I woke up feeling fragile. My tailored blouse concealed the rosary that hung around my neck. I donned a hand woven Tibetan scarf as prayer cloth and readied myself to meet the challenges of the day. Midday, I left the fast paced, cool air of our neon-lighted office, to meet a dear friend. As I stepped outdoors I was welcomed into sun's warm embrace.
For the next two hours time stood still. Although,
the café was abuzz with lively conversation all else melted away as I
listened to my friend share her story. To be with someone whose heat opens in an outpouring of love and grief, and to bear witness to that love, is precious beyond measure.
When tragedy strikes deep, we try to make sense of it, but most of all we need space to grieve. In dark times we may even question God’s existence. I don’t believe that God plays favorites granting favor to some and inflicting pain and suffering on others. Sometimes we can’t help wonder where was God in all this?
Love's invisible presence is palpable, especially in times of need, becomes visible in the people who show up for us. A presence, overflowing in gentleness...a warm glow surrounding us, lifts the veil for a while we remember, before slipping back into forgetgulness.
How can we awaken and not fall back to sleep?
Perhaps one way, as my friend shared, is with a “Radical Acceptance” (Tara Brach). To notice our emotions, do we feel discomfort, aversion, fear? To name the feeling and to be willing to open into the experience. Acceptance opens up sacred space; now that truly is a gift of Love.
~liz Sorensen Wessel
