Putting The Week Together

As I sat and re-read my postings for the week then stopped in the silence to connect with what God is saying I came to a simple yet fulfilling conclusion. Before we take a look at that conclusion, though, I want to tell you a story.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She is a beautiful, youthful 71 years old. She is full of energy, in full control of her senses, bright, spunky and the embodiment of love. She does have a few health issues, but not enough to stop her. Sometimes I wish I had her energy and view on life. My uncle, her brother, passed away about a year ago and when we had his celebration of life she and my dad were on the mainland visiting family for their 50th anniversary. The fact that she never got to say her goodbyes really bothered her, until yesterday.

Her and my dad went to the beach where my uncle's ashes were placed in the ocean. This beach was my uncle's most favorite and he and my mom used to spend time there together, sitting on a bench under a wide-spread shade tree as they looked out into the water. My mom told us of how it felt great to sit on that same bench and look out into that same water. She went through her day there and spoke of putting her feet into the water as she walked along the shore.

Then, as she told us of how she threw two lei representing the family on the mainland and her and my dad into the ocean a big smile and look of peace came over her. She began to cry tears of joy and for the first time in a long while my mom felt pono (I don't know how to best describe this word except to say its meaning is to be right with everything).

We began the week remembering what it feels like to lay in open meadows beside still waters. Our journey then had us remembering how we hold on to anger and how easy it is to spread negative feelings. We were then reminded to show love so that people will know what love is supposed to look like and then our journey took us to a call to live as one people who are unified in one thing; love.

We will always go through pains and sufferings. Life will never be fair to us 100% of the time. How we react to these "trials" will let those around us know God is with us and it's when we allow God to lead we will find our peace. Our duty as Christians, then, becomes one of compassion as we walk along with those around us, sharing in their pain. It really is as simple as Jesus said; love God, love others, love yourself.

Thank you, mom, for bringing it all together for me.