more than an institution. Religion at its best points toward God, and then steps aside to allow the holy presence to speak for Itself. Living a healthy, happy life is your contribution to humanity, whether you attend church or never do. Some of the most spiritual people I know call themselves atheists. They strive to live a kind and ethical life that makes the world a better place.” Pg. 190

No matter what you REMEMBER or CELEBRATE…Love is at the deep seat of your soul making it all happen in the way you have planned for YOURSELF!