A Soul Blessing
Cherry Blossoms — photo by Susan Izard
Dear Soul Friends,
Today I am sitting in a hotel room in Atlanta. Yesterday a beloved daughter had surgery with a specialist and my husband and I are here to care for her. We are living in a hotel room looking over an office park. Below us is a little lake with a path around it surrounded by tall buildings and parking garages. But even in this urban setting there are signs of new life. A few cherry trees are about to open and I suspect they will be in full bloom by the time I leave. They’ve been a comfort as I’ve anticipated the upcoming surgery.
Yesterday was stressful. I don’t love hospital waiting rooms. Actually, I don’t mind them when I am in my official role as a minister visiting with a family attending to a loved one. When it’s my turn to be waiting, it is hard to relax and stay calm. It’s not the first time I have spent hours in this waiting room so I am familiar with the hospitality offered and the comfortable seating nooks. But it is still hard to relax. Images of the war were scrolling past on the television. People’s cell phones were binging. Doctors were talking with families about surgery results, some good, some not so good. The longer I waited, the harder it was to stay calm.
Then we got the news that our daughter in law was in labor. By dinner we had family members admitted to two different hospitals in two different states with updates coming through binging texts. As one friend said, “There are these stretches in life that are both ‘hands full’ and virtually unmanageable.”
That is what I talked with soul about in my morning prayer. I received words of comfort and assurance and knew I was not alone. I could share the burden I carried. I felt a sense of Holy Presence and was reminded that we are held in the embracing arms of eternal love through all life’s ups and downs. But even as I opened my heart, my nerves were still on high alert. Regardless of what I know, I cannot make myself be calm. I have learned that a blessing will show up at some point. I just need to wait.
Just as I was saying goodnight to my daughter, the night nurse walked in and said, “Hi, my name is Miracle and I am here to be the night nurse.” My whole body relaxed. Miracle would take over the nurture and care that I longed for my daughter. The blessing had arrived.
An hour or so later, our son texted a photo of our new granddaughter. After waiting and waiting for months and months it is always amazing to see an infant seconds after birth. Every birth is a miracle. New life. New beginnings.
This is the both/and pattern of life. Joy and sorrow. Letting go and being blessed.
As you walk through the story of your life may you be blessed by the gift of miracles. May you know you are encircled in holy light and may you hear the still small voice of Loving Presence.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
