At lunch this past Friday, I got to spend a bit of time with two lovely people, eating and catching up with one another. Although I felt I was somewhat late as the morning got a way from me starting with an emotional phone call from my youngest daughter, then my dog’s cyst on her neck burst while on phone (messy mess yuck clean up) and then finally getting in my truck to go downtown to find parking nearby. Not easy. I thought my resident tag would work at parking lots near water. Nope. So needless to say, I was feeling off kilter going to meet my friends. Coupled with, it was a restaurant I had not been to.
And you know what is awesome? It is the greeting. It does not matter that I am late. It does not matter the length of time away from each other. I come around the corner in the restaurant and lo and behold they greet me (as I do them) like long lost friends with a big smile, arms wide open and a warm strong hug. Yes, Covid-19, you are not getting in the way of receiving and giving love. Nada happening. There is simply an acceptance. Safe and sound. It is a great feeling to be loved, to feel loved and to know love. I do not take it for granted.
I smile when I think of people who are near and dear to me. Each one has a special place in my heart whether it be family or friends or even acquaintances that for some reason have left an indelible imprint on my heart. But when you are in the presence of others who know you, take you for who you are for the most part, have walked with you for a while, it is a treasure to be held carefully and tenderly.
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to sit with another person(s) and really be yourself?! What that looks and sounds like is up to the relationship between the two or more people. It is pure joy in my eyes. There is a comfortableness and safety when you allow yourself to come to trust another person. It is a vulnerability that you give over so that you can just be YOU. Not easy to do at times.
One thing I had learned a long time ago from my grandfather (my dad’s dad) was that he knew how to be present. I think that is part of being able to have a strong friendship or a deeper relationship with someone in I have to be present to them. Listening to the two people that I was with on Friday brought that home to me. I was present. I found myself being very aware of them at our table. It was made clear when one of my friends reminded me to eat my mushroom soup (very delicious by the way) for it would get cold and then again to eat my penne in mushroom sauce (cannot tell you the fancy Italian name). LOL. Even though our lives vary and maybe quite different there is a common thread too. It is the share of a real story, a real emotion, a humanness, an importance in the share….whew it is humbling. Just like a hug.
For a couple hours that are spent together, it is a moment of offering to be present and awake. There could be all kinds of things going on in each of our lives but those are put on hold. Maybe while together one of those lived stories or things come out and are then shared. Who better to share with than from those who call you by name. Hmmmm. And when that happens, a wrapping around of eyes and ears unfold, giving an invisible heartfelt support, to your weary heart. Oh that feels good.
It is not something I take for granted nor do I want to. I find it quite easy to get distracted at times as busy gets busy. I have to laugh when I think about my grandkids. I am grateful for both my granddaughters for two and three year olds do not allow you to get too distracted. Me me me mantra. They want your attention now, right now. LOL. Which is a good thing because I do not want to miss the graced moments given to me. As for my grandson, well he is 12. What more can I say? Gotta love him as he is in his own world. It is me saying to him “see me”. Oh well, I’ll keep plugging away.
It may be why I describe a graced moment with others as being present to them, it is a moment given freely, not earned, from having God in our lives. Maybe awakening to knowing God’s presence. God is everywhere. The feeling of being loved and full, a sense of wonder and awe, as you spend time together. Bequeathed a moment out of time and to be aware that it is happening. There is no need to respond or take an action but more to enjoy, to appreciate, to have an acceptance, to feel hope in whatever is transpiring. Blessings this day.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for be present to the gift of friendships. Amen
And for Mother Nature to give us a break with snow. Amen. (sorry Lord, just had to say it)
Karenpondering 