Sunday Morning Meditations

Sophmore English; the diminutive Mr. P announced to a classroom full of students that we would from that point forward keep a journal. We received guidelines pertaining to formatting and frequency, and each Friday they were collected for inspection. At the time I remember being filled with resistance, even indignation! Up to that point, I had had several stops and starts with journaling and somehow, just never connected with the spiritual aspect. How dare anyone attempt to force me to make public the innermost, private workings of my heart and mind? And so, journal I did, with all the commitment of water to oil, effectively withholding from myself the ripeness of possibilities that may have ensued.
Yesterday my sweet mother-in-law, age 85, was enjoying a tour of Park City with several friends. As they were making their way to enjoy lunch together, she miss-stepped and was unable to save herself from landing on the back of her head. Indomitable spirit that she is, she attempted to pick herself up, even as she bled from her ears. It is astonishing to me that our physical bodies are created bearing the duality of such strength/fragility. She was transported to a nearby facility where she is receiving treatment for the injuries she sustained. As I stood by her bedside, I felt impressed to direct my thoughts to the miracle that is she. She has experienced over 31,000 days on earth as a young woman, sister, teacher, wife, mother, aunt, business woman, hostess, traveler, planner, creator, volunteer, and friend. As she lay prone and vulnerable, it seemed as if she were off on yet another holiday, leaving us to wonder when she would choose to return, knowing that she most certainly would. I have no doubt that many prayers have been offered in her behalf for her full recovery, and that the faith of the ones who love her have a direct and profound effect on her outcome. We are at her side and at her service. We are her devotees, and she is our beloved.