Monday afternoon, while Eli was napping, I dusted my curio cabinet. I'm pretty sure I haven't dusted it since well before Eli was born. It needed some love. I enjoy dusting the items in there slowly, every item contains meaning for me. While I was dusting off a miniature pie plate of my Grandma H's an overwhelming feeling of missing her overcame me. I used to take naps (in this very home) when I was a small child. Grandma would often surprise me with a mini pie that she made - just for me! So much love came from her in that little treat. She always made me feel extra special. She gave me so much to hold onto. I suppose that is why I have such a connection with her, even in her being gone.
As I was wiping the pie plate clean of dust, I spoke to her in my mind about how much I miss her. It broke my heart that all of my Grandparents died before Eli came into existence. I am grateful that I had relationships with all four of them into my adult life. So many cannot say that. I am glad that Emily got to know both of my Grandma's.
As I was putting the pie plate back into the cabinet, the scent of my Grandma surrounded me. A scent hard to describe, a bit of perfume - a bit of dessert baking...but, her nonetheless. How could this be? I knew I wasn't imagining it. The moment was so real, so beautiful. People who have never had a spiritual (indescribable) encounter might think I am crazy. But, as my tattoo on my right shoulder states, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." I've come to a place in my life where I don't need to see to believe. We plant the seed in the ground and we water it ... but, who grows it?! We take a walk outside on a breezy day and feel the wind upon our faces...but, we can't see it. This is faith. The invisible world that is all around us. I so often think about how to tell people about my faith. How do you get someone to believe when they so badly need to see facts and proof? I just pray for others to have moments like this. My life is filled with them. I am not more special than anyone else - I am just trusting and open to them.
Today I am thankful for the (long awaited) warmth and sunshine. For my baby who is sleeping peacefully in his crib. For my husband who works so hard and loves his family more than anything. For Emily who is a great all around kid. For both sets of our parents, who are still married and who offer us constant support and love. For my business mentor. For my spiritual mentor. For all our friends and family. For my doggies. For this home. For our family business. And, for all the people that came before us.
Thank you God for the opportunity to even be here at all...walking this Earth, making these connections. I will continue to keep my eyes on you.
Matthew 7:24-26 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house on a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell not: for it was founded on a rock. And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, which built his house on the sand."
