Let Life unfold

"Let life unfold"

Just like a seed that has pierced the soil or a flowering tea in a hot water bloom; we are to let life unfold. Often times we create our success list or mark off our task list, as we move with laser beam focus at lightning speed through life. Now don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with focus, drive and determination: It is necessary to achieve goals and reach the pinnacle of Maslow hierarchy of needs.  But what often gets over looked in this laser beam focus and driven determination are the fragrant roses of LIFE along the way.
 
LIFE happens whether we are looking or have on corporate blinders to keep us from getting off track. But there is a delicate beauty and balance to being present to each moment. It's like a permeating fragrance of frankincense and myrrh: you don't expect it, but when you're upon it, it is a clean and aromatic sweetness.

 I had to make a choice between experiencing life unfolding before my eyes or to proceed with blinders with my plans for the North Georgia Mountains.  And am I glad that I chose the "life unfolding" experience instead. 

 A very special young lady, by the name of Jessica, was in town visiting her family for the holidays.  We've known Jessica since she was in her single digits. And now she is a lovely lady making positive contributions to our wonderful world and society. When I think of Jessica, so many wonderful adjectives come to mind: beautiful, intelligent, graceful, cultured, diplomatic, innovative, kind, and so much more.

We had both spoke of getting together before her return to D.C. Well days had passed, and the opportunities for this “catch up” time were quickly dwindling.  I was already packed, making my way to the mountains, and a little birdie said 'Invite Jessica for tea now, or it will not happen.'  I had to give it a second thought because I was trying to complete my travels in the daylight.  But I've lived long enough to know that when that still small voice speaks, I would be better off listening and responding. So I did just that and invited Jessica over for tea. She accepted the invitation, joined by a little friend that was visiting with her family.

 As the afternoon unfolded, it was filled with wonder, great conversation, dreams and bucket list discussions. We were ever so glad to have all paused and let life unfold for those hours that we shared.  Somehow, we managed to travel to various countries, by way of our South American teas, and its accoutrements of Swiss chocolates, Bermuda banana nut bread, Caribbean fruits and American nuts. And our youngest guest, Divine, who is eight years of age, had on a shirt that said "Make a wish and see your dreams come true."  Oddly enough, my shirt had the words "Speak Life" on it.  Unbeknown to us at the time, we found ourselves wishing, dreaming and speaking life in those delicate moments.

There are no coincidences in life, only coordinated miracles. That day I postponed my trip by a day, but walked away with a renewed zeal for life and a sharper focus on what is most important: people and time spent with those you love! Now that's DA Art of Living!


~Simply Lady Dana

December 2013 (c)