Goodness and mercy do follow me.

I recently went to dinner at a home where I knew relaxation and compassion lived. I was exhausted! My commitments had outpaced my energy the week before. I needed the unconditional love that would answer the door. I would not be judged or questioned  for my silent but hungry hugs. I plopped down where I could see the activity and yet not be necessary to it. I imagined what words would write themselves if others could see us.

Activities were based on age and role. The “Youngers” played until they ran hot and needed water. The “Tweens” looked away from their smartphones only to intentionally sniff tantalizing aromas. The “queens” tested their culinary creations for perfection. The “kings” enthusiastically discussed hot topics with implicit authority. Two of the “kings” loved to cook! They made and presented beautiful, always tasty creations that shouted, “Taste me! Taste me!” However, everyone there knew the kitchen was not my friend so I was allowed to be a spectator until it was time to dry the dishes.

I closed my eyes and silently wondered how I was blessed to be here and now. I know God is strategic and has a plan for each of us. He apparently had selected this extended family to help sustain me during this season of my life. They are described in Marge Piercy’s recent book, Made in Detroit, as people who always leave you clean and new and  just move into you.

“The visible and the in-”

Some people move through your life
like the perfume of peonies, heavy
and sensual and lingering.

Some people move through your life
like the sweet musky scent of cosmos
so delicate if you sniff twice, it’s gone.

Some people occupy your life
like moving men who cart off
couches, pianos and break dishes.

Some people touch you so lightly you
are not sure it happened. Others leave
you flat with footprints on your chest.

Some are like those fall warblers
you can’t tell from each other even
Though you search Peterson’s.

Some come down hard on you like
a striking falcon and the scars remain
and you are forever wary of the sky.

We are all waiting rooms at bus
stations where hundreds have passed
through unnoticed and others

have almost burned us down
and others have left us clean and new
and others have just moved in”[1]

For me, every person in this home  today lives softly in my mind and tenderly in my heart. It doesn’t matter why or how they got there. I love them. I want them to stay. I want to stay.

[1] http://artworksinbigrapids.org/marge-piercy-made-in-detroit/

 

 

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.