"These are days...."

"These are the days...
These are days you'll remember.
Never before and never since,
I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it,
you'll know it's true
that you are blessed and lucky.
It's true that you
are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you..."

I hope you enjoy this beautiful clip of Natalie Merchant's delicious "These are Days."

There have been times in my life that I didn't see the beauty in the moment I was in, until I stepped away from it. Then, looking back in retrospect, I would glimpse how extraordinary the moment had been.  In those instances I've often wished I could go back and more fully observe, listen, and delight in the moment, as it occurred. To have experienced it for the miracle of grace it was, right as it unfolded before me.

I know that, for the most part, I've walked smartly through my days...clutching the list of things that must be accomplished before the last lamp is dimmed...with an almost unswervable sense of purpose.  I'm focused.  And, for the most part, that has worked...if by worked, one means that all the tasks are completed, and every call to serve has been answered.  

But I'm also keenly aware of the need to be as flexible as the willow, and yield to moments as they unwrap themselves, like gifts, before me.   This has not come as easily to me.

This past week was an exercise in surrendering to the moment, and Natalie Merchant's anthem to this "stop and smell the roses" sense of being was a delightfully encouraging companion.

It all culminated, for me, in a moment on the beach.  The girls were standing on a sandbar just beyond the surf, trying to catch a wave.   They were leaping, squealing, laughing, singing and I was there.  I was right there with my girls on the beach in March.  We were there...together.  I dug my toes into the sand to find my ground, since I felt like I would just lift up like a helium balloon I was so completely happy, at peace, connected to the moment.  There was no distraction.  There was nothing urging me to be more purposeful, more on task, more spiritual.  I was there...completely. 

There was nothing more spiritual in that moment, than to be in that moment.  

That's the whole story....

Enjoy the rest of the lyrics to "These are Days..."

"These are days that you'll remember
When May is rushing over you
With desire to be part of the miracles
You see in every hour
You'll know it's true
That you are blessed and lucky
It's true that you are touched
By something that will grow and bloom in you

These are days
These are the days you might fill
With laughter until you break
These days you might feel
A shaft of light
Make its way across your face
And when you do
Then you'll know how it was meant to be
See the signs and know their meaning
It's true
Then you'll know how it was meant to be
Hear the signs and know they're speaking
To you, to you."

Today, I am here...and I couldn't be happier, or more spiritual...
Kate
Kate Robertson, CS