Today was one of those days that ideally illustrates my go with the flow way of living life, especially this year, as I am mindful of surrender. I was like the River, rolling along, no resistance, flowing where opportunity opened, shifting and continuing on when the way was closed. I loved the day. Flow with me through it.
The day began in a most interesting way, as I was awakened by an earthquake. The neighboring state of Oklahoma frequently experiences these earth shaking events. This is only the third time I’ve felt the tremors here in Joplin. With the epicenter in Pawnee OK, the 5.6 earthquake sent aftershocks throughout the midwest. I woke to my bed shaking, and to the sound of furniture and keepsakes rattling and clinking together. This was the strongest, longest lasting earthquake that I’ve experienced yet.
Rather than bemoan the fact that I was awake earlier than I intended to be, I wandered out into the backyard garden. It was a fresh, cool morning, drenched with sunshine. I pulled weeds and watered containers, and watched hummingbirds dart to the feeder. This was the first time I’ve actually seen the tiny birds flittering there although I’ve observed the dropping nectar level. Today was National Hummingbird Day, appropriately, and I would have missed the early morning sight had the earthquake not awakened me.
I also enjoyed drinking my morning smoothie as I sat in the glider beneath the Redbud Tree in the front yard. This metal glider belonged to Greg’s dad. I’ve spent hours sitting next to him, gently swinging as we talked and watched the world pass by. Today, I thought of him as I appreciated the beauty around me and watched Joplin wake up. This will be a favorite morning spot this fall, to drink my juices and smoothies.
After a fun visit with my daughter Adriel and her fiancé, I joined my son and his family mid-afternoon for Tiger Football. This is my grandson Oliver’s first year to play, and grandson Joey’s third. I’ll alternate between the boys’ games. Since I had not seen Oliver in action on the field before, I started with his game. Number 3 moved on and off the field, playing earnestly. We were his cheering section, whooping and applauding.
I so appreciate the support and encouragement that my grown children and their spouses surround their kids with. The childhood years pass by quickly. It is crucial to have witnesses to our lives in all stages of life, but especially so when we are young. My grandchildren are allowed to discover their gifts and do what they enjoy. And if joy is not present they can try something else. What valuable lessons they are learning.
The day concluded with a family outing to the miniature golf course. My granddaughter Aubrey and my sister Linda’s granddaughter London are technically second cousins. But these girls considered each other sisters and best friends. As often as we can arrange it, and with everyones schedules it’s not usually easy, we get these two young ladies together.
My mom visited with the girls for a bit. And Greg and London’s Papa Roy joined us for dinner. Then it was a special evening at Range Line Golf. As Greg and Roy emptied a bucket of golf balls on the driving range, Linda and I followed the girls through 36 holes of mini golf. They didn’t care about technique, although they were both quite good at the game. What these two girls cherished was chatting and giggling together and running off energy on the mini golf course. Linda and I were content to let them take the lead and simply enjoy their close relationship.
This day was beautiful. The moments flowed, carrying me from one to another and then the next one, effortlessly. Those moments pool and collect to create precious memories, while strengthening connections between loved ones. At the end of the day I can turn those memories over, and examine them, and then store them away, treasures to look at as often as I wish.
The river runs quietly and deeply tonight, bringing me to a place of rest and complete surrender. Tomorrow I look forward to seeing where I am swept off to, just around the river bend.
